The Division of Campus Life at Wake Forest University is a vibrant collection of professionals dedicated to cultivating a campus community where all matter, belong and thrive. We know that our work is the heartbeat of the student experience. For many years, nearly 300 individuals have been dedicated to a culture of assessment and evaluation, and recently we have turned our attention to evidence-based practice. While we know participation and satisfaction data are important, a more compelling question is, “Why did it matter?” The answer to this question can be found in the next several pages of this year’s Impact Report.
At Wake Forest, we believe the campus is a classroom, and learning is not confined to the four walls of a physical space. We are all teachers, and we are all learners. Navigating wellbeing, planning an event, expanding leadership capacity, leaning into difficult conversations, dialoguing across differences and caring for the whole person are examples of the experiential lessons that teach our students to think critically and creatively.
The following pages add texture to the Wake Forest student experience. Inspired by our motto, Pro Humanitate (“for humanity”) and in service to students, we are honored to share our story of impact.
Sincerely,
Shea Kidd Brown, Ph.D. Vice President for Campus Life
Faith
The
Pre-Orientation Participation Fraternity and Sorority Life
For Wake Forest, Pro Humanitate is far more than words on the University seal.
It is a calling, a mission, and in the following pages, the lens through which the Division of Campus Life views and measures the collective impact of our work. The story of the experience we strive to provide centers on our students. Our role in this story is one we are proud to play.
To showcase the work of our division in fiscal year 2024, we have collected and compiled a sampling of stories designed to capture the meaningful impact of our goals, strategies and efforts on behalf of our students. And, of course, none of this would be possible without the dedication of a talented group that begins and ends each day with the student experience at Wake Forest on their minds.
REIMAGINING THE CAMPUS AS A CLASSROOM
Learning is not limited to where students are or who they are, rather, learning is a universal and integrative experience where we are inspired to deepen the richness of the inclusive and engaged liberal arts.
THE FOREST RESIDENCE LIFE AND HOUSING
As part of our robust residential model, we launched The Forest initiative to foster a sense of belonging and connection among incoming first-year students. Collaborating with Faculty Fellows and university staff, we distributed hall-branded t-shirts and stickers during move-in, which students proudly wore to campus events.
The strong relationships between students and faculty at Wake Forest have long been a point of both pride and distinction. In partnership with the Office of the Provost and the College, the Faculty Fellows program aligns senior and associate faculty with first-year residence halls to support student engagement within their community. In 2024, Faculty Fellows aimed to increase and enhance the level of informal interactions with students, creating organic connections.
By sharing their interests, talents and time, Faculty Fellows were able to build meaningful relationships and use insights from these connections to help students discover classmates and engagement opportunities they may not have discovered otherwise.
81% OF STUDENTS REPORTED POSITIVE INTERACTIONS WITH FACULTY FELLOWS
61% OF STUDENTS ENGAGED WITH THEIR FACULTY FELLOW AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH
“They are teachers, but within the program, you see that they are there to help support you — see the other side of them, and they offer support if you reach out to them.”
“I really enjoyed having my Faculty Fellows as an outlet for any trouble or questions I had about school or life in general.”
“Rather than [viewing us as] just students or as a part of their job, they were genuinely interested in us as people.”
“The Faculty Fellows events, dinners, hikes and game nights, are where I met many of my friends in my residence hall.”
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT CAMPUS RECREATION
Campus Recreation employs more than 300 students and provides intentional professional development, a consistent onboarding experience, unified learning topics for staff training, a performance evaluation process and self-assessments centralized on six careerready competencies. While student employment offers needed compensation for many students, the overall experience provides valuable training and opportunities to enhance personal accountability, confidently navigate professional environments and solve problems through teamwork.
“I have struggled to be on time since freshman year, even before college. Being held accountable for my errors motivated me to make some needed changes. I’m still a work in progress, but I am actively working to make better choices that’ll help my wellbeing and career in the long run.”
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
OFFICE OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
While providing all students at Wake Forest with opportunities to develop leadership skills, independence and interpersonal interaction, campus employment also provides a valuable benefit for our international students seeking marketable work experience in the United States. The Office of Student Engagement offers tailored learning outcomes focused on skills such as written and oral communication, adaptability and teamwork.
As a result, by 2023, the percentage of Benson Center student employees who are international students increased from 10% to 29%, while international students comprised 8% of the total undergraduate population. Student employees engaged in rigorous self-assessment, peer assessment and manager assessment based on career competencies from the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Students learned from each other in intentionally inclusive work environments.
