Creating an innovative strategic plan for the UAB Division of Student Affairs was a collective effort with assistance and feedback from students, colleagues and stakeholders from across the Division, UAB and the City of Birmingham. In fall 2019, under the leadership of Dr. John Jones, a core leadership team of the Assistant Vice Presidents and several directors was assembled to build a path toward the plan.

An environmental scan was needed to assess challenges, opportunities and threats for a UAB Student Affairs in the future. Four areas of focus were identified: UAB/Birmingham, Alabama/System, National/ International and Data Collection.

Next, a call was made across the Division for experienced colleagues to serve on the subcommittees conducting the scan. More than 40 professionals were selected to work under the charge of discovering, analyzing and synthesizing current trends, perceptions, limitations, needs and resources to be incorporated into a series of Divisional priorities that align with those of the University of Alabama System, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the community and our students.

Over the course of ten months, colleagues evaluated current Student Affairs programs, events and initiatives as well as conducted interviews, reviewed and analyzed countless data, hosted focus groups and facilitated surveys. Soon, the information began to take shape into what could be an innovative future Student Affairs. Then, the collective drafted a series of priorities, objectives and initiatives for the next five years. This draft of a plan was distributed with several efforts to collect feedback from the entire division, which included directors leading discussions with their staff and the distribution of a divisionwide survey.

The plan presented herein outlines those priorities, objectives and goals in detail. It is a living, breathing document; some initiatives are already in motion and some areas may even have gaps that we intend to fill. This is a journey for us, with the goal of constantly revisiting our efforts as we forge a path for success.

"It is a living, breathing document; some initiatives are already in motion and some areas may even have gaps that we intend to fill."

Timeline 2019-2020

For ten months, UAB Student Affairs worked tirelessly to create a strategic plan that would lead to a 21st century model. Below are some significant points along the way.

Environmental Scan

Charge

The charge of each committee is to utilize multiple methods in order to systematically identify internal and external opportunities and threats to UAB and the communities we serve. The committee will identify trends, using a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis.

Method

The committee identified various sources to support the data collection process of the UAB/Birmingham scan. A SWOT analysis was conducted in an effort to streamline effort. After the SWOT analysis, subcommittee members were assigned various focuses within the UAB and Birmingham communityto focus their research.

Interview data was retrieved from both inperson interviews as well as excerpts taken from other subcommittees’ interviews with university officials. These interviews included interviews with the Director of International Student Scholar Services, the VP for Student Affairs, The VP for Diversity Equity and Inclusion, as well as Enrollment Management. These individuals were vital in identifying the many emerging and current trends happening at the university.

Reports and Data were collected by reviewing various documents within the academic units as well as within a number of administration offices. These reports include the university’s strategic plan and the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion’s Diversity strategic plan.Other data included Birmingham census data along with other city metrics.

During committee meetings, group members gave updates to compare information with other members as well as discussed additional information that needed to be collected.

Results

The committee identified several clear themes that emerged from the focus groups, interviews, benchmarking, and data sources that were reviewed.

Environmental Scan: Influences

• Goal to become a health promoting campus (First in United States)
• There is a desire to increase enrollment in all schools at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

• There are varies academic units that have services that replicate the services offered through the Division of Student Affairs, which threatens its ability to serve all students.
• Greater effort to provide diversity education opportunities across campus.
• Development of Campus Creed establishing a framework for university values
• 10,771 of UAB undergraduate students live off campus; 3,065 live on campus. From the Off-Campus Student Services 2019 off-campus student survey, 296/378 respondents live more than 3 miles from campus. Only 43/378 respondents say they commute to campus by walking or biking; all others drive.
• New mayor for the City of Birmingham
• One of UAB’s mission pillars is community engagement
• JCCEO offers financial literacy to lowincome families in Jefferson County
• United Way of Central Alabama offers “Financial Stability Partnerships” with more than 100 partners statewide to offer tax preparation, financial and housing education, etc.
 
