By Steve Ifantis
TAMPA, Fla. — The University of Tampa has introduced UTampa Cares, an initiative designed to enhance student success by focusing on emotional well-being, resilience, and a sense of belonging. The program is part of the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), a key component in maintaining accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
However, what does this initiative entail, and how does it impact students? I spoke with assistant vice president for wellness Gina Firth and senior director of academic success initiatives Donald Painter to break it down.
What is UTampa Cares?
UTampa Cares aims to improve student success by focusing on belonging and resilience.
- Sense of Belonging: Many students who leave UTampa cite feelings of isolation as a key reason. This initiative works to foster stronger connections between students and the university community.
- Resilience: College life brings inevitable stressors. UTampa Cares provides students with tools to navigate challenges without escalating into significant obstacles.
The initiative was born from an analysis of student withdrawal forms, which showed increasing numbers of students citing stress and mental health concerns as reasons for leaving. UTampa Cares aims to address these issues by focusing on proactive measures before they reach a crisis point.
Aligning with University Goals
The QEP must align with UTampa’s mission to enhance student retention and success. According to Firth, the university has long prioritized student well-being, but UTampa Cares takes a more preemptive approach.
The initiative introduces several key programs:
- Academic Success Coaching: Each first-year student is assigned a coach to help with goal setting and academic skills.
- Peer Wellness Coaching: Trained peers assist students, focusing on second-year undergraduates.
- Skill-Building Workshops: Sessions covering emotional regulation, stress management, and resilience training.
- Community of Care Toolkit: A resource for faculty and staff to better support students and connect them with appropriate services.
Addressing Student Challenges
Nationally, Generation Z and Millennials report high levels of stress and anxiety. UTampa students are no exception — 84.9% of those surveyed said emotional well-being affects their academic performance. First-year students, in particular, struggle with adjustment. UTampa Cares addresses these challenges by strengthening student connections and providing tools for managing stress.
Collaboration with Campus Resources
UTampa Cares integrates with existing services like the Dickey Health and Wellness Center and the upcoming wellness space in the Vaughn Center. With Firth overseeing counseling and medical services, the initiative takes a holistic approach to student wellness.
A key issue the initiative aims to tackle is awareness. Many students are not fully aware of available resources. UTampa Cares seeks to bridge that gap and ensure support is easily accessible.
How Students Can Get Involved
There are multiple ways students can engage with UTampa Cares:
- Peer Wellness Coaching: Open to all, but with targeted outreach to sophomores.
- Resilience Workshops: Available to students looking to develop emotional regulation and mindfulness skills.
- Community of Care Toolkit: Faculty and staff are encouraged to integrate well-being strategies into their courses.
- Student Organization Partnerships: UTampa Cares collaborates with groups like the Student Government Association (SGA), Live Well, and Diplomats to promote well-being.
Looking Ahead
UTampa Cares is in its early stages but has ambitious goals. Its success will be measured by student retention rates, perceptions of belonging, and resilience skills over the next five years.
“We want to ensure students aren’t just told to ‘go to counseling’ at the first sign of stress,” said Painter. “Instead, we want to equip them with the right resources at the right time.”
With the SACSCOC accreditation visit scheduled for Feb. 17–20, UTampa is working to raise awareness of UTampa Cares. However, as the program evolves, its focus will shift toward maximizing student engagement and measuring long-term impact.
College is a time of growth and transformation, but it can also be overwhelming. UTampa Cares takes a proactive stance, ensuring students feel connected, resilient, and supported throughout their time at UTampa.
For many, involvement in campus life correlates with academic success. As a resident assistant (RA) and student leader, I have seen firsthand how engagement can make or break a student’s experience. While UTampa Cares is still developing, its emphasis on holistic well-being is a promising step toward creating a stronger, more connected university community.