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The University of Tampa has developed a systemic approach to improving student success through emotional wellbeing.

The University’s new Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is called UTampa Cares.

Every 10 years the University must develop, implement and complete a QEP as part of its reaffirmation of accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

“The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is designed to foster student success at UTampa. By focusing on emotional wellbeing, specifically resilience and sense of belonging, the QEP equips students with the skills and support they need to thrive academically and personally,” said co-director Gina Firth, assistant vice president of wellness.

The two main goals of the QEP are to implement new non-clinical programs focused on skill building to increase students’ sense of belonging and resilience and provide additional support for faculty and staff to refer students to wellbeing resources.

“Our goal is to create a community of care in which all students will be connected to the right resource at the right time to promote well-being and success,” said co-director Donald Painter, senior director of academic success initiatives

Additionally, the QEP supports faculty and staff by providing a one-stop resource through Canvas to support student emotional well-being

As part of the initiative, UTampa Cares includes four new programs:

• Academic Success Coaching: All incoming, first-time-in-college students will be assigned a coach who will help them set goals, build skills, identify barriers and get connected with campus resources.
• Peer Wellness Coaching: Here, the student will develop a personalized wellness plan with a peer coach to assess overall wellbeing, including resiliency strategies and referrals to on-campus resources.
•  Resilience Reset: This workshop will teach students coping strategies, mindfulness techniques and tools for building resiliency.
• Community of Care Toolkit: This online platform provides faculty and staff a one-stop resource to assist in students’ emotional wellbeing. The platform includes lessons and workshops for students, faculty and staff training opportunities and a directory that can be used for student referrals.

Select programs are being piloted now ahead of their full launch in fall of 2025

For more information about UTampa Cares, visit utampa.edu/utampacares or watch this video.