Student Life Report 2022-2023

Division of Student Life

2022-2023 YEAR IN REVIEW & STRATEGIC PLAN PROGRESS

STUDENT CENTERED. MISSION FOCUSED. OUTCOMES DRIVEN.

A LETTER FROM ALEX MILLER Vice President for Student Life

In this report, we highlight some key accomplishments from each of our ten Student Life departments this year and also provide an update on our Student Life strategic plan.

In Summer 2022, Student Life launched its fve year strategic plan, identifying fve goals to guide our work over the coming years. Each strategic goal was led by a team of Student Life staf focused on advancing the priority. In this report, we share not only the progress made during this frst year of the plan but we also identify the milestones we aim to achieve in 2023-2024.

True to what we said when we launched the plan, this is a nimble strategic plan, allowing us to pivot and adapt as needed to ensure we continue to provide students with a lifechanging education and experience. In addition, each team has established metrics to assess the success of our progress.

I am excited by the progress we made in this frst year of executing on the strategic plan across the fve priorities, and I am proud of the work our team has accomplished this year. As we look ahead to next year, we are excited for the milestones and goals we have established, which all focus on improving the student experience.

OUR MISSION

Denison University’s Division of Student Life challenges students to both act and refect, to respect self and others, and to apply their education and talents for the good of local and global communities.

We foster collaboration and engagement on campus and beyond in support of Denison’s mission of educating students to live, work, and lead in a complex, global world.

Alexander R. Miller, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Life

STUDENTLIFE ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Updated July 2023

Updated

Vice President/Dean

KATHERINE

Assistant

JULIE

Strategic Plan Overview

STUDENT LIFE STRATEGIC PLAN

Create a Divisional Professional Culture of INNOVATION & EXCELLENCE

BUILD CONNECTION & COMMUNITY

ILLUMINATE PATHWAYS FOR STUDENTS to Navigate The Hill & Beyond

FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING & INCLUSION

Advancing The University’s Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Antiracism (IDEA)

Empower Students to Develop the Habits and Skills to MANAGE THEIR WELL-BEING

Throughout 2022-2023, Student Life staf and departments worked toward making progress in this frst year of implementing the Student Life Strategic Plan. On pages 6-15, we identify key achievements of the year and articulate the milestones that will guide our work in 2023-2024.

Our Year in Photos & Numbers

31 NEW STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS like Bike Squad, Denison Consulting Group, Denison eSports Association, Sports Medicine Club, and Students for Justice in Palestine

95% COUNSELING CLIENTS reported being satisfed with their experience

68%

INCREASE IN UNIVERSITY CONDUCT BOARD/UNIVERSITY APPEAL BOARD MEMBERSHIP since Spring 2022

36

External conference presentations, publications, organizational leadership, committee work led by STUDENT LIFE STAFF

2 PLAYHOUSES BUILT for Habitat for Humanity

1 IN 5

Students held a LEADERSHIP POSITION in a student organization

373 SHUTTLES to of-campus destinations

92%

FIRST-YEARS reported their Aug O leader made them feel like they belong on campus

14 Types of products available in the HAIRCARE VENDING MACHINE

1,399 Students were seen by HOAGLIN MEDICAL SERVICES, representing 61% of the student body

8 TAILGATES to promote school spirit and support peers

10

Students attended the immersive STUDENT LIFE SPRING BREAK TRIP TO NEW ORLEANS

21 STUDENTS COMPLETED THE IDEA CERTIFICATE, increasing their commitment to create a community of inclusion and belonging on campus and beyond

4 NEW PRE ORIENTATION TRIPS

16,338

HOURS OF SERVICE completed by 600+ students across 45 student groups with 20+ community partners

32% STUDENT BODY afliated with one of the 19 fraternities and sororities

350 Students, faculty and staf attended the MLK BRUNCH

354

253 RELIGIOUS and/or SPIRITUAL events

88%

22,586 Phone calls responded to by CAMPUS SAFETY DISPATCHER

First-years felt prepared to SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATE THE FIRST YEAR at Denison after Aug O

2,475 HOT DOGS from Campus Safety Cookouts

5,800+

Pounds of FOOD RECOVERED FROM THE DINING HALLS AND REPURPOSED to Licking County community partners

1

Illuminate pathways for students to navigate The Hill & beyond

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Partnered intentionally with families to support their students’ success, through a multi-pronged approach.

