2014 ANNUAL REPORT DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
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UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA
OUR RECIPE FOR SUCCESS It is with great pleasure and pride that I share with you the UNO Division of Student Affairs Annual Report for 2013-14. We believe leadership is rooted in process and not positions, and that making our staff’s experience a primary investment is the first and most important step in growing a culture that both supports and advances student success. Add this priority investment in our people to a series of elevated practices and strategies, and you can see why 2013-14 was a significant and successful year for the people, programs, and offices that comprise Student Affairs at UNO. From leading the campus response to the Scott Village fire disaster and recovery efforts, to launching a new, one-stop Student Wellness Center at HPER, staff in Student Affairs led the way in making real, UNO’s commitment to providing a high quality, studentcentered education. The imperfection of annual reports is that they invariably only capture brief snapshots of the year that was. Rest assured that there was much more that took place outside of the highlights outlined in this report. As a way of recognizing and thanking the many staff involved in our shared work, I am proud to provide the following acknowledgements and highlights as a recap to our past year in UNO Student Affairs.
Dr. Dan Shipp Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students dshipp@unomaha.edu
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LEADERSHIP
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DAN SHIPP
CATHY PETTID
JAMES FREEMAN
Associate Vice Chancellor Student Affairs
Senior Director Achievement
Senior Director Inclusion
KATHLEEN OLESON-LYONS
BILL PICKETT
KRISTINA JUAREZ
Senior Director Civic & Social Responsibility
Senior Director Involvement
Senior Director Student Development
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA
JOE KAMINSKI Senior Director Wellness
JONATHAN BENJAMINALVARADO Assistant Vice Chancellor
RITA HENRY Assistant to Associate Vice Chancellor
PHIL COVINGTON
KATHY KRAUSE
RAECHEL MEYER
Director Student Conduct & Community Standards
Business Management
Creative Director
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MEET OUR NEW STAFF JONATHAN BENJAMIN-ALVARADO
Assistant Vice Chancellor Student Affairs
Dr. Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado has been hired as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Dr. Benjamin-Alvarado has earned a distinguished reputation as a top tier college educator and researcher. He has served the UNO community for 14 years as a professor in the Political Science Department, the founding Assistant Director of the Office of Latino/ Latin American Studies (OLLAS), and as the Director of the Intelligence Community Scholars program. He has been active in community, local, and national boards and foundations, serving as a board member for Humanities Nebraska, the Omaha Community Foundation, the Latino Center of the Midlands and the American Political Science Association. Dr. Benjamin-Alvarado, a California native, received a Ph.D. in Political Science at the University of Georgia and an M.A. in International Policy Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies. He has written and published widely on subjects ranging from nuclear nonproliferation, Latin American development, U.S. foreign policy, Latino political participation, and political science education.
PHIL COVINGTON
Director Conduct and Community Standards Philip D. Covington has nearly 20 years of Student Affairs experience in higher education. Prior to beginning his role as the Director of Student Conduct & Community Standards at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, he served as the Associate Dean of Students at the University of South Dakota, Dean 6
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA
of Students at Southern Arkansas University, Dean of Students at Arkansas Tech University, Director of Student Organizations & Judicial Affairs and Director of Student Organizations & Greek Affairs at Emporia State University, and Director of Student Support Services at Dickinson State University. Dr. Covington earned both his B.B.A. in Finance and his M.S. in Counseling with an emphasis in College Student Personnel from Fort Hays State University and his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Higher Education from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. His work includes involvement in a number of professional organizations, most notably NASPA, which he has served in a number of leadership roles.
JACQUELINE WILBER
Coordinator Student Service and Leadership Collaborative Jacqueline (Jackie) Wilber is the Program Coordinator for the the Collaborative, a new program through the Office of Civic & Social Responsibility and housed in the new Community Engagement Center. Jackie received her Bachelor’s at the University of South Dakota, where she studied English and Political Science; she earned her Master’s in Teaching & Learning from DePaul University. Jackie’s background is in secondary public education; she also served as a Cohort Lead in the Summer Works Omaha employment program.
SHANNON GILLIGAN WEHR
Associate Director New Student and Family Programs
Shannon Gilligan Wehr joined us as the Associate Director of New Student and Family programs in September. Shannon earned a Bachelors degree and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Multicultural Postsecondary Teaching and Learning from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (U of M). Her Master of Arts degree is from the University of St. Thomas in the area of Leadership in Student Affairs. Professionally, Shannon has experience working in the fields of orientation, academic advising, career services, major exploration, and graduate student services, from her employment with the U of M and University of Wisconsin-Superior.
