Pursuing the Unparalleled Student Experience
Division of Student Life
Impact Report 2024–2025
A Message from the Division of Student Life Leadership
Dear Blue Hens,
This year has been one of innovation, collaboration and meaningful growth. Our team has made significant advances through inclusive programming, structural redesign and expansive student support in order to enhance how we serve every Blue Hen on campus.
This report highlights some of those efforts and the measurable impact they have had. I am grateful to our staff, student partners and campus colleagues whose dedication continues to shape an unparalleled student experience.
Sincerely,
José-Luis Riera, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Life and Interim Campus Culture & Engagement Officer
Expanded Victim Services Support
Victim Services has significantly enhanced student support through new partnerships and streamlined processes, resulting in a 100% increase in students served in Fall 2024. Students now have direct access to trauma-informed counselors without intake delays, receive joint support during meetings with Newark Police Victim Advocates and benefit from increased visibility of services through Title IX outreach. These improvements ensure faster, more effective care when it’s needed most.
New Food Bank Partnership Expands Student Support
This year, Student Diversity & Inclusion finalized a major partnership with the Food Bank of Delaware to supply the majority of items for the Center for Intercultural Engagement food pantry—saving approximately $50,000 annually in food and supply costs. After years of contract barriers, the Food Bank revised its agreement to align with university legal recommendations, making the partnership possible. In addition to food access, students now benefit from financial literacy programming, help with applying for benefits and expanded support for food and financial insecurity.
First-Year Experience Strategy Working Group
The First-Year Experience (FYE) Strategy Working Group examined student data, peer benchmarks and institutional insights to identify gaps in coordination between academic and Student Life units—gaps that often lead to fragmented programming and inconsistent student experiences. Despite ongoing challenges with participation and cross-unit alignment, the group established a strong foundation for advancing a coordinated FYE strategy. In the coming year, efforts will focus on identifying actionable steps the Division can take to enhance FYE coordination and improve the first-year student experience.
5,182
New students welcomed and more than 5,000 family members across fall and winter orientations.
82%
Accessibility score maintained across all division websites, with a Quality Assurance score of 97%.
104%
Increase in traffic on the newly launched Student Advocacy & Support (SAS) website, compared to prior FY24 equivalents (25,713 → 52,468 views).
32,000
Student appointments completed in Student Health Services, serving over one-third of all UD students.
95%
Patient satisfaction achieved in Student Health Services per American College Health Association (ACHA) standards.
30,000
Student encounters in the Center for Counseling and Student Development, anchored by innovative programming for first-year student well-being and adjustment.
3,868
Students with registered disabilities served by Disability Support Services through tailored accommodations.
2,474
Student cases managed through Student Advocacy & Support, including 893 veteran and military connected student cases and 79 victim services cases.
Student Development for Work, Life & Society
In an ever-evolving world, Student Life strives to equip students with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to thrive not just academically, but also in their personal and professional lives. Our approach illustrates our dedication to cultivating leaders who are not only prepared for the workforce but also committed to making a positive impact on society.
Strengthening Peer Education and Restorative Leadership
Several Student Life departments partnered together to deepen peer-led education and leadership through extensive training in conduct, restorative practices and conflict resolution. Community Standards & Conflict Resolution partnered with Residence Life & Housing (RLH) and Fraternity and Sorority Leadership & Learning (FSLL) to engage RAs and over 170 fraternity and sorority students in a restorative dialogue on hazing prevention and community building. An integrated Leadership & Learning Institute was launched, uniting existing programs into one enhanced track.
Meanwhile, Student Wellness and Health Promotion peer educators introduced the Green Flags campaign to promote healthy relationships and shift campus culture. Through a series of posters and social media graphics, the campaign shared positive signs of respect, trust and care in relationships.
Get Involved at UD: youtube.com/watch?v=SdSgsDlgFgc
A new video was created to showcase how joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) can transform a student's college experience. From building friendships to developing career and leadership skills, RSOs offer opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Career and Internship Grant
To expand equitable access, the UD Career Center invested nearly $365,000 in Internship and Career Experience Grants, funding nearly 150 students to take on meaningful internships that might otherwise be out of reach.