June Orientation session led by the First-Year Dean to share strategies for supporting students’ success.

August Orientation session led by Student Life to communicate our expectations for how families can efectively partner with us in supporting their students. Launched the Denison Family Guide, a quarterly email newsletter for families to help them support their students and direct them to opportunities.

Led Admitted Student Day sessions to help prospective families understand how Denison staf will partner in supporting their student’s journey. Launched the Dean structure to provide support to students in navigating Denison.

Identifed themes for a co-curricular student experience: service & civic engagement, wellbeing, community, and inclusion & belonging, defned them across a student’s journey, and identifed marquee events and connected them to the Student Learning Wheel.

Leveraged a RED Corps team to examine and prototype how students could engage with a platform to track their involvement in experiences

LOOKING AHEAD: 2023-2024 MILESTONES

While year one of Illuminating Pathways has laid great groundwork for future years, it has become clear that Illuminating Pathways is functionally a subgoal under a larger goal about student success Here we establish a new path forward for Goal #1, a reframing that allows us to activate more ofces and departments in support of student success, thriving, and fourishing.

Empower First Year Experience, Residential Communities, Belonging & Inclusion, and CLIC to work together to support a vibrant frst-year experience. Specifcally,

Launch a frst-year speaker series to signal important messages and values to students. Leverage dining halls more fully as a way to build connection and community for frst-years. Establish residence hall programming that facilitates connection and community.

Identify and remove barriers to student success. Identify current barriers, obstacles or friction points for students. Generate and implement solutions to identifed barriers in support of student success.

Illuminate pathways for students to navigate

The Hill & beyond.

Activate parents and families to support their student’s success (Admission process, Denison Family Guide, orientation sessions).

Help students understand campus resources. Activate Student Life ofces to align and support key times of year in support of student success.

Streamline Student Life’s communication to students to help students identify ways to engage.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

Sarah Kissinger ‘25

Will Cunningham ‘24

Nick Olidis ‘24

“Having a class “I have greatly appreciated the role that the Junior “The Class Dean dean allowed me Class Dean played in my success at Denison this Program has to form a close past year. I was able to attend multiple programs provided the mentor-mentee organized by the Class Dean, including a trip opportunity relationship to Denison Edge. This trip ultimately led me to to build a that I otherwise apply for one of connection with would not have their summer someone who found. She not programs. Later truly cares about only helped in the year when I your well being. support me by fell ill for multiple After establishing recommending weeks, my Class a relationship resources but Dean helped me with my class by lending a listening ear throughout the whole stay on track with dean, I was met with support and guidance year. My Dean truly made a challenging year more my academics through the school year. The academic success of manageable, and I couldn’t thank her more.” and complete a student at Denison is enhanced by a class dean.” the semester.”

2 Foster a sense of belonging & inclusion, Advancing the University’s Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Antiracism (IDEA)

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Assessed the division’s impact on diversity and its role in advancing inclusivity. To achieve this, we recognized the importance of gathering valuable insights directly from the student body and conducted Pulse Surveys to gauge students’ perspectives on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (IDEA) work on campus. In Spring 2023, we incorporated the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) data to gather student attitudes towards IDEA topics.

Developed IDEA Student Certifcate: As we explore opportunities to meet students at the intersection of their identities, a team developed a hybrid co-curricular certifcate program to connect students to opportunities, experiences, and knowledge that increase their ability and commitment to creating a community of inclusion and belonging on campus and beyond. In this inaugural year, 21 students graduated from the program.

Celebrated the academic success of 64 students at the Diversity and Inclusion Senior Celebration

Developed cultural heritage month calendars that synchronize activities across campus.

Launched a Hate Has No Place Here marketing campaign to foster inclusive environments across campus.

Sent 10 staf members to the The National Conference on Diversity, Race & Learning which focuses on issues of diversity, cultural inclusion, and acceptance.

Celebrated the frst Denison Day of Pride in October.

Planned and implemented Denison MLK Day 2023 with 350 students, faculty and staf in attendance for the brunch and keynote.

