A Vision for the Future - University of Cincinnati Student Affairs

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE University of Cincinnati Student Affairs

This is how breakthroughs happen.

A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PROVOST “At UC we believe every student deserves the resources, opportunities and support to thrive. Today, we stand at a defining moment: to break down barriers, elevate well-being and empower Bearcats to lead boldly in a complex world.

Your investment will transform lives, funding scholarships, sustaining traditions like the Bearcat Bands, expanding adaptive athletics and advancing mental health support. Together, we can create a campus where every student belongs, succeeds and changes the world. Join us—because breakthroughs begin here.”

NICOLE MAYO, EdD Vice Provost of Student Affairs

BREAKTHROUGHS BEGIN HERE At the heart of the University of Cincinnati experience, the Division of Student Affairs is where opportunity meets support and leadership takes flight. Here, every Bearcat finds the resources and programs to thrive—academically, personally and professionally. From elevating university pride through signature traditions like the Bearcat Bands, to initiatives that remove barriers, to education and fostering well-being, we empower students to succeed in a complex world.

Now, we are entering a breakthrough era, one defined by transformative opportunity and bold investment in the student journey. This is the enduring value of a UC education: creating environments where every student feels supported and prepared to lead.

Our vision centers on three breakthrough priorities: • Empower student well-being: Strengthen student support through investments in mental health counseling, basic-needs support and holistic well-being, ensuring all students are equipped with the tools necessary to thrive.

• Reimagine engagement and leadership: Bolster leadership development programs that integrate into co-op and invest in learning that prepares students for a complex world.

• Foster belonging with signature programs: Navigating higher education requires academic, social and personal support at every stage. Strengthen proven programs that remove barriers, foster belonging and help every Bearcat progress from entry to graduation and beyond.

With your support, we can break through barriers to student success, ignite leadership and shape a future where every Bearcat—and every idea—has the power to change the world.

The next chapter begins with you.

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“I felt I was too poor and too much of a disappointment to even be in college, but then I was introduced to the pantry and found the biggest support group full of students and adults who genuinely care about their peers. If it weren’t for the Bearcats Pantry and Resource Center, I would have been forced to drop out of school.”

ELIZABETH GILLESPIE, A&S ’23

EMPOWER STUDENT WELL-BEING Create a campus where students thrive in mind, body and spirit.

Student well-being is the foundation of academic success. By ensuring that students have access to comprehensive programs that advance students’ holistic health, belonging and long-term success, we are ensuring that students have the essential resources needed to prosper.

Funding priorities: • Holistic student support Many students face unexpected costs related to housing, health, childcare, transportation and other life issues. Programs including the Bearcats Pantry and Resource Center and the UC Student Emergency Fund, help ensure that a one-time expense doesn’t derail a college career.

• Mental health and crisis support Expand counseling access, suicide prevention programming and mental health first aid training for faculty and staff. These resources help students navigate challenges and foster the support and confidence needed to achieve success.

• Expand success coaching and academic support Expand UC’s success coaching model, which helps students clarify goals, build skills, navigate challenges and connect with resources at the right time. Donor support expands coaching capacity and connects students to tutoring, financial wellness, study abroad, undergraduate research, career readiness and campus engagement. These investments help students persist, progress and graduate.

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“Investing in student leadership allows each student to create a college experience that is uniquely theirs. I continue to be in awe of the passion, creativity and innovation that lives within our student body. When these leaders have the resources and support they need, they are empowered to bring their ideas to life, uplift others and shape a more vibrant and connected campus community.”

JORDYN BAILEY, NUR ’26

REIMAGINE ENGAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP Prepare students to lead in a complex world.

Leadership development is central to student success. By investing in student leaders, we give every Bearcat the foundation to cultivate their strengths and lead with authenticity and confidence. With your partnership, we will open pathways for students to build meaningful connections, discover their potential and step forward as capable, courageous leaders.

Funding priorities: • Leadership development programs Scale leadership development programs such as the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute and the Darwin T. Turner Scholars program to expand integrated leadership training into co-op and curriculum, ensuring students graduate ready to lead in diverse environments.

• Identity-based learning and engagement Invest in programs that foster cultural fluency and belonging, connecting leadership development to student organizations.

• Alumni partnerships and mentorship Build formal partnerships with the UC Alumni Association to provide executive-level leadership experiences and mentorship opportunities for students.

Above left: Members of the 2026 Warren Bennis Leadership Experience team and Warren Bennis Leadership Institute Alumni team. Photo by Dave Bauer.

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“Being a leader in the UC Color Guard has had such a positive impact on my life. It’s made me a stronger person and given me the confidence to make my own path and help others lead and inspire.

The Bearcat Bands adds so much to the community, which is why people love it so much. We feel like band is our second family, our home away from home.”

SHIDEEZHI MCDARMENT, CECH ’28

FOSTER BELONGING WITH SIGNATURE PROGRAMS Create connection, pride and community for every Bearcat.

Bearcats thrive when they feel seen, supported and connected. By investing in signature programs that bring students together, we can strengthen belonging across campus and create clear pathways for every student to engage, lead and succeed. With you as a partner, we will elevate the experiences that give our Bearcats a strong start, unite our community and ensure every student finds their place at UC.

Funding priorities: • First generation student support Invest in UC’s growing commitment to first-generation students through programs like the Gen-1 Program, a nationally recognized living learning community, and provide the foundation for future resources that will support first-generation students through proactive advising, academic support, leadership development and career readiness.

Investments in first-generation college students boost retention and degree completion while transforming lives and strengthening the Cincinnati community.

• Grow adaptive athletics opportunities Fuel pride for all students by expanding UC’s adaptive athletics program to provide more opportunities for students to participate in wheelchair and para-athletics. With investment in specialized equipment, scholarships and travel support, UC can lead in inclusive sports and unlock the athletic potential of every Bearcat.

• Bolster Bearcat Bands Sustain and strengthen UC pride by supporting one of the university’s most iconic communities. Support for instruments, uniforms and scholarships keep the Bearcat Bands vibrant and foster a powerful sense of community and belonging.

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THANK YOU With your support, we will fortify the foundations of student success and well-being, elevate the student experience and equip all Bearcats to confidently excel in a complex world.

In partnership with our committed supporters, we can ensure every student has the stability and support they need to thrive—expanding access to flexible resources that address basic needs, financial challenges and holistic wellness. Together, we will strengthen connections to campus and while empowering more Bearcats to persist, graduate and realize their full potential.

Together, we will shape a future where every student—and every idea—has the power to transform lives.

CONTACT Nicole Mayo, EdD Vice Provost, Student Affairs University of Cincinnati Nicole.Mayo@uc.edu 513-556-6000 Chris Eden Assistant Vice President of Development University of Cincinnati Foundation Chris.Eden@foundation.uc.edu 513-556-0912 Chris Pinelo Director of Development, Academic Affairs University of Cincinnati Foundation Chris.Pinelo@foundation.uc.edu 859-466-1089

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This is how breakthroughs happen.

University of Cincinnati Foundation | PO Box 19970 | Cincinnati, OH 45219-0970

foundation.uc.edu