Division of Student Affairs Annual Report 2022-2023

STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

VPSA Message

As Vice President of Student Affairs, I am privileged to lead our team of professionals as students progress throughout their Hawk experience. I have been able to see a realtime picture of their growth — personally, professionally, and academically — unfold before my very eyes. Holistic student development is at the very heart of the work we do in the Division of Student Affairs. We augment the University’s academic mission by developing the mind, body and spirit through meaningful out-of-classroom activities. We offer a strong continuum of support from involvement opportunities to mental health resources to career development.

In Student Affairs, our role is grounded in navigating students through three major transitional phases:

• Transition In — Creating a Sense of Belonging

• Transition Through — Supporting and Enriching Experiences

• Transition Out — Preparing for Life After UHCL

Contributing to the development of students as they thrive is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding aspects of our profession. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into our last year, FY22, through this annual report. It is aligned with the institution’s strategic vision of transform, translate, and transcend, to illustrate the impact Student Affairs has from the time a student first steps foot on this campus until they graduate and move on to various professional endeavors. The past year was gratifying on many levels. We faced many challenges and opportunities as we championed students with a number of leadership and organizational changes. We have emerged stronger than ever before. As we look to the future, we aspire to create an excellent student experience. I am looking forward to the positive outlook of the Division of Student Affairs!

Dr. Tina Powellson Vice President of Student Affairs

List of Departments

• Career Services

• Campus Recreation and Wellness

• Counseling and Mental Health Center

• Dean of Students

• Military and Veteran Services

• Office of Student Advocacy

• Orientation and New Student Programs

• Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Student Health Services

• Student Housing and Residential Life

• Student Involvement and Leadership

• Student Publications

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Dr. Andrew Wiemer Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement

David Rachita Dean of Students

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Kristi Randolph Simon Office of Student Advocacy

Regina Pickett Student Health Services

Matthew Perry Student Housing and Residential Life

Patrick Cardenas Student Involvement and Leadership

Chuck Crocker Career Services

Dr. Jason Babin Military and Veteran Services

Michelle Mirpuri Campus Recreation and Wellness

Dr. Cindy Cook Counseling and Mental Health Center

AT A GLANCE

6,767

involved students participating in events and organizations

100

13 registered student organizations new student organizations

129

645 Career Counseling appointments

5,732

people have utilized Health Services for their medical needs

76,510

1,988

4,483 Counseling Services outreach events reaching individuals awards earned by Student Publications at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Conference 15

2,863 users with check-ins at Campus Recreation

pounds of food

students served between food distributions and food pantry

101,728

More than 50 12 departments IN

staff members

offering programs and services to students

MISSION

The Division of Student Affairs creates transformational experiences that strengthen the educational journey for UHCL students. Through purposeful programs, comprehensive support services, and holistic resources, we commit to building an engaged community that cultivates personal development and success for all students.

VISION

Engaging all students through individualized and meaningful experiences that brings life to their UHCL journey, while preparing them to positively contribute to campus and society.

TRANSFORM

Begin Your Journey, Transform Your Life

Division of Student Affairs engages students through co-curricular experiences throughout their UHCL journey to transform their lives.

• Through the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, UHCL is recognized as a National Voter Friendly Campus and National All-In for Democracy Campus, recognizing the accomplishments in civic engagement and voter initiatives on our campus.

• Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion sponsored the Spring 2023 Diversity Graduation and celebrated a historic number (80) of Multicultural, First-Generation, Lavender (LGBTQ+), and for the first time ever Veteran and Military-connected UHCL graduates. This year, it was co-sponsored by Military and Veteran Services.

• Career Services hosted two open houses (fall and spring) with approximately 156 students attending. Approximately 65 students made individual appointments to use this service.

• Student Housing and Residential Life continues to provide an excellent experience for students with 100% of students stating that Hunter Hall services meet their needs as residents.

» 92% of students shared that the Hunter Hall staff is caring and inclusive with residents and guests.

» 92% of students expressed positive satisfaction with Hunter Hall amenities.

» 84% of students shared that they have been able to more easily make campus and student leader connections due to living in Hunter Hall.