Piloted the Forward Scholars program with 5 students learning and leading on intergroup dialogue, intersectionality, and IDEA topics.

Hosted 4 Iftar meals (eaten after sunset during Ramadan) in the Spiritual Life Center.

Facilitated 2 IDEA book clubs—one for Student Life and another for the Denison Forward committee.

Hosted 4 staf trainings on IDEA topics including supporting Muslim students, supporting Latinx students, SafeZone training, and supporting students of color.

Launched and hosted a ribbon cutting for the Haircare Vending Machine which ofers haircare products that are not readily available in the local community.

Expanded resources at the Spiritual Life Center including facilities for Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist students. Diversifed stafng to provide support for Jewish, Christian, and Buddhist students. Launched new group, Twice Blessed, for Queer students. Implemented the Preferred Name Policy to provide a consistent preferred name experience across university systems and use of one’s preferred name wherever a legal name is not absolutely necessary.

Hosted the third EmpowHERment Conference for femaleidentifed students.

LOOKING AHEAD: 2023-2024 MILESTONES

Create a cross campus upstander campaign.

Conduct comprehensive IDEA programming audits

Create and implement a Staf IDEA Certifcate/ training series

Develop a comprehensive cross institutional plan to educate staf on efectively supporting neurodivergent students in co-curricular experiences.

Enhance services for student organizations, resulting in a streamlined and efcient experience through improvements and innovations through an equity lens

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Tewofos (Tef) Tewoldeberhan ‘25

“The MLK Day Celebration was an awe-inspiring thought-provoking discussions, artistic our community. It reinforced the importance experience that left a profound impact on our expressions, and shared experiences, the of standing up against injustice and inspired us community, reminding us of the transformative events throughout the day fostered a deep to continue Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s fght for power of unity and compassion. Through sense of empathy and understanding within equality and a more inclusive world.”

3

Empower students to develop the habits and skills to manage their well-being

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Rolled out and began implementing the cross-institutional strategy for well-being, including hosting a session for faculty and staf around empowering students to be the agents of their own well-being.

Opened the Ann & Thomas Hoaglin Wellness Center, a 15,000 square foot building with resources allocated to medical care, counseling, and student wellness; hosted a grand opening and a dedication ceremony to acquaint students with wellness resources. Launched a partnership with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, including a program director, director of mental well-being, and psychiatrist and opened the MSK (musculoskeletal) and Physical Therapy clinics.

Reframed wellness messages, during orientations, trainings, speeches and emails, and emphasized personal agency, resilience and resources in discussions with students and families.

More clearly communicated wellness resources, through a redesigned website, trainings, and scope of practice.

Launched more vibrant wellness programming, providing opportunities for diferent ways to practice wellness: nature hikes, mindfulness, meditation, knitting circles, drum circles, spin, Pilates, yoga, and equine therapy.

Contributed to a national conversation about college student wellness through national publications and conference presentations

Expanded infrastructure for individuals to engage in biophilic wellness, including the recharge rooms, more outdoor green spaces, fountain, and swingsets.

Built out more resources and infrastructure dedicated to mindfulness across campus.

Appointed faculty member to serve as a Faculty Mindfulness Fellow to support faculty in embedding mindfulness into curricula and provide professional development for faculty.

Ofered mindfulness programs, including KORU, mindfulness retreats, individualized mindfulness coaching, journaling, residence hall meditation, mindful movement, mindful knitting, and mindful walks.

Established partnerships with nationally-recognized mindfulness organizations: Flourishing Academic Network (FAN) and Wellbeing Innovation and Social Change in Education (WISE).

Obtained a major gift to support mindfulness over the next fve years.

Convened four faculty discussions around supporting student wellness while also maintaining high performance expectations: August Symposium, two faculty lunches with counselors, and one session with coaches.

Taught staf, faculty, and student leaders to recognize and respond to students in distress and certifed 20 faculty in Mental Health First Aid

Approach wellness through the lens of DEI.

Designed a session specifcally for international students to help lower barriers to accessing counseling and debunk the myths associated with mental health.

Engaged in staf professional development around delivering culturally competent care.

Redesigned the meal plans to systemically eradicate food insecurity

Administered the National College Health Assessment survey, gathering data from students about their mental and physical health. Conducted patient and client experience surveys.