ANI RODGERS
Residence Director University Village
Anastasia (Ani) Rodgers is the new Residence Director for University Village. Ani received her Bachelors at Bowling Green State University and her Masters in Higher Education Administration from the University of Toledo. She has worked in various areas of student affairs beyond Residence Life including admissions and diversity and multicultural affairs. She also brings a strong background in working with the LGBTQIA community as well.
MATT NELSON
Residence Director Maverick Village
Matthew (Matt) Nelson is the new Residence Director for Maverick Village. Matt received his Bachelor degree from UNO and his masters in Higher Education
Administration from Indiana University. Prior to joining the staff here at UNO, he was serving as a Residence Hall Director at Creighton University. Beyond Residence Life, he has worked in various areas of student affairs including student activities, orientation, and academic advising.
CINDY TSE
Assistant Director Competitive Sports (Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs) Cindy Tse comes to UNO as the Assistant Director for Competitive Sports (Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs) and worked at San Jose State as an undergrad in Campus Recreation. She received her graduate degree from Wichita State where she gained some experience in student staff training and assessment. Cindy also enhanced her skill set in Recreational Sports by participating in an Internship program at the University of South Carolina and served as the Interim Coordinator in the Intramural Program at the University of South Carolina.
JOE HANSELING
Assistant Director Outdoor Venture Center Joe Hanseling joins UNO after gaining some great experience in the Outdoor Recreation area through serving in the US Navy. He also did some outdoor recreation work in Alaska before serving as a graduate assistant in the outdoor rec program at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Joe brings a strong background in outdoor recreation and a passion for providing opportunities for students to gain new experiences through outdoor recreation.
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ORGANIZATION SUMMER SCHOLARS BRIDGE PROGRAM
MILITARY & VETERAN PROGRAMS
MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
LGBTQ PROGRAMS
DISABILITY SERVICES
STUDENT CONDUCT & COMMUNITY STANDARDS
ACADEMIC & CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER
INCLUSION James Freeman
COUNSELING SERVICES
ACHIEVEMENT Cathy Pettid
HEALTH SERVICES
WELLNESS Joe Kaminski
FIRST YEAR PROGRAMS
STUDENT AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION
CAMPUS RECREATION
Daniel Shipp Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado TEAM MAVERICK STUDENT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
DIVISION LEARNING & ASSESSMENT
Rita Henry
NEW STUDENT & FAMILY PROGRAMS
CIVIC & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Kathleen Oleson Lyons
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT Kristina Juarez
INVOLVEMENT Bill Pickett
DIVISION STRATEGIC PLANNING
CAMPUS HOUSING & RESIDENTIAL LIFE
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
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STUDENT SERVICE & LEADERSHIP COLLABORATIVE
Raechel Meyer
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA
CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE UNIVERSITY MILO BAIL STUDENT CENTER
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
SIGNATURE SERVICE DAYS
SUMMERWORKS EMPLOYMENT ACADEMY
MAVERICK FOOD PANTRY
VALUES OUR SHARED VALUES
We commit to supporting student success by developing a vibrant campus culture that values inclusion, wellness, achievement, and involvement.
WE REALIZE OUR MISSION BY‌ 1
Collaborating with students, faculty, staff, and community partners to educate the whole student;
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Creating living, learning, and working environments that encourage our students and staff to reach their potential and discover their unique purpose;
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Being concerned with the current and future wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff;
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Encouraging the expression, understanding of, and respect for differences within and beyond our university community;
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Providing students and staff with real world experiences that foster civic and social responsibility;
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Growing a culture of evidence that supports ongoing inquiry and innovation;
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Viewing leadership as a collaborative process, not a position;
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Modeling ethical decision-making;
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Celebrating our community accomplishments and;
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Being kind, competent, and generally fun to be around.
OUR SHARED VISION
Ensure that each student completes his or hereducation with the skills and competencies necessary to live a healthy life and affect positive change in their community.
OUR SHARED MISSION
The purpose of the Division of Student Affairs is to foster student success by partnering with faculty and others to provide exceptional service, support, and learning opportunities for our students. This shared mission helps us to transcend our individual roles and department functions and unifies us as a division.