• Birmingham’s demographics
  • Black or African American: 70.52%
  • White: 25.29%
  • Two or more races: 1.57%
  • Other race: 1.45%
  • Asian: 0.93%
  • Native American: 0.22%
  • Native Hawaiian or Pacific
  • Islander: 0.02%
 
• Birmingham Housing Market Statistics from Trulia.com:
  • Average Listing Price: $195,275 (Trulia)
  • Median Rent Per Month: $900
  • Price Per Sqft: $113
  • Median Household Income: $36,004
  • Homeowners: 62%
  • Single Residents: 38%
  • Median Age: 38
  
  • College Educated: 29%
  • Transportation: 99% people commute by car
 
• New developments such as the Baker’s Row Apartments near Railroad Park (7-story, 207-unit apartment building for UABstudents) and Ascend Apartments in Five Points.
• Signature Core Curriculum
• Birmingham is the 12th largest banking center in the nation and third in the Southeast.
• Birmingham was voted the #1 Best City for Millennial Entrepreneurs (Thumbtack,2015) based on friendliness of local tax laws, licensing rules, and the regulatory environment.
• 20,000 prospective employees graduate annually from Birmingham’s region universities
• Cost of living is 85 percent of the national average
• Birmingham is a national leader in urban green spaces. Thousands of wooded acres for biking and hiking are within minutes of downtown in area parks.
• Birmingham’s role in America’s Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s placed the city at the center of the most significant domestic drama of the 20th The city’s Civil Rights District is now designated a National Monument.
• According to UAB’s new Signature Core Curriculum plan, one of their goals is to include “co-curricular connections.” They plan to work with “supportsins offices andgroups to identify ways that the curriculum and co-curriculum might complement one another.” This is an opportunity for Student Affairs to serve as leaders and teachers in co-curricular best practice as well as take a leadership role in this initiative. Assistant Vice President Mary Wallace is working with this committee.
  • In addition, there are plans to partner with local organizations and entities to give student immersive out-ofclassroom learning experiences tied to the history of the City of Birmingham.

Discussion

After a thorough, broad, and deep environmental scan of the state of Alabama and the UAB system, the following themes emerged consistently and repeatedly across all data sources:

The impact of Covid-19 on the experiences of students moving forward brings much uncertainty to the division’s plan moving forward. It is imperative that the division implement a plan that accounts for the broad impacts that will certainly play a role in the development of programs, activities, and services moving forward.

The Birmingham Promise initiative stemming from the City of Birmingham presents an opportunity for retaining and graduating a group of students that could be a new segment of students on campus. The division plan should consider retention and graduation strategies that considers more students who are coming from schools who are less resourced.

Lastly, the continued growth of the institution presents some unique challenges and opportunities for the division. If growth continues, the physical infrastructure of campus will change along with the academic and cocurricular resources for students.

State/ UA System Committee

Charge

The charge of each committee is to utilize multiple methods in order to systematically identify internal and external opportunities and threats to UAB and the communities we serve. The committee will identify challenges, influences and trends, using a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis.

Method

The committee identified a comprehensive list of sources to research for the state and UA system environmental scan. In order to keep our focus on the state and system levels, two target audiences were identified for focus groups, including UAB Trailblazers and UAB Admission Counselors.

Benchmarking research included the UA System institutions, The University of Alabama and The University of Alabama at Huntsville. Additionally, online benchmarking research of state school’s websites for Student Affairs divisions was conducted for several additional schools, as listed in the Data Sources Table. Schools were evaluated based on existence of a Division of Student Affairs or a comparable organization within their institution and availability of a Strategic Plan.

Benchmarking was also conducted for state professional networks and organizations including NASPA Alabama, the Alabama Association for Higher Education Diversity Officers, disability, counseling, facilities, parent and family programs, and career services. Benchmarking data included gathering responses from institutions around their challenges, influences and trends and identifying themes across the state from these networks and organizations.

Interviews were conducted with key leadership in order to obtain their perspectives, ideas, and experiences in higher education within the state of Alabama and the UA System in regard to challenges, influences, and trends.

Statewide reports reviewed and discussed included the First Destination Survey, the Student Clearinghouse, and all data related to enrollment trends for Alabama.

During committee meetings, group members presented their findings and through group discussion, themes were identified that emerged from the multiple data sources.

Results

The committee identified several clear themes (which follow) from the focus groups, interviews, benchmarking, and data sources.