Engaged in ongoing professional development for the wellness team: customer service, cultural humility, suicide prevention, eating disorders, and supporting varsity athletes.

Hosted two peer colleges at their request, so they could learn about Denison’s approach to wellness.

LOOKING AHEAD: 2023-2024 MILESTONES

Actualize The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center as the deliverer of primary medical care in the Hoaglin Wellness Center.

Leverage NCHA 2023 data to a) identify wellness needs and opportunities, b) launch wellness campaigns for students, and c) educate faculty and staf about health trends in the student body.

Infuse mindfulness throughout campus, making it more of a commonly-utilized tool in supporting emotional agility.

Launch the Well-Being Collective for implementing the cross-institutional strategic plan for well-being.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Zoya Gheisar ‘23

Raina Runk ‘24

“Hoaglin and Denison’s holistic health the process of my recovery to be initiative allow us the venue and much more streamlined. I could fnd a resources to be proactive agents in doctor, surgeon, and physical therapist our own well-being. Having a space all through the same network, and it dedicated to quiet refection, physical was connected to my school. movement, and vibrant discussion allows us to explore the range of techniques It made navigating through a difcult we can use to increase our awareness as time less overwhelming.” individuals within diverse communities. By prioritizing individuals’ health, I believe that we are also prioritizing the integrity of the Denison community.”

“Access to OSU resources allowed

GOAL 4 Build Connection & Community

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Hosted eight tailgates at at array of athletic events to build community and contribute to school spirit and pride. Designed intentional programs to foster connection and community: First Fridays, UPC events, First-Year Council, trivia, senior-specifc events. Created a frst 5 weeks calendar to to help frst-years identify opportunities to engage.

Created and institutionalized the new Code of Student Conduct, including Know Your Code Week, to communicate our community values to students.

Partnered with DCGA on their $150,000 resolution to renovate the lower level of Hufman to create a student co-working space and expand resources available to Denison students.

Made updates to Slayter Union, including hiring nine Slayter Managers to support functions of the building on the evenings and weekends.

Reimagined our annual Distinguished Leadership Awards to more fully recognize the achievements of students throughout all class years.

Collaborated to reimagine the frst-year experience, to rethink how we create a transition experience relevant to our incoming students.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Sophia Sobota ‘24

Mohamed Hassan ‘23

LOOKING AHEAD: 2023-2024 MILESTONES

Identify and implement a campus upstander/ bystander intervention program.

In partnership with Athletics, continue Student Life’s eforts to cultivate campus pride and athletic spirit through game day programming and student led initiatives.

Launch Five to Thrive tracks and accompanying Checklists on WhatToDU.

In partnership with Hoaglin, identifying spaces and experiences for neurodivergent students to feel welcomed and included.

Plan phase two renovation to Slayter and launch the Hufman Student Leadership Co-Working Space.

“My friends and I attended the Student Life tailgates

“The New Orleans trip with the at the basketball games. This was a great way to Student Life staf reafrmed engage athletes and students who are a part of what I had always believed to be other organizations. It was a fun way to come true — their genuine passion together and support one another while getting for connecting with students some Denison swag or food! and fostering a strong sense of community. Being a senior, this

There was always a journey held a special place in great turnout and my heart as it compelled me to the volleyball team step out of my comfort zone looks forward to and immerse myself in the having the support company of Denisonians whom I of Student Life had not previously known. and students attending these Time seemed to evaporate over those four days, thanks to the delightful camaraderie we shared. events at our Participating in this trip has left an indelible mark on me and kindled a desire to contribute back to matches in the fall Denison in the future. I am now motivated to give back, knowing that the funds will be utilized to 2023 season! ” enhance the living and learning experiences of future students. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for being a part of the NOLA trip. It was an unforgettable experience that has enriched my perspective and left me with cherished memories.”

GOAL 5 Creating a Divisional Professional Culture of Innovation & Excellence

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Conducted a Divisional climate assessment and identifed action items. Provided directors with guides for talking about culture and development with their team.

Developed and launched a new Student Life staf onboarding guide and program. Created and hosted professional development opportunities for Student Life staf. Launched a Student Life reading group to discuss leadership topics. Ofered 11 Student Life specifc professional development opportunities on topics ranging from supporting Latinx students, supporting Muslim students, and assessment.

