11 September 2018
Cambrea Hall
With the start of a new fall semester, Student Life decided to make some changes to better communicate programs and services for students who want to get more involved on campus.
When Student Life created the latest student leadership development program now called “UCCSlead,” the primary goal was to develop engaged and ethical world-changing leaders.
Since the start up of UCCSlead, approximately 1,500 students have gone through a combination of training, academic coursework, experience and mentoring to enhance their leadership skills and character.
Upon successful completion of the program’s requirements and graduation from UCCS, students receive both recognition on their transcript and at graduation. The program is dedicated to the guiding values of engagement, integrity, innovation, and commitment according to their Mountain Lion Connect page.
UCCSlead is just one of the many Student Life functions on campus. Operating under Student Life are also areas such as: Registered Student Organizations, Student Activities, LIVE Leadership, Student Government Association, Fraternity and Sorority Life, The Scribe, UCCS Radio and Center for Civic Engagement and Service.
Student Life functions share many of the same fundamental values important to student success. After a self-initiated, comprehensive program review in 2016, the former Student Life and Leadership Office opted to introduce a new motto, name and branding to encompass its various components.
“We utilized an opportunity to do a program self-initiated, comprehensive review. An external reviewer came in at that time and did an evaluation of various areas pertaining to student life. The name was determined as an area to look at,” said Brad Bayer, Senior Executive Director of Student Life & Assessment.
“We had evolved and grown so much, we needed a broader term that identifies all of what we do,” said Bayer. “‘Student Life’ encompasses all components of what we offer. ‘Engage. Connect. Belong’ — That’s our purpose.”
Student Life began meetings with partners last spring and shared their ideas with stakeholders in the fall. Student Life introduced its new name this summer with road shows to other campus departments, and by updating their website and preparing new branded materials before students returned for the fall semester.
Student Life’s mission is to foster a sense of belonging by engaging and connecting all students through learning, leadership, and exploration to develop active, global citizens. Their vision is simple: a connection for every student.
Student Life has been successful in implementing programs on campus that coincide with their mission, vision and beliefs.
Going on its fourth year, UCCSlead had about 200 students show up to its first Saturday session on August 25.
“Student involvement is prioritized campus-wide. Prior to 2015, students did apply to leadership programs, but they either filled up too quickly or were strictly scholarship based. UCCSlead was a priority, free to all students, and could expand leadership opportunities on campus,” said Bayer. “UCCSlead is a hallmark experience of UCCS. It’s all about self discovery and just one of the many ways to lead on campus and eventually make an impact.”
The name change not only allows Student Life to align all programs like UCCSlead under one succinct umbrella name, but it also more effectively broadcasts information to students.
“We got a lot of positive feedback from students. After all, the students were a major motivation for the change. The goal behind the modifications was to re-calibrate our brand and make it easier to communicate about our programs and services,” said Bayer.
For more information on Student Life and ways to get involved on campus, visit https://www.uccs.edu/studentlife/.