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ACHIEVEMENT Achievement means applying success, knowing, and understanding of the components that is takes to get to the finish line. By offering resources and services related to academics, career, and professional support and development , UNO can coordinate a number of services and resources for both UNO students and alumni. Not only did the Achievement subdivision assist and meet with thousands of UNO students during the 2013-14 academic year, it also hosted several events for students, community members, and employers who want to recruit and employ our students. The Academic & Career Development Center (ACDC) officially opened for business in August 2013. As a result of the collaboration of the Counseling Center and Career Center, and with the support of the Division of Student Affairs, ACDC was developed to provide UNO students with a college to career experience by providing academic advising for undecided and exploring students and career advising and career related support services for the entire campus.
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ADVISING RESULTS FROM 2013-14 YEAR 1,241
Total academic advising appointments
1,087
Total career advising appointments
95%
Percent satisfied with their appointment
30.8%
Desired to graduate in 4 years
CREDIT COMPLETION
TAKING SUMMER CLASSES
WORKING HARD ALL SEMESTER
Students were asked what they needed to do to graduate in 4 years. These are the answers UNO students selected.
MAINTAINING A GOOD GPA
FINISHING GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS STUDENT AFFAIRS | 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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ACHIEVEMENT FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE
The Achievement subdivision also coordinates the US 1010 first year experience course. This course has gone through several iterations at UNO. In December 2013, an outside consultant was brought to UNO to conduct a series of focus groups. As a result of these focus groups, a few changes were made to the course. The course name was changed from First Year Experience to College and Career Success Course to more accurately reflect the nature of the class and several sections were intentionally tied to specific areas of interest such as Criminal Justice, Education, and Information Technology. The syllabus was also adjusted to build on the eight dimensions of Wellness. 19 sections of the First Year Experience course were conducted serving approximately 450 students. During the 2013 fall semester, students were given a survey at the start and end of the course and asked to report resources available to them at UNO. The end of class survey reported more than four times the number of resources than they reported on the initial first day survey. Additionally, students were required to make an appointment with their academic advisor. Initially, 67.4% of students stated they had an academic advisor and 15.8% of these students provided the name of their academic advisor or advising center. On the final day of class, 91.4% of students stated they had an academic advisor and 81.72% of students provided the name of their academic advisor or advising center.
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UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA
164 EVENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
ACDC served over 8,000 students, faculty, staff, and community partners. The events and presentations included: Part-Time Job Fair, All University Career & Internship Fairs, How to Tuesday series, How to Write a Resume, How to Interview, Diversity & Inclusion Networking Event, TLC Mock Interview clinics, and many more.
MOCK INTERVIEWS
ACDC also assessed the effectiveness of its mock interview appointments. Specifically, ACDC asked students how they felt about interviewing prior to the mock interview and how they felt about interviewing after the mock interview experience. The students reported decreased feelings of anxiousness and nervousness and increased feelings of confidence and preparedness.
PROGRAM REVIEW COMPLETED
As part of the Division of Student Affair’s program review cycle, ACDC completed a thorough and comprehensive self study review of career services offered at UNO based on the professional standards published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The self-study was reviewed by a program review committee comprised of faculty, staff and students. The full report and recommendations can be found on the DSA website.
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
New Student and Family Programs implemented an Orientation Task Force co-chaired by Kristina Juarez and Melissa Berke, a faculty fellow within the Office of Academic and Student Affairs. The task force worked to support the redesign of new student, transfer, and parent/family orientation to create a more inclusive, engaging, and informative experience. Military/Veteran orientation and online orientation formats were piloted during summer 2014. Orientation was redesigned for summer 2014 and included a number of modifications to support more faculty involvement as well as responded to student and family feedback from past years: Relocated to Mammel Hall for the first half of the day which included improved parking accommodations and technology Provided 10 $500 stipends to faculty participating as presenters in orientation Redesigned Welcome Guide for new students and their families overviewing key services and information as students are starting their academic careers Food was provided by Scott CafĂŠ accommodating all dietary needs Improved ADA accessibility offered in Mammel Hall compared to the Milo Bail Student Center
CAMPUS SAFETY
All incoming first year and transfer students were required to complete a campus safety training provided by Campus Clarity that meets all Title IX and Campus SaVE requirements and introduces students to our community expectations around responsible consumption and healthy relationships.
STUDENT CONDUCT & COMMUNITY STANDARDS
Staff members in the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards (SCCS) attended the ATIXA Title IX Certification program, National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASPA) Law and Policy Annual Conference, and the National Behavioral Intervention Team Association (NABITA) Annual Conference to ensure compliance with increased federal regulations related to Title IX and the Campus SaVE Act. As a result of attendance at the above-mentioned conferences, SCCS staff members advocated for the purchase of Maxient, a student conduct management software to increase efficacy and tracking of student conduct issues. During the 2013-14 academic year, the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards supported students and the greater campus community to ensure a safe and healthy campus environment.