This professional development is crucial in my career mobility and fulfilling my experiences before I apply to law school. This experience will make me a rounded candidate and, on a more personal level, help me find my favorite parts of policy.
Student Leadership Approach Working Group
The Student Leadership Approach Working Group explored how to embed a shared ethos of student leadership development across the Division of Student Life. Through data analysis, a review of national frameworks and cross-functional engagement, the group identified key components for a unified leadership framework, including roles, resources and alignment with divisional values such as equity, service, innovation and creativity.
While strong leadership programs exist, they often operate in silos, limiting coherence and strategic growth. Survey data revealed gaps in staffing and funding and highlighted the need for integrative models that support belonging and career readiness. Next steps include building infrastructure, refining long-term goals and finalizing a division-wide framework to foster a more impactful leadership experience for all students.
207
Outreach programs delivered by Student Wellness and Health Promotion, reaching 20,344 student contacts.
3.405
GPA achieved for student-athletes—the highest in non-Covid years.
3.3
Cumulative GPA earned by esports teams, who also achieved top finishes in national competitions.
26%
Increase in Career Fair attendance, with unique students growing from 3,110 to 3,923.
11,400+
Student engagements on the Canvas career modules, with more than 495,000 page views, embedded in 44 courses.
889+
Meetings, events, programs (↑44%) facilitated by Fraternity and Sorority Leadership & Learning, reaching 24,485 student interactions (↑47%).
8,600+
Student interactions supported by Community Standards & Conflict Resolution through conduct, Alternative Conflict Resolution, outreach and education.
500+
Students engaged in the 3rd Annual Amnesty Awareness Fair, with a reach of more than 1,000 through signage and interactive activities on substance safety.
Strengthening Organizational Effectiveness
Department Review Pilot Launch
Student Life initiated its first-ever Department Review Pilot, advancing a culture of continuous improvement. The inaugural cohort, featuring Assessment, Data Analytics & Research; Orientation & Transition Programs; and Fraternity & Sorority Leadership & Learning, completed self-studies and internal reviews to identify growth opportunities and elevate service delivery across the division.
Q12 Engagement Working Group
The Q12 Engagement Working Group analyzed Student Life’s 2024 Q12 assessment results to identify priorities for enhancing staff engagement. The group developed key recommendations focused on two areas: psychological safety and community building, and operational efficiency.
The Division is committed to implementing at least four of the group’s recommendations in the coming year to strengthen collaboration, improve operations and cultivate an environment where staff feel valued and empowered. This investment in employee engagement directly supports the Division’s ability to deliver an unparalleled student experience.
Aligning Resources with Impact
Philanthropic Fund Alignment
Through enhanced governance of philanthropic resources, Student Life ensured every dollar aligns with student needs and divisional priorities, maximizing the impact of donor investments and supporting a more strategic, student-centered approach to funding.
22%
Increase in student immunization compliance.
4%
Student Health Services appointment no-show rate, outperforming national benchmarks.
33
Editions of Blue Hen Life newsletter distributed in FY25, maintaining an impressive 69.79% open rate and 2.07% click rate, strengthening communication reach and engagement.
Expanding Mental Health Support
Graduate students continue to access the Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) services at rates higher than their campus representation, underscoring both the value and trust placed in CCSD support. This year, CCSD expanded tailored services to meet the mental health needs of graduate and international students, including new and enhanced group offerings and outreach programs.
Across the academic year, CCSD offered two sections of the Graduate Student Group and three sections of Making Sense of It All, creating dedicated spaces for connection and reflection. After-hours programming was also extended to all students, with graduate students actively participating in this expanded access.
Strengthening Care and Connection
Student Advocacy & Support strengthened its commitment to graduate student success through personalized care and problem-solving support. Over the past year, the team assisted 224 unique graduate students, representing 14% of all students served, which reflects both growing awareness of available resources and increased engagement from the graduate community.
Graduate students most often sought help navigating disaster-related challenges, financial concerns and support for peers in need. Through these efforts, Student Advocacy & Support continues to foster a culture of compassion, resilience and connection that empowers graduate students to thrive personally and academically.