“Thanks to this job, I was able to obtain a social security number and apply for a credit card to build my credit score. From a living perspective, this was extremely valuable.”
“I was able to learn about the ‘vibe’ of an American work environment. I was also able to improve my communication skills, both verbally and in writing.”
STUDENT BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Envisioning the campus as a classroom helps prepare students for life beyond college by creating opportunities to augment classroom teaching with practical application and experiential learning. Led by the student government treasurer, the Student Budget Advisory Committee was comprised of 35-40 student representatives who met weekly to review funding requests from fellow students, allowing the committee to develop complex decision-making skills and gain firsthand valuable financial and organizational skills.
More than $650,000 in University funds were allocated by this group, and their participation helped them hone leadership skills, strengthen communication skills and develop a holistic view of fiscal responsibility.
THE PUBLIC HEALTH AMERICORPS (PHA)
OFFICE OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community-based experiential learning provides opportunities for students to connect academic learning to real-world experiences through inquiry, synthesis and reflection. The Public Health AmeriCorps program seeks to prepare the next generation of public health leaders and address health disparities in the WinstonSalem community. Students commit to serve 900 hours at community-based organizations, including Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Community Care Center, The Shalom Project, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Mobile Health Clinic, Cancer Services and Trellis Supportive Care. Students provide patient navigation services, conduct intake with patients, develop educational materials, coordinate community outreach events and conduct research.
One student shared, “I have gotten to understand the other side of health care beyond science and the hospital. I understand the emotional support and resources needed to treat a patient and all the things they require post-treatment. I’ve gotten to improve my patient interaction skills, and I feel I am a more well-rounded pre-med student.” The PHA program provides students with opportunities for growth, public service and practical application of the skills they are building.
72% OF PHA PARTICIPANTS
INDICATED THAT BECAUSE OF THEIR SERVICE THEY WERE MORE LIKELY TO PURSUE A CAREER IN PUBLIC HEALTH OR OTHER HEALTH-RELATED FIELDS
71% OF PHA MEMBERS REPORTED SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASING THEIR SKILLS TO LEAD POSITIVE CHANGE IN THEIR COMMUNITY
INSPIRING ONE WAKE FOREST
Inspiring One Wake Forest centers on diversity, equity and inclusion, and facilitates our students’ identity development through cultural humility, programming and services. Our work is dedicated to increasing access and removing barriers to create a unified community that is deeply committed to a more inclusive university.
SPORTS PROGRAMS CAMPUS RECREATION
The blending of physical activity and social engagement through intramural and club sports provides our students with a much-needed outlet to balance the rigor of academics and university life. On the courts, fields, pitches, diamonds and in pools, each student can find a sense of belonging as part of a team and community. Internal research has shown that students who participate in intramural sports tend to remain at Wake Forest at higher rates than students who do not participate in intramural sports.
While Sports Programs provides participation opportunities for all Wake Forest students, faculty and staff, actively engaging first-year students has been a point of emphasis that has produced positive results.
In 2023, both the intramural and club sports programs experienced record numbers of total participants, with first-year students representing 28% of intramural participants.
In the past five years, overall intramural participation has grown more than 10%, while first-year student participation has increased by 40%
FAITH AND REPRESENTATION AT WAKE FOREST
OFFICE OF THE CHAPLAIN
Every Wake Forester deserves to feel at home while living within our community. Part of this experience is the ability to celebrate and explore cultural and spiritual identity. Wake Forest has pioneered an innovative model of chaplaincy to support students in their spiritual formation and engagement. The Office of the Chaplain employs chaplains to serve the University’s Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Christian students, faculty and staff. In addition to supporting initiatives pertaining to their particular faith tradition, our chaplains are also committed to leading the community in multi-faith engagement.
A MANDIR FOR WAKE FOREST
In the past five years, the Hindu population at Wake Forest has grown by more than 60%. Without a dedicated space of worship, our Hindu students were unable to celebrate their identity and faith fully.
To meet this need, the Office of the Chaplain commissioned a Hindu mandir, a sacred piece of furniture used to hold deities and other sacred objects; the mandir was officially installed in Davis Chapel in October 2023. The inaugural pooja, an event to celebrate the first blessing of the deities and the mandir, was attended by approximately 50 Wake Forest students, faculty and staff. Since installing the mandir, Davis Chapel has been reserved for Hindu prayer every week, and a local Hindu priest provides services on an as-needed basis for the Hindu community.