Continued to use data, programs, assessments and surveys to inform practice and strengthen programs and services.

Outlined a program review calendar for the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) that will engage all departments in evaluating essential characteristics of higher education departments. Challenged staf to develop programmatic assessments and establish departmental and strategic plan key performance indicators.

Administered surveys to gather insight on the student experience: Pulse Surveys, the National College Health Assessment and National Survey of Student Engagement.

Raised the visibility of Denison Student Life nationally within professional associations. Promoted Denison and Student Life work in national settings, through a published article on our wellness strategy, staf presentations at national conferences, and a book chapter for counseling Muslim students at university counseling center.

Led a delegation of 10 staf members to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Annual Conference in Boston and hosted a social for friends of Denison to raise our visibility nationally.

Represented Denison in 25 national organization associations. Provided structures and systems to ensure our work is operationally excellent. Integrated event space management software and Campus Groups Software to create a frictionless service for students scheduling space on campus. Conducted division-wide budgetary and operational benchmarking conversations with Student Life Management Team.

Implemented a budget support system for budget managers in Student Life. Created a Director of Student Life Operations role, reclassifed from an existing staf position.

Began building out a new case management system, leveraging a new software.

LOOKING AHEAD:

2023-2024

MILESTONES

Provide leadership and supervisory training for Senior Management Team related to relationship building and talent development.

Develop departmental assessment plans to examine programmatic outcomes and efectiveness as a tool for datainformed decision-making.

Develop a centralized hiring process for the Division of Student Life.

Construct business continuity plan development process with program documentation and timelines for all departments and roles.

STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

Ashley Metzger

Darius Adams

“Completing a CAS review has supported the “As a new member of the Denison community, thankful to receive integration of industry standards with Denison I was particularly struck by my colleagues’ the encouragement tradition. It has eforts to ensure I had the tools to thrive early to participate helped identify on in my role. in professional key gap areas of My onboarding process was unique in the developments that the EAB Modern sense that I was granted the time and space have ranged from Student Experience, to build relationships with colleagues at all the local to national and has allowed us levels within Student Life, which has only levels this past to focus our eforts strengthened the quality of the projects I have year. By having the to enhance the completed opportunity to grow fraternity/sorority thus far in skill sets in diferent areas, such as IDEA-related membership collaboration work, I not only make my own professional practice experience. with so many stronger, but I am able to serve the greater campus members of I’m excited to use these eforts to make Denison’s community better. Additionally, these opportunities mark on the fraternity/sorority industry.” our dynamic have provided the space to share widely the great team.” work that my team and colleagues have done, which means we’re able to role model ways to engage our students and ideally strengthen Denison’s relationships with colleagues around the world.”

“I have been so

Mary Kate Kennedy Pietras

ALFORD COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP & INVOLVEMENT CENTER

Key Accomplishments

Hosted events that promote social life and celebrate campus traditions: Involvement Fair, D-Day, Gala, Winter Fest, Aestevalia, Culture Jam, Doobiepalooza, Senior Send Of, Food Truck Fridays, and Moon Hall Programming: Airbrush T-Shirts, Bingo, and Roller Disco.

Hosted an Alternative Spring Break with Habitat for Humanity to create safe and afordable housing (North Carolina) and with Community Collaborations International working on tornado disaster relief (Kentucky).

Hosted of-campus trips to Columbus Zoo, Lynd Fruit Farm, Mad River Mountain and Otherworld.

Led two pre-orientation trips: Denison Service Orientation with 35 frst-years and LeaderShape with 31 students.

Named as a 2022 most engaged campus for college student voting and a 2023 voter friendly campus.

Hosted 8 on-campus American Red Cross blood drives, yielding 239 units of blood.

Led leadership development opportunities for students and student organizations.

Coordinated 373 of-campus shuttles for a total of 4,000+ reservations.

Continued to implement What to DU, our new campus engagement platform.

Reviewed and updated CLIC’s mission, vision and values to ensure the department is meeting the priorities and needs of students.

Supported 16,338 hours of community service completed by 600+ students in 45 campus organizations with 20+ community partners.