Intentionally incorporated sustainability efforts into the programming including providing reusable water bottles, reusable totes, and using compostable catering items.
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WELLNESS PHYSICAL
Physical wellness begins with caring for your body and recognizing your need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep in order to stay well now and in the future.
SOCIAL
Social wellness begins with developing a sense of connection and belonging, maintaining healthy relationships, enjoying being with others, and finding a well-developed support system.
EMOTIONAL
Emotional wellness begins with managing your emotions in a constructive way, appreciating the feelings of others, and understanding and respecting your own feelings and values.
OCCUPATIONAL
Occupational wellness begins with understanding your strengths, skills, values, and interests for your career and maintaining a balance between your work and your personal life.
INTELLECTUAL
Intellectual wellness begins with recognizing your creative and cognitive abilities, growing intellectually, valuing lifelong learning, and responding positively to intellectual challenges.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Environmental wellness begins with being aware of how your behavior impacts the earth and how the physical world impacts you, while demonstrating a commitment to a healthy planet.
SPIRITUAL
Spiritual wellness begins with finding purpose, value, and meaning in your life.
FINANCIAL
Financial wellness begins with knowing where your money comes from and where it’s going, understanding your financial situation, and taking care of it in a way that prepares you for financial changes. 14
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA
Wellness means overall wellbeing. It incorporates the mental, emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of a person’s life. Each aspect of wellness can affect overall quality of life, so it’s important to consider all areas. Wellness involves being aware of ourselves as whole people, including a sense of balance and comfort with our bodies, our lives, and our jobs. It is a sense that things are going well for us today, and continue to go well for us tomorrow. 2013-14 was a year of significant transition and positive traction for the offices, programs, and services associated with the Wellness Subdivision. Most significant was the launch of a newly integrated, one-stop Wellness Center located in HPER. The new Wellness Center facility now includes Health Services, Counseling Center, and Campus Recreation offices and programs all in one easy to find campus location.
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WELLNESS ACCOMPLISHMENTS JEFF KNAPP
KATHERINE KEISER
CHERYL CAMPBELL
Hired in partnership with Housing after successfully securing funding for an additional mental health counselor to better serve our growing number of on-campus residents.
Provided leadership to developing and launching the Maverick Food Pantry.
Established a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) organization at UNO – the first college chapter in the state.
NICOLE NAATZ
NATE BOCK
MARCIA ADLER
Hosted, with the Voices Against Violence Task Force, the student educational program “Who Are You” in the spring of 2014.
Facilitated the administration of the year one CAP program to incoming students with 1,100 students completing the College Alcohol Profile.
Partnered with Latrice Stubbs to secure a new University of Nebraska system-wide student health insurance plan.
HPER BUILDING
1,200 PEOPLE 83 VENDORS
HEALTH SERVICES
Site for the UNO Alumni Association’s 100-year Anniversary celebration took place in November 2013.
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Participated alongside multiple University departments related to wellness in the Annual Health & Wellness Fair.
Expanded vaccinations available to the campus to include rabies, zostavax (shingles) and varicella.
LBGTQIA SUPPORT
FREE SCREENINGS
Developed and co-facilitated by the Couseling Center, UNO’s first ever support group of its kind.
For the UNO community in conjunction with National Depression Awareness Week and National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Counseling Services hosted a free screening of a film about living successfully with mental illness for the entire UNO Community.
NIRSA REGION V
WELLNESS GUIDE
GOLD LEVEL
Hosted by Campus Recreation on UNO’s campus that set attendance records and submitted a surplus of $5,000 to contingency fund.
A new comprehensive programs and events publication made its debut in the fall 2013 semester.
UNO was again awarded the Wellness Council of America’s Gold Level Well Workplace award.
WELLNESS COALITION
NCHA
“LIMITED ACCESS”
Over 300 students completed the National College Health Assessment (NCHA). Results will be reviewed and reported in the fall 2014 semester.
New Campus Recreation membership option in repsonse to requests from the Faculty Senate and Staff Advisory Council.
Comprised of interested and involved faculty and staff launched by Dr. Jason Coleman and Joe Kaminski.