INTERFAITH PASSOVER SEDER In 2014, the first-ever Wake Forest Interfaith Seder occurred in a progressive-meal style event in Collins Residence Hall, with 20 participants representing six different religious backgrounds. Ten years later, the Interfaith Seder is an anticipated annual event with more than 80 participants representing at least 10 different religious and cultural groups, including Jewish and nonJewish students, faculty, staff, parents and members of the Winston-Salem community.
MUSLIM/BAPTIST COOKOUT Established in 2014, the cookout nurtures informal dialogue and fellowship. Designed to defy the idea that we must be experts in our own religious traditions, it instead allows all participants to speak directly from their own experiences.
INTERFAITH GAME DAY
Interfaith game days elevate the pride and identity of specific religious and cultural groups through games such as Jewish Apples to Apples, Ludo, Muslim Trivia and Carrom.
EVENT PLANNING OFFICE OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Student events represent a valuable learning experience for student leaders and an opportunity to connect the Wake Forest community through common experiences. The Office of Student Engagement assists students throughout the event planning process by helping them create strategies to remove barriers to participation and promote accessibility, effective communication and cultural inclusivity. Staff engaged students in 196 event planning meetings during the academic year. Many events highlight the perspectives, cultures and values of Wake Forest students, faculty and staff.
“AfriCasa Night impacted the Wake Forest community tremendously by providing members the opportunity to express their cultures in a safe space. It presented the platform for those cultures to be acknowledged and for students to feel appreciated.”
“I have acquired more patience, understanding and compassion for others and became more assertive and confident in what I need and want, as well as in the process of leading a team and what it takes to do so successfully overall.”
CREATING PATHWAYS TO LEADERSHIP, MEANING
AND PURPOSE
We view leadership as a process and not always a position. The Division of Campus Life believes all students are leaders and helps them find their path through the Forest.
DEACS DECIDE
OFFICE OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
This nonpartisan electoral and political engagement project works to increase student voter registration and voter turnout while also raising awareness about issues at stake in elections and generally increasing students’ capacity to engage in constructive and critical discussion.
Much of this program’s recent work has centered around preparing students for the 2024 election cycle with a goal of registering students, faculty and staff, educating voters about issues at stake in the election and mobilizing student and community voters. In the 2020 presidential election, 92% of eligible Wake Forest students were registered to vote, and 86% of those students cast ballots — an overall increase of 30 percentage points from the 2016 election.
Deacs Decide undergraduate fellows have increased student engagement in elections by working with the Board of Elections to identify an early voting location just a short shuttle ride from campus. The initiative’s impact is evident in Wake Forest’s increased voter registration and turnout rates following the 2020 general and 2022 midterm elections, earning accolades such as the North Carolina Campus Voting Challenge: Most Improved Voter Turnout Award. Beyond electoral engagement, Deacs Decide promotes personal growth, leadership and civic responsibility, aligning with the University’s mission of fostering informed and active citizens.
BRIAN PICCOLO CANCER RESEARCH FUND
OFFICE OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Through the generous support of funds raised from several of Wake Forest’s most cherished student-led events, the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund successfully contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
This year, more than 50% of the undergraduate population participated in a Piccolo event, raising more than $620,000 for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. Their collective fundraising broke the $6 million threshold in lifetime fundraising for the Comprehensive Cancer Center since the fund began in 1980.
HIT THE BRICKS On October 5, 2023, 1,752 members of the WFU community, including students, faculty and staff, came together for yet another record-breaking event, raising more than $300,000 for the first time since it began in 2003. Together, participants circled Hearn Plaza for 21,605 laps or about 5,401 miles
WAKE ‘N SHAKE In the spring of 2024, 1,600 students — the most in program history — came together for 12 hours of dancing in the Sutton Center to help raise $313,052.41 for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund.
PUMP UP FOR PICCOLO This past spring, 90 students partnered with the Demon Deacon football team for an athletic challenge and a day of fundraising. The event raised more than $5,000 and capped a record-breaking year for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund.
THE LEADERSHAPE ® INSTITUTE OFFICE
OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
As our collective efforts continue to prioritize the role of leadership and integrity within a Wake Forest education, we have developed programs specifically designed to provide students with opportunities to challenge and enhance their understanding of leadership. In partnership with The LeaderShape® Institute, students participated in a four-day immersive leadership experience culminating in a “Vision to Action” plan that combines students’ passions with the skills gained to create change in their communities. Ninety-five percent (95%) of participating students said they would recommend the program to others. Participants gave The LeaderShape® Institute a score of 96% for developing their capacity to connect with others from diverse experiences.
“Leadership is about acting in accordance with your morals and values to inspire and influence people to do good. All of us have been on the outside before; I want to make sure that my leadership is inclusive and invites people in.”