BELONGING & INCLUSION

Key Accomplishments

Renamed the ofce to the Center for Belonging & Inclusion, articulated a new mission and values, and onboarded new team members.

Cemented signature programs that strategically support our diverse student body including: cultural heritage month celebrations, Denison Day of Pride, First Gen Week, The EmpowHERment Conference, the Center’s Welcome Back Block Party, and Spring Resource Fair.

Launched the Forward Scholars program, equipping student leaders in inclusion, diversity, equity, and antiracism (IDEA) through trainings and programs.

Developed the IDEA student certifcate to connect students to opportunities, experiences, and knowledge that increase their ability and commitment to creating a community of inclusion and belonging on campus and beyond.

Provided intentional support to C3 organizations and conducted focus groups with student leaders to assess how to best support C3 organizations. Supported C3 organizations in organizing 200+ events and activities.

Reimagined the Diversity & Inclusion Senior Celebration, providing individual identity spaces for cultures to be recognized including: First-Gen, LGBTQIA2S+, Posse Scholars, APIDA, Black, and Latinx/a/o.

NOTABLE NUMBER

After completing the Forward Scholars initiative, we saw a 20% increase in students’ confdence in discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion topics and 100% of Forward Scholars indicated a commitment of continuous self-refection and improvement on understanding IDEA topics.

Engaged 74 students in trainings and workshops on IDEA-related topics.

Supported the well-being of 23 students through the Men of Color Support Group. Conducted 150+ one on one student consultations and conversations to support students in their IDEA and identity development.

Launched the hair care vending machine which provides greater access and support for students’ wellbeing.

Hosted the annual EmpowHERment Conference for female-identifed students.

Key Accomplishments

Invested in building strong relationships with students and with the community including: serving as leaders for pre-orientation trips, creating a Spring Break social media campaign, and hosting many community events.

Served 2,475 hot dogs at the very popular Campus Safety community events.

Led initiatives to make campus safer

Hosted the Safety Fair and trainings for CPR, First Aid, and AED.

Installed Narcan boxes in residence halls and social spaces.

Implemented license plate readers on campus, which led to successful investigations of cases.

Engaged in CAS Self-Study

CAMPUS SAFETY

NOTABLE NUMBER

99% of students report feeling safe on campus during the daytime and 91% feel safe on campus at night.

Continued to build relationships with local and state public safety staf

Responded to 14,340 calls

Led sessions for sororities on sexual respect and dating safety.

Engaged in 637 hours of training on topics like report writing, electronic ticket writing, frst aid, and DEI.

Key Accomplishments

Launched and implemented a newly revised Code of Student Conduct and student conduct process after utilizing Summer 2022 to partner with 23 individuals (students, faculty, and staf) to rewrite the Code of Conduct.

Started a Know Your Code week to help familiarize students with the code.

Recruited, onboarded and trained University Conduct Board Members

Modifed the Medical Assistance program to be grounded in counseling education specifc to substance use in partnership with Hoaglin Counseling.

Facilitated programming and outreach to build proactive relationships with students: Community Values Campfre, Cookies with Community Values, and Karaoke with Community Values.

Coordinated the implementation of a new data and case management system Maxient.

NOTABLE NUMBER

100% of bystander intervention attendees strongly agreed that the training provided skills and knowledge to intervene in harmful situations across campus.

COMMUNITY VALUES & STUDENT CONDUCT

Key Accomplishments

Improved communication and branding across experiences, including new banners and signage for June Orientation and August Orientation to welcome families and create excitement and energy for the year and a completely revamped FirstYear Enrollment Guide

Ran 6 June Orientation programs

Added 4 new pre-orientation trips, in partnership with Red Frame Lab, The Knowlton Center, CLIC, and the Center for Global Programs, which allowed 230 frst-years students to participate in a pre-orientation trip.

Redesigned August Orientation to onboard students to Denison, including new sessions like: Lisska Center’s “Minds Wide Open” focused on fostering dialogue and intellectual discourse, Community Values and Student Conduct’s “Know Your Code” to help students understand our community values, Wellness’s “Game of Life” to help students understand how to navigate Denison, and Fraternity & Sorority Life’s soccer tailgate to build school spirit and foster pride in our community.