358
Graduate students served by the Center for Counseling and Student Development with 3,190 total visits.
561
Graduate students enrolled in the UD Career Center's Canvas site.
28,399
Total content views in the UD Career Center's graduate Canvas modules.
I Heart UD Giving Day
In spring 2025, Student Life raised $202,726, accounting for 17% of all dollars raised institutionally for I Heart UD Giving Day and representing a $30,000 increase from spring 2024.
Funding Raised
In partnership with the Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) Parent & Family Giving & Student Life Philanthropy team, over $2.2M was raised for the Division in this fiscal year.
Major Gift Proposals
Notably, there was a 45% increase in Student Life major gift proposals—reflecting the effort to elevate partnerships across Development & Alumni Relations and involve Student Life leadership in the donor engagement process.
Staff Excellence
As we strive for excellence, our commitment to core values serves as the foundation for all that we do. These values—amplifying student voice, pursuing equity, fostering transformational collaboration, encouraging learning and innovation, and upholding integrity and respect—guide our interactions, inform our decision-making processes, and shape the collective culture within our organization. By embedding these principles into every aspect of our work, we create an environment that not only supports our mission and vision but also empowers us to achieve them in meaningful and lasting ways.
Presentations
- Armstrong-Wright, B. (2025, January 9). Case management as an approach to student self-advocacy [Professional development session]. Division of Student Life, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
- Badaszewski, P., & Stoner, J. C. (2024, July). Publish research with JCUSH [Conference session]. Association of College and University Housing Officers – International Campus Home Live Conference, Portland, OR, United States.
- Bauer, L., & Rivero, B. (2025, February). Autism and inclusive housing practices [Training session]. Association of College and University Housing Officers – International.
- Boyer, S. M. (2025, February). Assessment and treatment of dissociative disorders [Training session]. Delaware Psychological Association.
- Burke, P., & Massey, L. (2024, July 30). From the ground up: Building a supportive infrastructure for recruitment and retention [Conference session]. SUCCESS24 Conference, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD, United States.
- Burnett, Y., & Perez, R. (2024, November). Thinkers and feelers: How leaders with executing strengths can better connect with relational leaders in residence life [Conference session]. AIMHO Conference, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
- Carson, J., & Ryan, J. (2024, December). “You can’t do that!” Navigating Panhellenic and member organization rights [Conference session]. Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors (AFA) Annual Meeting.
- Connor, H. BodyImage3D [Presentation]. Delta Delta Delta Local Chapters at Towson and Delaware.
- Connor, H. Every act of yours for Pi Beta Phi – Accountability conversations [Presentation]. Pi Beta Phi Local Chapter, Washington & Jefferson College.
- Connor, H. Redefine the path: Fostering belonging, equity, inclusion, and diversity (BEID) [Presentation]. Delta Gamma Local Chapter, Loyola University New Orleans.
- Coppola, R. (2025, February 25). Coaching students through a difficult job market [Panelist]. EACE Webinar.
- Dobe-Hund, S., & Marcum, K. (2025, April 24). Liaison power: Elevating faculty partnerships for career-ready students [Conference presentation]. CLC 2025 Annual Convention, New Orleans, LA, United States.
- Donato, R. (2024). Community building with restorative practices [Institute presentation]. ACUI Active Dialogue Institute.
- Donato, R., & Jackson, V. (2024, September 19). Supporting communities through restorative practice [Institute session]. Active Dialogue Institute, Rutgers University–New Brunswick, NJ, United States.
- Dunne, K. (2025, May 28). Student takeaways from an introductory followership certificate [Conference session]. Global Followership Conference, Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, CA, United States.
- Edwards, K. (Host). (2025, April 30). Assessment as a leadership process: The multilevel assessment process (No. 265) [Audio podcast episode]. Student Affairs NOW. (José-Luis Riera and Sophie Tullier among others interviewed) https://studentaffairsnow.com/assessment-as-a-leadership-process/
- Fernbacher, M. (2025, February). Academic integrity and artificial intelligence [Conference presentation]. Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA) International Conference.
- Fernbacher, M. (2025). Academic integrity mini-track faculty member [Professional role]. ASCA Gehring Academy.