“CALL ME CRAZY”
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CIVIC & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The Office of Civic and Social Responsibility (CSR) serves as UNO’s volunteer engine offering community-wide service opportunities for students to learn and refine skills while gaining a first-hand understanding of social issues and needs impacting the greater metropolitan area. CSR programming and activities are broad and extensive. During the 2013-14 academic year, many significant service events and projects occurred that advanced both student and community success goals. CSR was responsible for developing a new student-centered service and leadership program concept, The Collaborative. This student-led program was created to organize and coordinate university-wide community service and volunteering opportunities The goal of this program is to help students create positive social change in our community and develop new skills that will benefit them during their college years and post graduation.
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UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA
Fifty eight nonprofit
organizations were represented at the fall and spring volunteer fairs hosted in the Milo Bail Student Center. Students attending the fairs were exposed to unique volunteer opportunities and local internship openings from organizations that are involved in supporting a wide variety of social issue areas in Omaha. Seven Signature Days of Service occur on an annual basis and inlude the following events:
9/11 Remembrance Day Three Days of Service Veteran’s Day of Service World AIDS Day MLK Day of Service Seven Days of Service Global Youth Service Day
SummerWorks Omaha Employment Academy is a nine-week summer employment academy directed by staff in CSR. The program is designed for selected high school youth, 1518 years old who want to earn an income through summer employment while learning about the world of work and gaining critical job skills. Program participants worked from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday each week. On Monday through Thursday, program participants work at project job sites with designated organization sponsors including the City of Omaha’s public parks system and local nonprofits throughout the Omaha area.
$1 million in private
foundation support was once again secured by the CSR staff for the SummerWorks Omaha Employment Accademy.
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CIVIC & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 87,000
7,500
Total number of community service hours through a Signature Service Day
Number from UNO individuals and Omaha community who served in a Signature Service Day
$1.5M
$450,000
Estimated community service financial impact
Private funding yielded in support of the studentled Service & Leadership Collaborative
97%
96%
Number of volunteers who rated satisfied or very satisfied at the end of a Service event
Number of volunteers who said they would volunteer again
$107,389 Total funds raised by UNO Fraternity & Sorority philanthropy events
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11,598 Total community service hours through UNO Fraternity & Sorority philanthropy events
FOUR FIV
UNO students were invited to attend the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) Annual Conference in Arizona this past year. Students Erin Smith, Laura Holly, Jody-Ann Coore and Cindy Raders shared their projects known as “commitment to action” at the CGIU Conference with over 1,000 university students around the world. UNO students presented the following projects:
HEALTH IN YOUR HANDS Organized by Laura Holly, this project is designed to create 25,000 educational pamphlets that will be distributed to approximately 28 health clinics in Benin, Africa. The goal of the pamphlets will be to enhance public education and encourage preventative health practices.
ASSISTING A MIRACLE ON RISHISKESH
MIRACLE IN INDIA
Assisting a Miracle will provide opportunities for the products made by the women of Rishiskesh to find their way to the marketplace on an ongoing basis
READING FOR FREEDOM
Organized by Jody Ann-Coore and Cindy Raders, this project is an expansion of UNO’s Reading Drive program with the goal of positively changing the literacy rates of juvenile offenders in Douglas County. The goal will be to create a reading/mentoring club for the Douglas Country Youth Center.
READING DRIVE FOR AFRICA
Organized by Sr. Rosemary Arrah, this program is designed to provide access to books in schools throughout Cameroon, Africa. The goal this year is raising 10,000 books and establishing four new libraries in villages in Cameroon by the end of the 2014-15 year.
TRASH TO TREASURE
Organized by Marin Krause, this project is designed to collect 6,500 plastic bottles in the Midwest to form “ecobricks.” These bricks will journey to the island of Madagascar to solve global challenges such as conservation, ecosystem management, education, and local and global waste management.
FUTURE LEADERS PROGRAM (FLP)
Designed by Khalid Almashikhi to educate 10,000 youths in Oman. The program combines hands-on education and meaningful service. At FLP students will develop the ability to explore more deeply, think critically, and develop ideas clearly and creatively across many social issues. The goal of FLP is to create informed and involved citizens of Oman and the world at large.