“My experience helped me learn things that I most definitely would not have learned in my courses throughout college. Being able to have access to the events that were held at UHCL taught me what networking really means and being able to build those connections. I have met some great people that have given me useful advice not only for my career but to guide me in the direction to be successful.”

-Johnte Horace Senior, Management Information Systems Major

Office of Student Involvement and Leadership hosted 213 events and had a total of

2,284 unique attendees

Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion held 28 programs and

1,610 attendees

Career Services staff reviewed

1,308 résumés

Student Housing and Residential Life coordinated and collaborated with campus partners to produce 25+ high-impact programs for residential students

Student Spotlight

Guadalupe Medina Salazar Junior, Psychology Major

“Through the Hawk Leadership Institute, I received enough encouragement to get involved at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. I learned different leadership skills from myself and others, and how to manage these differences. I was motivated to participate in community service experiences, leadership workshops, and create new and strong connections with my peers and supervisors. I strongly believe that this institution played a role in what I have achieved so far at UHCL.”

Student Organization Spotlight

Campus Activities Board

Campus Activities Board hosted 13 events throughout the year with 1,178 attendees. Design a Hawk was the largest event of the year with 230 participants. The student leaders were creative in their programming through collaborations, hosting events on the Pearland campus, and hosting excursions in the city of Houston.

TRANSLATE

Increase Knowledge to Translate Possibilities into Reality

Division of Student Affairs provides hands-on experiences for students to translate their learning into everyday practice.

• The Dean of Students office provided support for 270 students through the year. This support includes behavioral, academic, and care for the lives of students.

• 89% of UHCL students use Health Services as their primary means for medical care. Services include health counseling, labs, vaccines, primary and gynecology visits, and nursing triage.

• Counseling and Mental Health Center demonstrates a positive impact to the lives of students through their direct services and care.

» 95% of students reported an increase in quality of life after treatment.

» 90% of students who attended 4 or more sessions in fall 2022 either graduated or enrolled in Spring/Summer 2023.

• Student Publications launched their first magazine, the Spectacle. It debuted in Spring 2023.

700 Dean of Students Office provided students a study break in the fall and spring semesters on the main and Pearland campuses

16 Health Services hosted blood drives to support the donation shortage in Texas.

Counseling Services provided direct care for 651 students with

4,391 appointments

The Signal website attracted 42,000 visitors, 50,000 sessions, 72,580 page views

“Working in student publications has gotten me more involved on campus and provided lots of hands-on experience alongside my studies. Real-world projects have given me a chance to apply what I learn in my classes and to build better pieces for my portfolio.”

-Severin Gawlik Senior, Communications Major

Student Spotlight

Joe Contreras Senior, Biology Major

“As a first-generation student, it was very difficult to transition into life as a college student. So my advisor recommended I attend first-gen Fridays. While attending a first-gen meeting, I learned about the Orientation Leader position and decided to apply. Becoming an OL in 2020 was my first on-campus leadership experience which led me to fall in love with being a peer leader. Since then, I have had many notable leadership positions including sitting on the Civic Engagement Coalition, serving as a Resident Advisor, Student Government President, and Campus Activities Board President. I have learned a lot through these experiences and they have made a difference in my life.”

Student Organization Spotlight

Hawk Spirit and Traditions Council

Hawk Spirit and Traditions Council hosted 10 programs this year and collaborated on an additional 6 programs, which had 1909 total attendees. One of UHCL’s fall traditions, Spirit Week, included 15 campus partners and 21 events! I heart UHCL Day had a record attendance of 407 attendees and 190 people enjoyed the Annual Lighting of the Letters. For our longest standing tradition, the 32nd Annual Chili Cook-off, 13 teams participated in the competition. Hunter celebrated his 10th birthday at Chili Cook-off this year! Happy Birthday, Hunter!

TRANSCEND

Work Together to Transcend Impactful Change

Division of Student Affairs supports students to advocate for themselves and others to create a positive impact in their world.

• The Office of Military and Veteran Services featured 5 veteran artists in a community art show, Artists in Arms. 15 pieces were presented by Artists through an array of mediums such as paintings, sculptures, and other diverse exhibits.

• Through Campus Recreation and Wellness, 344 individuals participated in at least one Intramural Sport event in Spring 2023, an increase of 562%.