- Fry, E. (2024, July). The balancing act: Updating old traditions and bringing in new ideas [Conference session]. NACA Mid Atlantic Summer Drive-In, Lancaster, PA, United States.
- Henry, R. Regional Leadership Academy [Facilitator]. Delta Chi Fraternity.
- Holliday-Millard, P., & Tullier, S. (2025, March). Embedding equity in assessment: Training student affairs professionals to be more equity-centered [Conference presentation]. NASPA Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA, United States.
- Holliday-Millard, P., & Tullier, S. (2025, April). Embedding equity in assessment: Training student affairs professionals to be more equity-centered [Virtual conference presentation]. NASPA Annual Virtual Conference, Online.
- Jackson, V., & Otero, A. (2024, November 9). Active dialogue discussion [Keynote panel]. Rutgers University–New Brunswick, NJ, United States.
- Ji, X., Taherzadeh, S., Brownlow, J. A., Orsega-Smith, E., Zhang, J., Gehrman, P., Wolgast, B., Hsu, L., McCoy, K. F., & Patterson, F. (2024). Chatbot-led sleep intervention for young Black/African American adults with cardiometabolic risk [Symposium presentation]. Cardiovascular Research Symposium, Newark, DE, United States.
- Kinzie, J., Guidry, K. R., Jenks, A., & Long, N. (2025). The promise of integrated assessment to improve learning [Conference presentation]. Undergraduate Education in the Research University Conference, Washington, DC, United States.
- Lawless, H. A. Master of ceremonies [Leadership role]. UMatter2DE Annual Higher Education Suicide Prevention Conference, Mental Health Association of Delaware.
- Lowery, S. Belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion summit [Facilitator]. Gamma Phi Beta.
- Massey, L. (2024, July 30). Student support 102: Holistic student development through wellness and self-advocacy [Conference session]. SUCCESS24 Conference, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD, United States.
- Reed, E. (2024, June). Named in a lawsuit or subject of a grievance [Conference presentation]. Physical Therapy Conference APTA, Raleigh, NC, United States.
- Reisman, A. (2025, April 22). Sideline medicine acute response techniques (SMART) for spine boarding and concussion evaluation [Conference presentation]. American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Kansas City, KS, United States.
- Reynolds, A., & Gulledge, T. (2025). From first day to best day: Customer service that sets the tone [Conference session]. NODA Region VIII Conference.
- Rolnick, K., Locklin, B., & Rouillard, M. (2024, July 29). The other roommate: Managing ESAs [Conference session]. StarRez Global Connect Conference, Anaheim, CA, United States.
- Russell, A. (2024, July 29). Advanced tips and tricks [Conference session]. StarRez Global Connect Conference, Anaheim, CA, United States.
- Russell, A. (2024, July 30). Advanced user panel [Conference panel]. StarRez Global Connect Conference, Anaheim, CA, United States.
- Ryan, J. Prime – Presidents Leadership Academy [Facilitator]. North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC).
- Ryan, J. IFC Advisors Region Webinar [Panelist]. North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC).
- Ryan, J., Henry, R., & Lowery, S. Officers Leadership Academy [Facilitator]. North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC).
- Ryan, J., & Wynn, B. (2024, December). Calling all Freakonomists! Utilizing behavioral economics to influence student decision making [Conference session]. Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors (AFA) Annual Meeting.
- Shah, Z. (2024, October 15). Vicarious trauma [Lecture slides]. WOMS208, Newark, DE, United States.
- Sydnor Epps, R. L. (2025, April 8). EACE leadership empowerment panel [Panelist]. EACE Webinar.
- Sydnor Epps, R. L. (2025, May 8). Building stronger employer connections: Track, nurture, succeed [Panelist]. Handshake Conference Session.
- Tullier, S., & Patricio, K. (2025, March). Applying equity-centered assessment in practice: Student organization funding as a case study [Conference presentation]. NASPA Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA, United States.
- Turner, J., Reisman, A., & Baxter, D. (2025, April 26). Acute unilateral weakness in NCAA D1 football player [Poster presentation]. American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Kansas City, KS, United States.