Launched a survey three weeks into the semester to identify students who may need additional resources and support.

Created opportunities for frst-year students to fnd community and build connections including:

First-Year Fridays

First-Year Council, empowering frst-years to develop programming and build community for their peers through events like ice cream socials, of-campus excursions, hide and seek in the library, headphone disco, arts and crafts, Tuesday Trivia, and Opera Reception. Connect Trips, of-campus excursions to help students connect to the surrounding area, especially Columbus, including a Columbus Crew soccer game, Columbus Museum of Art, zoo, Broadway Show, and bowling.

First Ten Weeks Programming, providing opportunities to connect in those frst two months of the semester.

NOTABLE NUMBER

After attending a Pre-Orientation program, 94% of Pre-O attendees said attending made them more excited to attend Denison and 96% said they were able to connect with other students

FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE

FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE

Key Accomplishments

Established a standalone Ofce of Fraternity & Sorority Life in July 2022, created a mission, vision, and values, and built a structure (Director and an Associate Director) in support of that work.

Established organizational policies, procedures, and resources to outline the values and expectations of membership.

Hosted the frst headquarters meeting to increase transparency and build partnerships with external stakeholders on topics like mission and values, code of conduct, hazing prevention, expectations, social life, and facilities management and sent 9 newsletters to advisors to keep them updated throughout the year.

Conducted evaluation of fraternity and sorority life spaces to assess needs.

Hosted events in support of connection and community: Fraternity and Sorority Life tailgate during August Orientation and Greek Night at basketball and lacrosse games.

Partnered with Institutional Advancement for Senior Legacy Gift and fundraising of the NPHC Scholarship, yielding 419 total gifts raising $10,569

Hosted the 155th Celebration of Fraternities and Sororities at the 2023 Reunion in collaboration with Alumni & Family Engagement.

NOTABLE NUMBER

85% of New Member Academy participants said that by attending they built new connections and collaboration within the fraternity/sorority community.

Hosted inaugural Study Tables, with 50+ students attending across 4 days.

Engaged 128 students in FSL New Member Academy.

Supported 203 new fraternity and sorority members, for a total of 32% of the student body involved in the community. 829 events sponsored by fraternities and sororities, including social events, leadership development, study tables, chapter meetings, and trainings.

HOAGLIN WELLNESS CENTER

Key Accomplishments

Opened the new Ann & Thomas Hoaglin Wellness Center and hosted a high-energy grand opening and dedication.

Implemented the cross-institutional strategic plan for wellbeing and reshaped our wellness messaging and approach .

Launched a partnership with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, ofering two specialty clinics, psychiatric services, and a mental well-being leadership role.

MEDICAL

Implemented walk-in hours for minor acute illness.

Began RN Wellness Outreach

Fostered staf professional development around delivering culturally competent healthcare.

Set up the new medical clinic fows and processes.

Provided support, resources, and conversation to students and student groups about sexual and reproductive health in response to the Supreme Court decision, Dobbs v. Jackson. Saw 1,399 unique students (61% of the student body).

COUNSELING

Saw 621 unique students (27% of the student body), across 3,306 appointments, representing a 19% increase over last year.

Led outreach initiatives, including an event for 150+ international students to destigmatize accessing mental health resources, a new group workshop based on James Clear’s ‘08 Atomic Habits to help students develop the habits to manage their own wellness, and led lunchtime conversations with faculty to help them support students’ mental health.

Increased the accessibility of same-day mental health services though expanded walk-in hours.

Improved processes, including establishing a better intake form and defning our scope of practice.

WELLNESS

Empowered students to practice the habits and skills to manage their wellness by ofering 1069 wellness-focused programs: spin/cycling, pilates, yoga, cardio, sip and paint, knitting, nutrition, body positivity, equine therapy, and AOD.

Trained 17 Student Wellness Ambassadors who provided outreach programs.

Raised visibility of wellness oferings and resources, including through a monthly wellness newsletter.

Partnered on 126 outreach collaborations with student organizations, campus departments, and community partnerships, nearly a 300% increase from last year.

Disbursed 208 Red Thread grants for a total of $27,057.

