Student
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
DEPARTMENTS
Campus Recreation and Wellness
Capt. Wendell M. Wilson Office of Military and Veteran Services
Career Services
Center for Student Advocacy and Community
Counseling and Mental Health Center
Dean of Students Office
Health Services
Orientation and New Student Programs
Student Housing and Residential Life
Student Involvement and Leadership
Student Media
VPSA MESSAGE
As Vice President of Student Affairs, I am privileged to lead our team of professionals dedicated to advancing students’ progress throughout their Hawk journey. I have witnessed our students soar – personally, professionally, and academically this past academic year. Holistic student development is at the heart of our work 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 our previous annual report, Student Affairs grounded its work in the three transitional phrases: transform, translate, and transcend. Our ongoing contribution to student development has elevated us to new heights. FY24 was the year of purpose and passion! Many of our achievements not only aligned with the institution’s strategic vision but revealed new layers of what we call the holistic student experience.
The past year was gratifying on many levels. We faced many challenges and opportunities as we championed student success. As we look to the future, we continue to foster an excellent student experience that inspires higher.
I hope you enjoy a glimpse into our previous year, through this annual report. I look forward to the positive outlook of the Division of Student Affairs!
Dr. Tina Powellson Vice President for Student Affairs
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
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.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:
•Provide high impact experiential learning opportunities and services.
•Facilitate meaningful experiences that promote life-long learning.
•Develop initiatives designed to inspire globally engaged citizenship.
THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE MODEL
The Division of Student Affairs' core is the holistic student experience. To support our students, we provide a range of programs, support services, and resources, organizing our initiatives into categories that effectively address UHCL’s student population. The Division of Student Affairs has created a model that emphasizes the holistic student experience, known as the Student Experience Model. This model delineates three interconnected layers designed to foster meaningful student engagement.
At the base of the model are the services offered by UHCL’s Student Affairs, which encompass Community & Belonging, Health & Wellness, Engagement & Involvement, and Knowledge & Skills. Through these initiatives, UHCL students benefit from our tailored programming and support throughout their collegiate journey.
The next layer emphasizes opportunities for students to learn and what they will gain. The final layer is characterized by transform, transcend, and translate. This segment aligns with the three strategic objectives of UHCL for achieving success.
The 2023-2024 annual report underscores the accomplishments derived from the outer layer, specifically focusing on Community & Belonging, Health & Wellness, Engagement & Involvement, and Knowledge & Skills.
COMMUNITY AND BELONGING
Campus Recreation & Wellness offers
30 weekly Group Fitness classes
Participation in Group Fitness classes averages
272 participants per week, an increase of 46% over last year
Orientation and New Student Programs facilitated engagement for
1,774 new Hawks for 12 New Student Programs, fostering connections with peers, campus resources, and faculty
Homecoming 2024 themed "Through the Decades" welcomed over
1,200 individuals to participate in events and activities
First-Gen Support contacts increased by 37% students contacts via the facilitation of First Gen Week and First Gen Fridays
This led UHCL and CSAC to a feature in NASPA’s Center for First-Generation Student Success Blog
The Office of Military and Veteran Services has helped
875 student veterans receive benefits
90 students through the Career Closet Career Services has served over 93% satisfactory rate among students
The Dean of Students Office has a 98% satisfactory rate among students Student Housing & Residential Life has a 95% of students surveyed felt a sense of belonging through the Center for Student Advocacy and Community.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Counseling and Mental Health Center
618 4,924 97%
Total students served in direct counseling services
Total direct service contacts
Reported increase in life functioning
2,514 students representing 30% of the student body
Health Services supported 3,213 students, an increase of 12.2% from the previous year
42,522 times have accessed the Recreation and Wellness Center a total of 93% of students who received CARE Team support and/or services maintained their university enrollment Dean of Students reports that
The Center for Student Advocacy and Community’s partnership with the Houston Food Bank via the Mobile Market Trailer Distribution reached a high of 1,573 91% 82,400 lbs. student contacts with of food dispersed
CSAC launched the Basic Need Persistence Grant, Sept. 1, 2023. Of students who received a BNG voucher during FY24, persisted or graduated
Most Common Need Requests: Rental/Housing Groceries Transportation Medical Gas 218 $95,545
Number of approved applications
Amount of money distributed to students
Waived for Veteran & Dependents students via the Hazlewood Benefit (Tuition and Benefits)
Counseling and Mental Health Services conducted
$1,851,298.95 outreach activities, reaching 218 6,915 students, staff, and faculty
The retention rate for students who attended at least four therapy sessions at CMHC for Fall 2023 (Graduated or Re-Enrolled) 93%
162,579
Total visits at Campus Recreation and Wellness in FY25
Student Housing and Residential Life conducted 3,000+
15
Special Events hosted by Campus Recreation and Wellness career development events attracting 8 1,159 student participants touchpoints through emails, phone calls, and student programs
200+
people attended the Reimagined Hawk Excellence Awards reception and awards ceremony hosted in the Bayou Theater
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Campus Recreation and Wellness is the largest student employer on-campus, employing approximately
60
student appointments to assist in their career development students per semester
2,331
incoming and prospective students engaged in a new 3-Step Orientation Process, including the innovative Orientation Launchpad platform
1,677 Career Services provided 864 students participated in at least one experience within the League of the Rising Hawks competence-based program.