Organized by Erin Smith, this project expands upon the incomegeneration opportunities offered by the nonprofit group Mother Miracle in India. Assisting a Miracle will provide opportunities for the products made by the women of Rishiskesh to find their way to the marketplace on an ongoing basis. STUDENT AFFAIRS | 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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INCLUSION Inclusion means building a welcoming environment that acknowledges the different backgrounds, skills, and experiences that students bring with them to college. UNO is a diverse community of learners and the most ethnically diverse campus within the University of Nebraska system. With a major focus on being student-centered and supporting community engagement, this year was full of many achievements across the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Office of Military and Veterans Services, and Office Disability Services. 2013-14 laid the foundation for an addition to the Inclusion organizational structure that includes better support for our LGBTQIA student population and our female students by creating the Common Ground Director position, which will join campus in Fall 2014. Multicultural Affairs conducted a 12-part holistic workshop series with topics that included: Advocacy for Academic Success, Creating Strong Study Habits, Group Dynamics and Successful Group Work, Dressing for Success, and Developing Healthy Relationships Beyond Social Media. 22 UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA
SUMMER SCHOLARS BRIDGE PROGRAM The UNO Summer Scholars Program celebrated its 25th anniversary with 79 high-achieving high school students with a sixweek experience that exposed them to the dynamics of college life while they complete a 3-unit class. The program has grown significantly from the 25 students who participated in the first program held in 1989. This summer bridge program targets students from the Omaha metropolitan and Iowa MAP area who are entering their senior year of high school and have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Throughout the program, students interact with University faculty, explore career options, and participate in service learning projects. Beyond the intensive summer program, the Multicultural Affairs staff provides the scholars with college preparation workshops and activities throughout their senior year such as Fall ACT Preparation Class, Scholarship Essay Review Night, and Financial Aid and FAFSA Night.
65% Percent of Summer Scholars have enrolled at UNO over the course of the 24 year program.
90% Percent of Summer Scholars go on to enroll somewhere, including UNL and UNK.
1989 Year the Summer Scholars Bridge Program began with a total of 25 students.
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INCLUSION Moved from #6 to the #2 Most Military Friendly 4-year University as determined by Military Times magazine.
THE OFFICE OF MILITARY & VETERAN SERVICES Military and veteran students saw an increase in services that promote overall wellness including the establishment of a VA Vet Success on Campus program and vocational rehabilitation counselor, expanded connections to local military and veteran health support groups, and intentional support and follow-up based on the New Student Wellness Survey. A military and veteran student friendly faculty and staff training was implemented in collaboration with Kim Miller from the Division of Continuing Studies and covered topics ranging from the University’s deployment status to greater health concerns. All 13 of the participants identified feeling more comfortable working with military and veteran students as a result of participating in this training. In collaboration with Records and Registration, the Office of Military and Veteran Services instituted early registration for military, veteran, and dependent returning students. This helped account for this population’s need for more flexibility during the registration process.
1,167 military, veteran, and dependent students
were supported in some way by the Office of Military & Veteran Services in 2014, including over 1,000 using military or veteran benefits of some kind.
30,400 approximate credit hours were taken by
military veteran and dependent students in the 2013-14 academic year, bringing in revenue to the University of over $6 million in tuition alone. 24
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA
THE OFFICE OF DISABILITY SERVICES The Office of Disability Services overses the intake and accommodations process, counseling, and tutoring, in addition to supporting faculty with students with disabilities in their courses. The Office of Disability Services also worked remotely three times a week to support students in the UNO/OPS cooperative Middle College program with accommodations.
+ 179 STUDENTS SERVED
Increase in students served in the Office of Disability Services from May 2013 to May 2014
+ 30% INCREASE OVERALL
This collaboration allowed for students who may not be receiving services from OPS 504 plans to have their needs met.
MIA MINGUS
DULCE MATUZ
Speaker/Activist, brought to campus to focus on disability justice and injustice’s connected to race, sexual orientation, gender, and class.
One of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People addressed an audience of 200 about immigration and advocacy for Latino Heritage Month.
HOUSE OF PRIVILEGE 100 students participated in the simulation program that addresses the intersections of identity, power, and privilege. STUDENT AFFAIRS | 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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INVOLVEMENT Involvement at UNO represents the elements of social connectivity and learning that occurs outside of the classroom. From Housing to Student Government to student organizations, the Involvement subdivision celebrated a number of significant accomplishments that supported school spirit and student connections to UNO.
Trent Fredrickson became the Director of University Housing.
At the conclusion of the 201314 academic year, the Milo Bail Student Center transitioned to this subdivision allowing for some restructuring and re-purposing of individuals to better support students. Bill Pickett became the Director of the Milo Bail Student Center and Student Activities, while retaining his responsibilities as Senior Director for Involvement.
