Evaluating the Effectiveness of Wellness Programs in Universities

In a university lecture, Dr. Smith asserted that the implementation of a mandatory wellness program would not only improve student mental health but also enhance overall academic performance. He cited studies indicating that universities with wellness programs have observed a reduction in student anxiety and an increase in GPA averages. However, some attendees challenged Dr. Smith's argument by stating that correlation does not imply causation and that other external factors could contribute to these outcomes.

Dr. Smith responded that while he acknowledges the validity of their point, the benefits of wellness programs are well-documented and should not be dismissed simply because of the potential influence of confounding variables.