16 LIFE UNIVERSITY 2040 STRATEGIC PLAN ClearingHouse (CARE/SBAT) The CAREs initiative plays a pivotal role in enhancing the student support model, facilitating improved connections for students with existing resources on campus and within the community. Functioning as an overarching umbrella, CAREs comprehensively addresses various cases, offering a spectrum of support from informational options to actionable interventions, ensuring the well-being of our students. • Crisis Intervention: Immediate responses to emergent CARE cases, such as those involving imminent harm or concerning behavior, are directed to the appropriate entities like Campus Police/Campus Safety and Counseling to ensure swift and effective crisis intervention. • SBAT Referrals: Cases with elevated concerns are seamlessly referred to SBAT (Student Behavior Assessment Team) when deemed necessary, aligning with the heightened level of issues presented. • CAREs Intervention: Lower-level cases are effectively addressed by CAREs, employing a structured approach to provide necessary support and guidance. • ADVISE/Advisement: A tiered approach involves ADVISE/Advisement for cases at a lower level, offering targeted assistance and resources. • Information Referrals: The CAREs framework also includes information referrals, ensuring that students are guided to the appropriate sources of information based on their specific needs and concerns. The project will continue through Phase II. Orientation The Division of Student Affairs actively supports the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) by orchestrating a New Student Orientation that fosters collaboration among current students (orientation leaders), campus partners (Academic Affairs and Student Affairs), and other faculty and staff. The primary objective is to familiarize incoming students with the university environment through an immersive and engaging experience. This involves creating unique opportunities for learning and personal growth, while simultaneously fostering connections with current students and peers. This project will continue to be built upon in Phase II. Career Readiness The Career Services Department underwent significant developments in 2022, marked by a dedicated focus on enhancing students' career readiness. A thorough assessment of students' needs and preferences was conducted through feedback sessions, revealing a desire for increased diversity in on-campus partnerships. Career Services responded by planning biannual undergraduate career fairs, an on-campus student jobs fair and introducing the "Handshake" software in July 2023 for improved job platform functionality. The department is aligning with national guidelines, particularly addressing unpaid internships, and will recommend changes to Life University's internship policies. This initiative involves the creation and implementation of a student employment curriculum, shifting the oversight of Student Employment to the Student Affairs Department. It includes a pilot program, CareeRISE, aimed at integrating Career Readiness Competencies into campus student employment with the goal of full implementation. Additionally, the plan entails the introduction of internships and on-site career development opportunities. This project has been extended through Phase II. D O M A I N 4 Create an Exceptional Experience for Students Phase I Achievements n Create an Exceptional Student Experience n Focus on maximizing the student’s return on their educational investment Develop Exceptional Student Experience List Running Eagles Performance Center In 2022, Life U opened the Running Eagles Performance (REP) Center, a 14,000 square-foot, multi-use facility overlooking Lupo Family Field that features a dedicated wrestling practice room, a strength and conditioning space, locker rooms, offices and athletic training space. With a burgeoning athletics program, Life U’s facilities were very nearly past capacity. Thanks to the generosity of our Life U Alumni and Friends, the Life U Running Eagles have a much greater competitive advantage with the addition of weight rooms and amenities worthy of their grit, hustle and determination.