Student Media through The Signal has provided continuous learning opportunities for students for nearly
50 YEARS
serving as a hands-on platform where students develop real-world skills in journalism, media production, and communications
Student Media published the first student magazine, The Spectacle
LEAGUE OF THE RISING HAWKS
CIVIC
LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
LEAGUE OF THE RISING HAWKS
SELF-AWARENESS AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Division of Student Affairs established the League of the Rising Hawks as a co-curricular experience for student success, retention, and celebration. The program allows students to be challenged and become more engaged with UHCL departments and campus activities to achieve student learning competencies and distinctions. At the completion of the League of the Rising Hawks experience, students will reflect upon their involvement and earn a graduation stole.
Through League of the Rising Hawks, students will gain the following distinctions:
Self-Awareness and Personal Development: The process of individual discovery through reflection and learning about oneself.
Leadership and Professional Development: Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.
Civic and Social Responsibility: Understanding the needs and issues within a community to become an informed and engaged citizen.
Learning and Reasoning: A level of cognitive thinking that provides the capacity to reflect on experiences to apply learning in the future.
LEAGUE OF THE RISING HAWKS
LEARNING AND REASONING
LEAGUE OF THE RISING HAWKS
AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
LEAGUE OF THE RISING HAWKS
LEAGUE OF THE RISING HAWKS
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Student Government (SG) supports UHCL Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), campus events and programs, and keeps students informed about campus news and happenings. Through Student Government, “The Senate" advocates for academic and campus-wide issues aimed at enhancing the experience of UHCL students.
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD
Campus Activities Board (CAB) is a student-led programming organization dedicated to providing a variety of educational, entertainment, recreational, and traditional programs for students, created by students. CAB aims to enhance the student experience at UHCL by developing programs that connect our students to the university.
ACTIVITIES FUNDING BOARD
Activities Funding Board (AFB) is the student-led group that manages all student organization fund requests. As an agency of the Student Fee Advisory Committee (SFAC), AFB was established to hear and vote upon spending requests of RSO fund request applications.
Thank you for all of the support and care you have shown me throughout my stay. I am truly thankful for the kindness, patience, and encouragement Student Housing has provided me.
”
-Michelle Ta Psychology MS
“
My experience living in Hunter Hall has been warm and pleasant. I have been able to make good friends and connections.
-Sarthak Chaudhary
The Office of Military & Veteran Services effectively supports students by quickly addressing their needs and connecting them to the right resources, while fostering a welcoming environment.
-London Fereaud
Biotechnology MS Fitness & Human Performance BS
Working at CSAC has been invaluable to my personal growth both professionally and in terms of my college journey. I will cherish the lessons I’ve learned and utilize the skills I’ve gained for the coming future.
-Osvaldo Escamilla
Computer Science BS
Student Staff Award
Student Leader Award
Student Success Awards
Innovation Award
Advocate Award Assessment Award
Impact Award
Collaboration Award
Division Partner Award
Distinction Awards
Rising Star Award
Outstanding Professional Award
Outstanding Administrative Support Award
Unsung Hero Award
All-In Award
LOOKING AHEAD
OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE
The students at UHCL today represent academically gifted and uniquely talented individuals. Serving the Bay Area region of Texas, our students bring a rich variety of experiences and ideas, helping to cultivate a truly unique educational environment for our campus.
Student Affairs offers several opportunities for learning new knowledge and skills, contributing to their health and wellness, and engaging in involvement opportunities. We will continue to inspire students to lead and serve through innovative programs, wrap-around services, and intentional resources. This work proves to significantly contribute to UHCL’s student retention, graduation, and career placement rates.
Next year, we will begin to gain a stronger understanding of the student experience based on our student engagement model through data, engaging in dialogue around effectiveness, and streamlining our use of resources. Each of these efforts will provide the opportunity to refine operations while remaining focused on our primary customer, students.
As we celebrated the 50th anniversary of our beloved university, we dedicated “Beyond the Horizon” to symbolize our future.
The journey at University of Houston-Clear Lake is limitless. The rising hawk symbolizes our infinite potential and the courage to reach new heights. Its majesty embodies the spirit of our institution and the embrace of our purpose. "Beyond the Horizon" stands as a testament to our pursuit of excellence, intellectual exploration, and our aspiration toward a future without bounds
The Division of Student Affairs will continue to further the mission of University of Houston-Clear Lake, while enhancing student learning, supporting student growth, and enriching the overall student experience. We look forward to our future of student success and excellence. Go Hawks!
Artist: Jason Makepeace Cast: Bronze
BFA Student Assistants: Jess Hines-Cottar, Alysia Graham, Chris Martinez, Lauren Matney, Walter McNairy
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Dr. Tina Powellson Vice President for Student Affairs
Michelle Mirpuri Campus Recreation and Wellness
Katrina Glenn Communications and Student Media
Dr. Laquala C. Dixon Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students
Dr. Andrew Wiemer
Assistant Vice President of Student Engagement
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Dr. LaMar Black Career Services
Dr. LaToya Mills-Thomas Center for Student Advocacy and Community Vacant Health Services
Jordan Jones Student Involvement and Leadership
Luis Polanco De Leon Military and Veteran Services
Dr. Cindy Cook Counseling and Mental Health Center
Tyler Hall Orientation and New Student Programs
Matthew Perry Student Housing and Residential Life