After working with Brian Bollich from MBSC Business Office, a Blanket Mutual of Omaha Accident policy was secured to cover participants in activities hosted by entities of the UNO Student Organizations, Inc. This extended insurance coverage to include activities such as dodgeball tournaments, inflatables, and a number of other things that are physical in nature and previously required additional costly supplemental insurance policies.
The Office of Student Life and Leadership Development was transitioned to the Office of Student Activities.
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Kristina Juarez became the Senior Director for Student Development, a new subdivision including New Student and Family Programs, Leadership Programs, assessment, and student employment for the Division of Student Affairs.
University Housing, in addition to Counseling Services, University Communications, Scott Housing, and several other university departments, supported the response to the fire in Scott Village Building G that displaced 42 students. Donations to support the fire victims were received from the community through the Nebraska Foundation as well as from the UNK, UNL, and UNO Residence Hall Associations. University Housing in conjunction with the Dining Services facilitated a dining study to support the growth and improvement of dining on campus. A housing study was also commissioned to inform future developments for student housing on the Dodge and Pacific campuses.
MAVSYNC New online platform is home to 160 organizations, 17 social fraternities & sororities, 56 service partners, and 20 departments.
REVERSE TRICK OR TREAT 3,600 food items collected and over $220 donated to the Maverick Food Pantry.
MAVRIDE
1,500 free Metro bus passes distributed in 2013-14 year with over 150,000 rides documented.
INVOLVEMENT AWARDS First ever ceremony recognizing significant achievements across Student Involvement.
CAMPUS READERSHIP Opened up Readership bins to entire University to support a culture of newspaper readership.
DINING STUDY Facilitated by University Housing and Dining Services to support growth and improvements.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT Completed constitution and by-law revisions restructuing them to be more inclusive.
SCHOOL SPIRIT Bill Pickett co-chaired a review of school spirit that offered recommendations to enhance school spirit and campus pride.
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COMMUNICATIONS The Division of Student Affairs’ Creative Team works in partnership with UNO’s Office of University Communications to provide branding, marketing, and event planning and support for the Division of Student Affairs. Raechel Meyer is the Graphic Designer and acting Creative Director for Student Affairs and supervises a team of student workers who provide graphic design, copy writing, photography, and website support to the subdivisions within Student Affairs.
THE
BULLSEYE YOUR GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL STUDENT LIFE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA
SPRING 2014 | ISSUE 3.0
Publications within Student Affairs had been inconsistently produced in the past with littleto-no collaboration between departments and academic partners. In 2013, The Bullseye was launched as student-centered online magazine as a “guide to a successful student life.” The Bullseye’s mission is to be written “by students, for students.” Four full issues and two one-page issues were sent to the entire student body, faculty, and staff during the 2013-2014 academic year. Topics in The Bullseye range from department and organization highlights to significant events and useful tips and tricks for students.
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BEYOND YOUR COMFORT ZONE Studying abroad, FUSE grants, and Seed Projects are just a few of the ways UNO can help you reach beyond what’s comfortable into the realm of new and exciting opportunity. Photo Credit: Criminal Justice and Journalism students from both Omaha and Lincoln in front of Warwick Castle in Warwick, England.
IN THIS ISSUE A Letter from Kristina Juarez Study Abroad Seed Projects FUSE Overview Event Calendar Wellness Update FREE Apps You Should Have
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DIVISION-WIDE WEBSITE TRANSITION
CAMPUS-WIDE EVENTS
Student Affairs and University Communications have collaborated with Information Technology to officially begin the transition of pages into a new Content Management System for the University website. All Student Affairs departments and offices have been outlined and assigned phases for completion. The transition will be completed in the Fall of 2014.
The Creative Team has been a strong partner and ally with the promotion, marketing, and event photography for the following campus-wide events: Durango Days 2013 Homecoming 2013 Holi Festival of Color 2014 Community Engagement Center Dedication 2014 Involvement Awards 2014 Fraternity & Sorority Life Banquet 2014 Sustainability Leadership Immersion 2014
PRODUCTION BREAKDOWN BY DEPT. 8% 2%
26% Three complete Wellness Guides were created, complete with group exercise schedules, membership rates, programming, and services offered for Campus Recreation, Health Services, and Counseling Services, in an effort to consolidate individual print pieces created to promote the various services and schedules. A concept paper was created in partnership with the Office of Civic & Social Responsibility and the University of Nebraska Foundation with the intent of explaining the newly created Student Service & Leadership Collaborative as well as the need for support the student-run programming.