ELEVATING OUR CONSCIOUSNESS OF CARE
A consciousness of care advances comprehensive wellbeing and broadens individual capacity for giving and receiving care, personal resilience and our shared role in the creation of a safe and healthy community.
“It was a learning environment that welcomed participation from those in the audience. I felt comfortable enough to participate, not just passively listen, which is a great way to get people involved in understanding the meaning of consent.”
CONSENTCON
TITLE IX OFFICE, OFFICE OF WELLBEING AND SAFE OFFICE
The first ConsentCon was held in 2023 in response to a campus climate survey that provided critical insights into the prevalence of sexual misconduct at WFU. ConsentCon addresses the effectiveness of current prevention education and training, student outreach and awareness-raising efforts, Title IX policies and procedures, and survivor support services.
In February of 2024, Wake Forest hosted the second ConsentCon, with event registration doubling in size from the 2023 offering; it included peer institutions Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina Central University and UNC-Greensboro and organizations such as the Triad Restorative Justice and the Stalking, Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC). Post-event assessment data indicates that 88% of respondents acknowledged improvement in their understanding and knowledge of consent.
WE ARE WAKE DEAN OF STUDENTS, UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER, OFFICE OF WELLBEING
To fully elevate a campus-wide consciousness of care and shared responsibility for the wellbeing of our community, the We Are Wake initiative implemented several programs and initiatives in 2024 designed to increase awareness, recognition and skills in addressing mental health.
758-CARE DEAN OF STUDENTS
The overarching goal of the 758-CARE line is to centralize and simplify access to compassionate care. It streamlines access to University and community systems and connects those referred to acute and ongoing support. The 758-CARE line is a singular destination for all who may find themselves struggling, making the first step toward help as straightforward and easy as possible. Since its launch one year ago, 758-CARE now accounts for more than 25% of referrals to CARE case management — a number that will continue to increase due to the office’s commitment to campus outreach and promotion.
CARE101 UNIVERSITY
COUNSELING CENTER AND OFFICE OF WELLBEING
The CARE101 workshop, part of We Are Wake, addresses the mental health crisis on college campuses by offering tailored support for students, faculty and staff. It helps participants recognize signs of mental health struggles, engage in supportive conversations, promote positive mental health behaviors and connect to relevant support services.
CARE101 benefits the entire Wake Forest University community by providing education, skills and resource guides focused on each group’s mental health needs.
With more than 300 participants and 40 trained facilitators, the workshop’s impact is evident. Faculty and staff have implemented skills learned in the workshop and recommend it to others. Post-survey data shows that 97% of students felt more comfortable helping peers access support services, and 99% reported increased knowledge of campus resources.
“As a Wake Forest staff member, this workshop helped me become a better teammate and colleague by allowing me to recognize signs of struggle and know how to provide help to those who need it. Everyone should take this course.”
“I participated in the CARE101 training as a student because I want my friends to know I’m there for them and I want to do what I can to make sure they can be there for themselves.”
WELLBEING AMBASSADORS
OFFICE OF WELLBEING
The Wellbeing Ambassador program at Wake Forest University is a centerpiece of the We Are Wake mental health initiative. Ambassadors provide CARE101 training to students across campus. Along with the other nationally certified peer groups that focus on body positivity, sexual health and interpersonal violence prevention, Wellbeing Ambassadors are equipped to address the mental health issues most prevalent among college students today. Wellbeing Ambassadors, Sexual Health Ambassadors, the Body Project, Mental Health Ambassadors and Advocacy Leaders in Interpersonal Violence Education work within student social circles to offer high-quality peer education and opportunities for student engagement. In the spring of 2024, 22 student ambassadors conducted workshops that reached more than 200 of their peers.
“Not
only did I learn how to structure and lead a workshop addressing how to recognize and support those dealing with these important issues, but this process also taught me how to be a better steward
of my own mental health.”
UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER
The University Counseling Center and Safe Office have streamlined services to simplify the process for students seeking mental health care. Our tradition of never having a waiting list was broadened to this year’s goal to eliminate wait times for initial visits; which has been accomplished through our same-day service model. Our students benefit from this model because we are able to offer care at the moment of their distress or need for support without them having to wait 3-6 days for a first-time appointment.
DEACON HEALTH
Deacon Health administered 1,305 free flu vaccines to students at pop-up sites across campus in addition to the clinic. The result was fewer students reporting illness, which means less community spread and more in-the-classroom participation for learning.
