The Division of Student Life fosters student success by creating and promoting inclusive educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom. The departmental program review process empowers departments within the Division of Student Life to critically evaluate their work and their effect on the UI student experience through a lens of continuous improvement. As a unit of the Division of Student Life, Student Care and Assistance (SCA) engaged in a program review process in fall 2023. SCA completed a comprehensive self-study and hosted three external reviewers for a multi-day campus visit. The action plan is intended to be a living document based on the current campus environment. Action items and outcomes may change.

 

Recommendation: Outline scope and identity

Determine the appropriate scope and identity of Student Care and Assistance.

Critical tasks

  • Clearly define scope of the work completed by the office.
  • Clarify roles and responsibilities for staff regarding co-response with law enforcement, the therapy dog program, and off-campus housing.
  • Define the boundaries in roles and responsibilities that exist with other campus resources.

Success measures and updates

  • SCA will create and document the scope of responsibilities for the office in accordance with strategic priorities for the DOS, DSL, and UI. (in process summer 2025)
  • Work in the office will be reviewed regularly to ensure it falls within the defined scope of the office. (ongoing)
  • Position descriptions will be updated, if needed. (in process summer 2025)

  • SCA will determine a process that refers matters landing outside of scope to the appropriate campus or community resource. (in process summer 2025)

     

Recommendation: Strategic planning and communication

Complete strategic planning and communication priorities for the office for the next 2-3 years.

Critical tasks

  • Update the mission and vision as needed.
  • Create a guiding document regarding communication and outreach in alignment with the scope of SCA.
  • Create strategic goals for the office.
  • Create a comprehensive outreach and communication plan regarding scope and services for the campus community.

Success measures and updates

  • Mission/vision is reviewed and updated. (in process summer 2025)
  • Document care/case management communication in alignment with identified  scope of work and share as appropriate with others on campus doing similar work. (in process summer 2025)
  • Strategic goals are created and assessment plan reflects the identified strategic goals. (in process summer 2025)
  • An outreach/communication plan is created to share updated scope and services.

  • An annual plan is determined outlining necessary communications to ensure an accurate understanding of SCA's services and scope.

     

Recommendation: Create model for case management

Create a written model for case management to inform office practices and campus procedures, utilizing existing tools.

Critical tasks

  • Finalize and implement response model for suicidal ideation and attempts based on best practices for peer institutions.
  • Align written response model with University Counseling Services and the Threat Assessment Team.
  • Review the NABITA Risk Assessment for implementation in Maxient by the SCA team.
  • Create a guiding document regarding care/case management in alignment with the scope of work of SCA.
  • Recognize expertise and experience, and engage with other processes and resources used on campus rather than duplicating efforts or conflicting with current guidance and expectations. 

Success measures and updates

  • Completed outline of SCA's role in response to suicidal ideation that is in alignment with UCS and TAT. (in process summer 2025)
  • Modify drafted model to coordinate and compliment internal models drafted by UCS and TAT. (ongoing)
  • Use of the NABITA Risk Assessment Scale to assess cases while they are managed by SCA staff. (in process summer 2025)
  • Documented care/case management process and procedures in alignment with scope of work is provided and utilized by SCA staff members. (in process summer 2025)
  • Understanding of resources, policies, existing procedures, structured professional judgement tools, and similar that guide practices and interventions across campus. (ongoing)
     

Recommendation: Increase collaboration

Enhance partnerships and collaborations with campus and community partners.

Critical tasks

  • Identify key campus partners for SCA and identify appropriate internal liaisons.
  • Identify key community resources and partners for SCA and identify appropriate office liaisons.
  • Develop a relationship with the Provost's Office.
  • Collaborate with the CLAS/SCA Student Care Manager to support the creation of resources for faculty that can be adapted to other colleges.
  • Partner with the Provost’s Office to review and improve the reporting form.

Success measures and updates

  • A list of campus offices/resources that specific staff will serve as a liaison for. (completed spring 2025)
  • A list of community resources that specific staff will serve as a liaison for. (completed spring 2025)
  • A direct relationship is developed with the Provost's Office, in partnership with the collaborative work with CLAS UP. (in process spring 2025)
  • The creation of specific resources to assist faculty impacted by students navigating challenging situations. (completed spring 2025)
  • The reporting form is reviewed and updated in accordance with recommendations and HLC requirements.
     

Recommendation: Create learning outcomes

Create student learning outcomes.

Critical tasks

  • Create student learning and development outcomes.
  • Pull together individuals on campus supporting students through academic/non-academic challenges to collaborate on the creation of learning and development outcomes.

Success measures and updates

  • Draft three to five learning and development outcomes.
  • Modify the drafted learning and development outcomes to reflect input from campus partners.