Publications
- Bailey, T. D., Benincasa, C. A., & Boyer, S. M. (2025). Dissociation and posttraumatic complexity in forensic assessment of psychological injury. In G. Young, T. Bailey, L. Giromini, J. Soble, R. Rogers & B. Levitt (Eds.), Handbook of psychological injury and law (pp. 163-195). New York, NY: Springer.
- Bailey, T. D., Boyer, S. M., Brand, B. L. (2025). Chapter 17: Dissociative disorders. In D. Segal (Ed.), Diagnostic interviewing (6th edition) (pp. 299-326). New York, NY: Springer.
- Mihura, J. L., York, D. J., Boyer, S.M., Ausman, E. M., Meadows, E. A., & Meyer, G. J. (2025). Behavioral signs of trauma on the Rorschach: development of the trauma experience index. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. doi: https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/tra0001924.
- Snyder, B. L., Boyer, S. M., Caplan, J. E., Nester, S., & Brand, B.L. (2024). It’s not just a movie: perceived impact of misportraylas of dissociative identity disorder in the media on self and treatment. European Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, 8(2), 1-7. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejtd.2024.100429
- Strine-Patterson, H. J., Tullier, S., LaFrance, S., & Lovette, S. (2024). Call for student affairs assessment professionals and units: And other strategies for improving assessment in student affairs. Journal of Student Affairs Inquiry, Improvement, and Impact, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.18060/28001
- Strine-Patterson, H., Mitchell, A., & Tullier, S. (2024). Refined focus on inquiry, improvement, and impact: Editors’ notes. Journal of Student Affairs Inquiry, Improvement, and Impact, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.18060/28716
- Tullier, S. (2024, August 15). Creating a culture of evidence with Paul Holliday-Millard. Student Affairs Assessment Leaders Blog. Retrieved from https://studentaffairsassessment.org/entries/blog/creating-a-culture-of-evidence-with-paul-holliday-millard
- Tullier, S. (2024, September 23). Building assessment culture one cup of coffee at a time. Student Affairs Assessment Leaders blog. Retrieved from https://studentaffairsassessment.org/entries/blog/building-assessment-culture-one-cup-of-coffee
- Tullier, S. (2024, October 9). I wouldn’t be able to do that without SAAL: The importance of building community. Student Affairs Assessment Leaders blog. Retrieved from https://studentaffairsassessment.org/entries/blog/without-saal.
- Tullier, S. (2025, May 7). All together now: Doing big work with small resources. Student Affairs Assessment Leaders Blog. Retrieved from https://studentaffairsassessment.org/entries/blog/all-together-now.
- Tullier, S., Holliday-Millard, P., & Jackson, V. (2024, September 16). Two journeys, one goal: A successful equity-centered assessment training. Student Affairs Assessment Leaders blog. Retrieved from https://studentaffairsassessment.org/entries/blog/two-journeys-one-goal.
Awards
- Sophie Tullier, Student Affairs Assessment Leaders Volunteer of the Year Award (given to the full Community Development & Engagement Committee)
- Sara Lowery - Community Advocate Excellence award, UD Staff Excellence Awards, Spring 2025
- Jessica Ryan – Sue Kraft Fussell Distinguished Service Award, Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors (AFA)
- Brian Armstrong-Wright, Outstanding Directorate Board Member Award; PAN African Network, ACPA: College Student Educators International.
- Kelly Frick – Delaware Online – Kindness Campaign Nominee
- Andrew Reisman – 2024 Delaware Athletic Trainers Ally of the Year Award - 2024
- Andrew Reisman - Delaware Online - Sports Medicine Top Doctor Award - 2024
- Kathryn Morrison – Delaware Online – Ambulatory Care Top Nurse Award
- Helen Ann Lawless, Suzi Halpin, Debbie Rhodunda, Mary Barfell, Kristen Hobson, Jessica Estok, Grace Adzuah, and Kailey Frounfelker – Innovation Excellence award, UD Staff Excellence Awards (Student Wellbeing Vending Machine Project), Fall 2024
- Vincent Jackson; ACPA Commission for Housing and Residential Life; 2025 Spotlight Award