• The Office of Student Advocacy addressed 618 requests to support students. Services ranged from emergency assistance, foster care support, notary services, housing insecurity, and food insecurity.

• Orientation and New Student Programs welcomed 1,505 students to UHCL through transfer, international, and new student orientation.

» Transfer Student Orientation - 970

» New Student Orientation - 269

» New International Student Orientation - 266

“From attending an event, not only did I learn but I met someone who offered me an internship to work on their campaign. We ended up winning the election and it set me on a political path I never saw myself going. Events like this are extremely important not only to highlight the diversity on the campus and surrounding area but also to get students involved in the local democratic process so they can truly make a change.”

-David Black Junior, Public Service Leadership Major

1,469

The Office of Military and Veterans Services received and processed certification requests from military-connected students.

60 Campus Recreation & Wellness is the largest student employer on-campus, hiring approximately student employees per semester.

18

Orientation and New Student Programs had students serving as Orientation Leaders that supported new students as they transitioned into the university.

$961,414

The Office of Student Advocacy received in grants, awards, and donations to support student needs.

Student Spotlight

Jesus Ramos Junior, History Major

“I have actively participated with the Division of Student Affairs, which prioritizes student well-being and strives to enhance campus life. My involvement has been truly enriching. I have had the chance to assist students in finding their way, addressing their questions, and improving a student’s life with a cheerful demeanor and a constructive approach. My aspiration is to embody positivity, kindness, and helpfulness, drawing from my personal experience of entering a new school feeling lost and uncertain. I was fortunate to receive assistance from someone who was considerate and giving, and I am motivated to pay this kindness forward to the upcoming class of students.”

Student Organization Spotlight

Student Government

Student Government had a total of 1563 attendees at their meetings and events throughout the year, a 109% increase from the previous year. They hosted the annual Domestic Violence Awareness event and doubled attendees this year. Student Government produced and passed 3 resolutions and two constitutional amendments to support student success and advocacy.

Division of Student Affairs Annual Awards

Student Awards

Student Staff Award Jocelyn Smith, Student Housing and Residential Life

Student Leader Award

Student Success Awards

Innovation Award

Advocate Award

Danna Almazan, Hawk Spirit and Traditional Council

Fresh Check Day, Counseling and Mental Health Center

Dr. LaToya Mills, Office of Student Advocacy

Joshua Quinn, Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Assessment Award

Impact Award

Collaboration Award

Division Partner Award

Distinction Awards

Rising Star Award

Outstanding Professional Award

Luisa Beck, Career Services

Food Distribution Program, Office of Student Advocacy

Campus Recreation and Wellness

Dr. Pamelyn Shefman, Office of Planning and Assessment

Dr. LaToya Mills, Office of Student Advocacy

Dr. Jason Boothe, Counseling and Mental Health Center

Outstanding Administrative Megan Bearden, Student Involvement Support Award and Leadership

Unsung Hero Award

All-In Award

Ebony Brunn, Office of Student Advocacy

Matthew Perry, Student Housing and Residential Life

Looking Ahead

Our Vision for the Future

As a Division, we take great pride in the achievements shared in this report, but our work is not done. As we begin the new academic year, we welcome new opportunities and challenges.

Leading our priorities is paying great attention to the overall health and wellbeing of our students. Over this next year, we will invest in the development and implementation of campus-wide mental health and wellness strategy. This wide range of programs and initiatives will be designed to care for the welfare of our students. We understand that each student’s personal wellness contributes to the overall outlook of our community.

We will also dive into the engagement of the students at UHCL – who are they, why are they involved, what are they learning? This will be done through intentional data collection, assessment analysis, and the League of the Rising Hawks. As we gain a complete understanding, the Division will be able to craft a co-curricular experience that is tailored to the students of today, further contributing to the institution’s strategic goals.

Considering the landscape of our political and social climate, we commit to providing spaces and opportunities to create a sense of belonging, community, and advocacy. This includes providing basic needs resources, education and support networks, and partnerships to cultivate a campus community that values all students. We will continue to recognize, showcase, and celebrate the diversity of our student body.

We look forward to building upon our successes of this past year. We hope that this report will serve as a glimpse into our work as we move towards engaging all students at UHCL.