Led mindfulness initiatives throughout campus: Provided students with opportunities, workshops and retreats to develop skills in mindfulness through KORU, Urban Zen, refective journaling, mindful nature walks, and mindful movement.

Built partnerships with national mindfulness organizations

Created a Faculty Mindfulness Fellow position to infuse mindfulness throughout the curriculum.

NOTABLE NUMBER

95% of counseling clients are satisfed with their experience at the Hoaglin Wellness Center and 94% of medical patients would recommend Hoaglin Medical Services to a friend or other student.

Key Accomplishments

Engaged 775 unique students (34% of the student body) in Red Frame Lab programming and opportunities.

42 students participated in Red Frame Consulting, with clients including Simple Times, ETHEL, CitizenAid, Land-Grant Brewing, Bath & Body Works, Columbus Symphony, Third Coast Percussion, and SHARE.

16 students served in RED Corps on projects including a redesign of meal plans, branding the Hoaglin Wellness Center, designing a healthcare 101, and advising.

20 frst-year students attended the Red Frame-led Denison by Design Pre-Orientation, an immersive experience to foster connection and community.

Hosted our fourth ReMix Entrepreneurship Summit on campus, bringing together 57 alums and 142 students.

Expanded the ReMix brand, hosting a ReMix on the Road in Chicago, with 26 alumni and 35 students.

NOTABLE NUMBER

80% of ReMix participants are “promoters” in the NPS question.

RED FRAME LAB

Mentored and coached students in entrepreneurship including 19 students participating in Red Startup/Accelerate, culminating in a pitch competition; 2 students participated in of-campus pitch competitions, one of which won the West Virginia competition.

Hosted UX Design Workshops with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and the Granville Inn.

Partnered with faculty and their classes in Global Commerce, Psychology, Studio Art, Data Analytics, Environmental Studies, Journalism and Advising Circles.

Received and stewarded three signifcant gifts—one from an alum, one from a Denison parent, and one from a foundation. Increased the rigor of signature programs in Red Startup, RED Corps, and Red Frame Consulting.

Expanded the diversity represented in the Partners in Residence and Mentors in Residence roles.

Selected as one of four Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship fnalists for the Emerging Entrepreneurial Center.

RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES & HOUSING

Key Accomplishments

Facilitated the Summer 2023 Renovation of King Hall, Upper Elm, and Lower Elm.

Ofered creative programming such as First Day of School Pictures, South Quad Housewarming Party, Ohio Postcards, Global Living Community Open Houses, World Diabetes Awareness Dinner, Ice Skating, First-Year Fridays, Senior Series, DeStress Fest, Fresh Check Day, and Pridetober Fest.

Continued the Global Living Community at Shaw Hall.

Provided the Calm app to all CAs in support of student wellness.

Launched a new and successful room change process.

NOTABLE NUMBER

After Community Advisor training, 90% of CAs felt comfortable in cultivating a community and 81% felt comfortable in handling a roommate confict & facilitating a roommate facilitated dialogue, and 82% of CAs felt comfortable in responding to various situations while serving on-call in their community.

Key Accomplishments

Established a vision to become an Interfaith Spiritual Life Center and diversifed stafng to support the rich traditions of a diverse student body—hiring a Jewish Life Coordinator, Christian Life Coordinator, and Buddhist and Contemplative Life Coordinator.

Moved physical locations of the Spiritual Life Center, now up the Hill to a more central campus location and redesigned Gilpatrick House to have many spaces in support of various identities, including a Muslim Prayer Room and a Meditation Room with a Buddhist shrine and a Hindu altar.

Fostered relationships with students through the weekly cofee and hot chocolate event along Chapel Walk, giving out more than 5,000 cups over the year.

Served 70 students at the Passover Seder and 50 students for Eid dinner, and averaged 35 students for weekly Iftar meals

Supported religiously-focused student organizations, including the Muslim Student Association, Hillel, and the Earth Spirituality Group.

Baptized 6 students

Hosted 354 religious and spiritual events, including First Year Friday bracelet-making, Peace Pole Dedication, Bible Study smores, Lessons and Carols Service, weekly Jummah Prayer, Buddhist Shrine Dedication, a Yom HaShoah Service, Easter Egg Hunt, and the May Pole.

SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTER