Last spring, Student Life launched a new competition to generate innovative ideas; winning proposals received financial support from privately endowed gifts given to support Student Life initiatives. Loosely based on the ABC hit Shark Tank, the Student Life Innovation Awards provided one-time funding for new and creative initiatives, programs, or services that supported the Student Life strategic plan.
Proposals were also limited to those that included at least two Student Life programs or departments, encouraging collaboration and anti-disciplinary solutions to student needs.
“We wanted proposals that required departments to collaborate with one another,” said Frank Cuevas, vice chancellor of Student Life. “Each proposal had a lead, but partnering with others across the division was key. Every Student Life department supports all four of our strategic priorities of providing transformative experiences, a culture of inclusivity and care, personal and professional growth, and responsible and effective stewardship.” After rounds of written proposals and presentations, three proposals were funded.
Motivational Interviewing Training for Staff
The Student Counseling Center, the Center for Care and Resilience, and the Center for Health Education and Wellness proposed funding for motivational interviewing training for staff. Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based approach to behavior change that helps people who are ambivalent about a decision or area of their life. It prioritizes nonjudgmental and compassionate care, recognizing that people have within themselves the resources and skills for change.
In February 2023, staff in the three centers plus eight additional UT departments and units completed training to lead students through personal growth and learning through effective communication skills. Anticipated outcomes of this training are that students will have a higher satisfaction with changes they implement that originate within themselves; longer-lasting behavior change because their own personal values are considered in motivational
interviewing; and empowerment to make changes they need to make.
Train-the-Trainer Alcohol Skills Training Program*
The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life and the Center for Health Education and Wellness requested funding for a train-the-trainer, evidence based workshop through which participants will enhance their knowledge and effectiveness in discussing alcohol with students and learn how to facilitate conversations with students to reduce harm around alcohol use.
These trainers will use motivational enhancement strategies to prompt change in students and help those students who do choose to drink do so in less dangerous ways, thus reducing the likelihood of experiencing unwanted consequences. Student outcomes will include increased knowledge of how consuming alcohol increases risk, an increase in student behaviors that reduce risk, and decreases in both overall consumption and negative consequences from drinking.
Basic Needs Vending Machines
This year, from January 1 to September 15,
Basic Needs in the Office of the Dean of Students welcomed more than 17,045 visitors through the Big Orange Pantry. This fall, a basic needs vending machine was placed on campus as a result of this proposal’s funding. The refrigerated machine was installed in the TRECS facility on September 21 and will include shelf-stable and refrigerated food items as well as basic hygiene items like toothpaste and deodorant, KAT bus passes, and well-being kits provided by other Student Life departments to support mental health on campus. The vending machine is also dynamic in the size and number of slots available.
This innovative method will mean student needs are met more quickly, increasing the footprint of basic needs support across campus.
“Deploying solutions to locations where students are already frequenting means faster response to their needs,” says Blake Weiss, program director of basic needs in the Office of the Dean of Students. “If you have a basic need unmet, getting across campus can sometimes be a challenge.”
Ultimately, Student Life leaders hope the awards competition leads to new and unique projects across campus that meet student challenges like access to basic needs and other critical impacts on the Volunteer experience. A second round of proposals are being accepted in fall 2023 and funding will be awarded later this year.
“The goal is to support big ideas across the division, where creativity in providing solutions to meet students’ needs isn’t stifled by funding limitations,” says Chandra Myrick, associate vice chancellor of Student Life.