Trends

• Increase in 2-year institution transfers to UAB from within the state
• Increase in Hispanic population overall in the state
• Increased utilization of counseling services at state institutions
• Enrollment is increasing at UAB
• Online enrollment is increasing at UAB and other institutions
• Online offerings allow individuals with some college credits to complete degrees in a non-traditional format
• Diversity and inclusion efforts provide an educational opportunity regarding first amendment understanding/protections
  • Institutions are providing a space to learn, experience others, and not looking to silence opposing positions
• Students seem to lack an overall ability to manage and cope with stress
• Steadily increasing numbers of students with disabilities registering for services

Discussion

After a thorough, broad, and deep environmental scan of the state of Alabama and the UAB system, the following themes emerged consistently and repeatedly across all data sources:

1. The decrease in the high school population in Alabama is going to directly impact higher education in the state of Alabama resulting in increased competition for students, and a risk of decreased state appropriations because the impact this decreasing population will have on spending and the Alabama economy.
2. The Alabama workforce has a significant influence on institutions of higher education and the following factors are considerations as we develop a plan to impact our students’ success.
   1. The increase of individuals seeking 2-year and onthe-job continuing education is already resulting in UAB focusing efforts on certificate programs and other non-degree educational options; this changes the student demographics on campus
   2. To maintain a strong economy, Alabama must have a skilled and healthy workforce. As the largest employer in the state of Alabama and a significant economic force in the state, UAB must develop students who can be successful in employment post-graduation
   3. What role does UAB have in helping raise the attractability of Alabama to those outside the state of Alabama, including recruiting students, families, domestic and international employees?
3. Colleges across the state are concerned about mental health and wellbeing of students.
   1. State colleges and universities are all reporting increased utilization and demand for mental health resources.
   2. Institutions are also all reporting that they are struggling to keep up with the demand and to provide the personnel and physical space to provide these services.
   3. The number of students who are registering with Disability Support Services offices continues to increase each year, including the number of students with mental health and psychiatric concerns.
   4. Students seem to lack an overall ability to manage and cope with stress

National/ International Committee

Charge

The charge of each committee is to utilize multiple methods in order to systematically identify internal and external opportunities and threats to UAB and the communities we serve. The committee will identify trends, using a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis.

Method

Using a mixed-method approach to data collection, the committee implemented several research methods: surveys, interviews, and focus group to systemically identify national and international challenges, influences, or trends that may affect higher education over the next five years.

Surveys were distributed to three participant groups: seniorlevel Student Affairs administrators at UAB peer institutions, notable Student Affairs practitioners from across the country, and focus group participants. All surveys consisted of one multiple-select question and one to two open-ended questions. The multiple-select question asked respondents to identify the top three items that they feel are most likely to impact Higher Education, Student Affairs, and students over the next five years. Open-ended questions allowed survey participants to share additional information in an open text format.

The committee conducted several interviews with UAB administrators, UAB Student Affairs staff, community partners, and external UAB Higher Education practitioners to gather data about challenges, influences, or trends that may affect higher education on a national or international level over the next five years. In total, members of the committee conducted 14 interviews.

A focus group was held with international students to capture their experiences and views as a student attending college in a country that differs from their home country. Participants were recruited by outreaching to students who served as employees of the UAB University Recreation Center and International Mentors in the Office of Student Multicultural Diversity Programs. Of the eight students invited to participate in the focus group, six choose to do so. Participants were asked a series of eight open-ended questions.

A focus group was held with SGA leadership in order to gather feedback and insight specific to student leadership across various academic areas for the undergraduate population. The UAB SGA allowed representatives from the Student Affairs Strategic Planning Team to attend their monthly meeting and spend thirty minutes talking to students, asking questions, and inviting feedback. Leaders from the SGA were present, and the majority of Senators were present as a quorum was met. An introduction was provided to the focus group which addressed the purpose of the focus group, a review of the departments within Student Affairs, the current Student Affairs Strategic Plan and the process of developing a Strategic Plan for the next five years. Students were asked a series of eight open-ended questions. Feedback was collected by the Student Affairs facilitators.

Once data from all sources was collected, members of the committee identified key themes that emerged from the multiple sources.

Results

The committee identified several clear themes from the focus groups, interviews, benchmarking, and data sources noted on the following sections.