SAFETY & SECURITY
UNIVERSITY POLICE, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, DEACON ONE OFFICE
We create infrastructures and policies that focus on care and community as part of fostering and maintaining a safe environment.
University Police (UP) has emphasized community engagement to foster relationships with students, faculty, staff and visitors. Last year, they participated in more than 50 campus events, including hosting their own Pizza with the Police.
This proactive approach allows officers to connect personally with the community, leading to 54.32% of survey respondents reporting familiarity with UP officers by name and a greater likelihood to reach out when it matters most.
Emergency Management implemented the Alertus mass notification system (MNS), which allows University Police Communications to send emergency notifications to approximately 35,000, an increase from 12,000, employees and students at the Wake Downtown and Reynolda Campuses simultaneously to ensure timely local and national safety notifications.
Deacon One installed 67 new Blue Light DeacStations and upgraded 16 all around campus. Providing video surveillance and two-way communication, these blue lights significantly impact investigative abilities outside and in parking lots.
90% OF STUDENTS AGREED OR STRONGLY AGREED THAT THEIR CONDUCT MEETING WAS CONDUCTED IN A MANNER THAT VALUED THEIR POINT OF VIEW
STUDENT CONDUCT DEAN OF STUDENTS
One hundred percent of the conduct interactions with students were resolved using an informal resolution process in which staff worked closely with students and organizations to listen, understand and find resolutions for a wide range of issues, challenges and disputes. Outcomes were mutually agreed upon and focused on meeting the mission to challenge student behaviors, support each student’s individual identities and needs, and provide educational and developmental outcomes.
88%
OF STUDENTS AGREED OR STRONGLY AGREED THAT THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO REFLECT ON THEIR OWN PERSONAL INTEGRITY DURING DECISIONMAKING PROCESSES
88% OF STUDENTS AGREED OR STRONGLY AGREED THAT THEY HAVE AN INCREASED UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO OTHERS AS A RESULT OF THEIR CONDUCT INTERACTION
MAXIMIZING SYSTEMS, PROCESSES AND RESOURCES
The success of our shared strategic vision must be rooted in consistent and efficient processes and systems. The Division of Campus Life employs evidence-informed decision-making in all aspects of our work in order to strategically prioritize our resources equitably and sustainably.
PRE-ORIENTATION PARTICIPATION OFFICE OF ORIENTATION, NEW STUDENT AND TRANSITION PROGRAMS
Wake Forest Pre-orientation Programs provide many new students with a healthy head start to their academic careers through experiences designed to bring them closer to both the University and their peers. While all students can benefit from these experiences at costs ranging from $350 to $800, not all can afford them.
Through the strategic collaboration of several offices and the central management of identifying funding sources, 115 incoming students were granted a total of $50,000 in financial waivers to participate in one of our 11 Pre-orientation Programs.
“I appreciate the University’s continued financial support of my single-parent household. Thank you also for your time and energy in providing these programs. They make this transition much easier.”
“I don’t think I would be where I am today at Wake Forest without my Pre-orientation, and I hope other students can attend with the help from scholarships as I did. It makes a world of difference in settling in and feeling like you belong, especially on a campus.”
FRATERNITY
AND SORORITY
LIFE
OFFICE OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
The Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) team engaged in an exhaustive review to address Greek Life culture, leadership and engagement processes. Feedback gathered from council and chapter leadership, along with observations from the FSL staff, demonstrated a need for more intentional and engaging support for members throughout their organizational experience. The staff developed three initiatives — New Member Orientation, Presidents’ Leadership Summit and Cross-Council Collaboration — that will allow students to engage in dialogue with each other, gain essential leadership skills and improve the overall culture and impact of Greek Life on campus. The FSL team designed pilots for each program, working with the presidents of each council and their designees to coordinate activities that will be part of the initiatives.
From a process perspective, the FSL team incorporated feedback from chapter presidents, council leadership, individual members, program evaluations and attendance data.
STUDENT ORGANIZATION FINANCE OFFICE
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
The Student Organization Finance Office (SOFO) plays a vital role in enhancing the student experience by supporting student organizations funded through the Student Budget Advisory Committee and Student Activity Fee processes. SOFO provides essential assistance, empowering organizations to maximize their funding and resources.
In the past year, SOFO launched a new credit card rental program that has been utilized 935 times, processed 499 mileage reimbursement requests, organized 76 trips and facilitated 159 Amazon.com orders to support student initiatives. Their dedication and impact were acknowledged with a Student & Organization Achievement Recognition (SOAR) award, celebrating their significant contributions to the student community.
