A Systemic Approach to Improving Student Success Through Increased Emotional Well-being
What is the QEP?
The University of Tampa's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), UTampa Cares, is an integral component of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmation of accreditation process. UTampa Cares is a systemic approach to improving student success through increased emotional well-being. Through an intentional focus on increasing student resiliency and sense of belonging, UTampa Cares is prioritizing the following goals:
- Implement new non-clinical programs focused on skill building to support student emotional well-being.
- Provide additional support for faculty and staff to refer students to well-being resources.
Student Learning Outcomes
Student Success Outcomes
UTampa Cares Consists of Four Programmatic Initiatives:
Provide first-year students with proactive, personalized support to address challenges and build the skills necessary for their academic success
Assist students in building and maintaining well-being through setting individual goals, developing resilience and practicing self-care.
Resilience Reset: Learning coping strategies, mindfulness techniques and emotional regulation tools to promote personal growth and enhance overall well-being.
Academic Skills Workshops: Build skills such as time management, problem solving, study skills, organization, goal setting, networking and work-life balance.
Provide faculty and staff with a one-stop resource to support student emotional well-being. Includes micro-lessons and workshops that can be provided to students, training opportunities and a resource directory for student referral.
Research
The Need for This QEP Topic
Emerged from on-going, comprehensive planning and evaluation:
— Key institutional assessments, including Healthy Minds Study student survey, NSSE and external CAS review of Wellness Services.
— Institutional data, including counseling services utilization, withdrawal forms and retention data.
— Planning related to mental health services, JED Campus partnership, SAMHSA grant, Student Affairs Strategic Goals, increasing retention and the University’s Comprehensive Plan.