Trends

• College Student Health and General Wellness
  • Development of prevention and education efforts that can help students learn resiliency, coping skills, self-care, and how to address problems or concerns.
  • Increase number of faculty and staff presenting signs of mental distress
• Activism
  • Student expectations and need for safe and supportive environments in which they can safely voice their beliefs, opinions, and concerns.

Discussion

The National/International Committee coordinated and executed an extensive environmental scan that utilized multiple approaches to collect and analyze data on the national and international level. Focus groups, surveying, interviewing, as well as research collection/analysis was utilized by the committee to identify the most consistent themes through our process. Many of the same challenges, influences, and trends consistently presented, which support the reliability of the data and conclusions found in this report. The following themes emerged consistently and repeatedly across all data sources:

• The impact of the 2008 recession, resulting in the decline of college-age students available to attend college. During this time, it is expected that we will see a drop-in student enrollment across the country, increase competition for students from colleges and universities, an increase in university closures, and an increase in students choosing to attend 4-year institutions.
• College student mental health continues to be a top concern for faculty, staff, and students. Anxiety is the top presenting concern among college students, followed by depression, and relationship problems. Development of prevention strategies that promote emotional wellbeing, with the goal of reducing suicide and substance abuse, continues to be a top priority for Student Affairs practitioners.
• Specific focus was aimed to assess the international student population at UAB. Current UAB international students, administrators at UAB as well as Student Affairs professionals across the country, consistently identified the following as the “top” issues facing our current and potential international students: employment opportunities, safety (travel, on-campus identity), online student needs, affordability (meeting academic and basic needs).
• College student loan debt among all college students continues to be a consistent challenge. In recent years, the average cost to attend a public four-year institution has more than tripled. Discussions among college administrators include the need to increase scholarships and funding assistance.
• Student activism continues to be a leading concern and discussion topic at colleges and universities across the nation. Student activist efforts continue to demand administrative accountability around issues of equity and inclusion on campus. These movements demand engagement and support from administrators to honor the students’ experiences and efforts as well as to respect institutional commitments to advance equity and inclusion.

Data Collection & Curation

Charge

The Data Collection and Curation Committee is responsible for aggregating data into a format for review, identifying trends inherent in the data, areas of distinction, opportunities and needs within the division for the purpose of the development of strategic priorities.

Method

The interdisciplinary committee, representing nine areas within the Division of Student Affairs, reviewed institutional, divisional, and departmental data collected since 2016. Extensive assessment resources were reviewed to identify challenges, influences, and trends within the data. The review revealed perceptions and outcomes related to student engagement, removal of barriers, impact on the student experience, supporting students through the services offered within the Division of Student Affairs, and future focus for the division. A stakeholder survey was conducted for campus collaborators to identify challenges, influences, and trends, based on findings from the data review. Student focus groups were also conducted to identify student perspectives and preferences.

The following Challenges, Influences, and Trends emerged from the review of the existing data, surveys, and focus groups with students:

Discussion

The Data Collection Committee has identified these fundamental questions and critical challenges:

The role of the Division of Student Affairs in student success:

• Resources to support student college experience/sense of belonging and to develop students holistically
• Meeting student needs beyond academics
• Student advocacy at the highest level
• Additional first generation and transfer student support
• Student financial literacy support
• Connecting students to resources and services
• Focusing on students’ resilience

Academic Affairs/Student Affairs partnership to enhance student success:

• Continued and strategic partnership
• Extracurricular/developing more high impact practices like service learning/experiential learning
• Intentional collaboration with high impact practices
• Continued integration of student affairs, academic advising, and faculty to create a more holistic community for students
• Campus-wide peer mentoring training and development
• Creative integration of student affairs into the classroom discussion/activities

Student Engagement, Involvement, and Success:

• Program attendance, organization involvement, and relationships with faculty, staff, and peers have impact on student sense of belonging
• Student define success as getting good grades, obtaining a degree, preparing for after college, developing relationships, and learning new skill. They identified connections, involvement, and student programs and services as contributors to student success
• Students would like to have:
  • Safe spaces and inclusive campus community
  • More opportunities to connect with students with similar interests and diverse others
  • Weekend programming
  • More support for Fraternity & Sorority life- we have diverse community
  • Programs for graduate students
  • Programs for transfer students
  • Focus more on out of state students