39%
8%
17%
Office of the AVC
Wellness
Involvement
Achievement
Inclusion
Civic & Social Responsibilty STUDENT AFFAIRS | 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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FOCUSING ON OUR SHARED FUTURE The best part of working in Student Affairs at UNO involves colleagues coming together with their academic partners to focus on shared campus priorities that directly impact the quality of student living and learning. So much has been accomplished over the past several years in pursuit of making real our commitment to a high quality, student-centered education. The talented teams of dedicated staff working in Student Affairs have fit five years worth of impressive results into a two-year window. Staff across the Division have been busy reorganizing, redistributing, sharing, collaborating, innovating, supporting, including, and leading a major effort to improve student success at UNO. Moving forward, student success will continue to be the focus of our shared work. While it is fair to say that we are making great strides in improving student success at UNO, and there are specific measures and metrics that point to such progress, it should be no surprise that there is still much that can be done in 2014-15. As we once again lean into a new academic year, here are just some of the highlighted priorities that will shape our campus contributions: 30 UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA
ACHIEVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT
Create and finalize a new student success website that contains important links and resources. Hire an Employer Relations position that will work to assist employers and academic units to better coordinate internships and employment opportunities. Work with the colleges to develop a systematic approach to assessing/tracking post graduation employment outcomes. Develop and launch the Team Maverick student employment program for part-time student staff working in Student Affairs’ units and offices that include recruitment, selection, orientation, education, evaluation, and celebration. Create a variety of orientation program options—in person and online options for traditional students, online students, transfer students, and military and veteran students. Partner with faculty and academic advisors in the colleges to deepen connections to majors/programs. Explore the feasibility of creating a hybrid online/in person first year experience course for fall 2015.
Work with Deans and faculty partners to embed more academic program elements into new student orientation. Develop and pilot an Early Alert system that detects academically struggling students that fall off pace in their efforts to complete a UNO degree. Design intervention strategies that provide customized support strategies to struggling students identified by Early Alert. Convene a taskforce and implement recommendations to significantly improve the transfer student experience at UNO. Complete a successful update of UNO’s Code of Conduct and launch an Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
COMMUNICATION
Create and finalize a new campus safety website for students. Create new content and develop a process to continually update all existing Student Life website sections in the new CMS. Continue to develop and improve the Bullseye, UNO’s student life digital magazine.
INVOLVEMENT
Successfully launch the Student Service and Leadership Collaborative program in the Community Engagement Center. Continue to expand UNO’s signature service days program to include more local and regional partners. Generate positive connections to the campus community for students by launching UNO spirit initiatives (#MavSpirit) that incorporate athletics, student activities, and community partners. Redesign the UNO homecoming program in an effort to increase student, faculty, and staff participation. Complete the UNO Housing Master Plan and prepare a program statement for the next facilities on both the Dodge and Pacific Street campuses. Complete a comprehensive program review for Fraternity and Sorority Life at UNO.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Use data and best practice examples to strengthen UNO’s bystander intervention program. Operationalize the Campus Clarity (content focusing on at risk behaviors, sexual misconduct definitions and policies, personal responsibility issues, and campus/ community support services available to students in times of crisis) online educational tool as a common program element in new student orientation.
INCLUSION
Develop and launch an African American male and female success program with the intention of improving retention and completion rates. Identify and secure funding to double the Summer Scholars bridge program from 80 to 160 high school participants. Work to develop and implement a student success initiative for military and veteran students.
Develop recommendations and actions from data received as part of the recently completed (spring 2014) National Collegiate Health Assessment.
Continue to improve/expand training for faculty working to support students with disabilities as related to academic program accommodation planning.
Develop a Wellness Master Plan, complete with recommendations and actions, with the support and assistance of the recently charged UNO Wellness Coalition.
Convene an LGBTQIA advisory committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students.
Collaborate with lead staff at UNMC to strengthen support and service to UNO students, faculty, and staff.
Conduct a national search and hire UNO’s first Common Ground Center Director. Develop an early alert and tracking/support system for UNO students of color.
Develop, outline, and implement a campus strategy for addressing binge drinking/drug use and sexual misconduct. Successfully implement the NU System’s new healthcare plan on the UNO campus. STUDENT AFFAIRS | 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS 6001 Dodge Street The Welcome Center Omaha, Nebraska 68182 unomaha.edu/student-life 402.554.2779 The University of Nebraska at Omaha is an equal opportunity educator and employer with a comprehensive plan for diversity. 32 UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA