Division of Students Affairs (DSA) Student Life Fall 2023 Semester Recap

DSA News
April 10, 2024

The DSA Student Life conducted its semesterly student assessment that goes out to all University of Houston (UH) students who attended at least one Student Life event during the fall semester. This term, it went out to over 15,000 students and 448 students completed the assessment. The assessment aims to collect data about student participation, satisfaction, marketing effectiveness, and general student feedback. While the assessment contains comprehensive questions, it’s also broken down by types of events attended: Educational, Entertainment/Fun, Cultural/Identity-Based, and Personal Development.

The assessment highlights how Student Life events and programs are positively impacting students in various ways. For example, 95% of students said attending a Student Life, (in any category), event made them feel more connected to campus, and 83% said they met someone new.

For students who attended at least one Cultural/Identity-Based program, 94% said they gained a better understanding of cross-cultural knowledge and cultural competence, and 94% said they deepened their understanding of others.

For students who attended at least one Cultural/Identity-Based and/or Educational program, 97% said they felt the event/program was well developed and delivered, 93% said they learned something new, and 66% said they gained a new skill.

When asked what they liked most about the event(s) they attended, some shared the following quotes:

“It allowed me to widen my perspective on various topics”

“The event was very helpful including tips and good general information that I used this first semester in college to succeed”

“It actually provided substantial content and practical advice”

“It helped me to better myself as a student, recognize areas where I could grow, and make new friends on campus”

Additionally, the assessment gathered some data about marketing, promotional items and giveaways, and event/program suggestions. Some key takeaways include that out of the following choices: Email, Websites, Social Media, Yard Signs/Physical Signage, Word of Mouth, Digital Signage, and Other, most students learned about our events from Social Media (25%) and Email (24%). These results have been consistent with previous assessments, and thus the Student Life team continues to invest in the quality of these platforms. The team is also continuously reviewing student suggestions for new events and programs and hopes to create new or refreshed involvement opportunities for students.

Keith T. Kowalka, assistant vice president for student affairs said, “As we reflect on the impact of our Student Life events and programs, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the positive influence they have on our UH community. The results of our fall semester assessment affirm the incredible value these experiences bring to our students' lives. From fostering a sense of connection and belonging to promoting cross-cultural understanding and personal growth, our events are truly shaping the holistic development of our students. As we look ahead, we remain committed to enhancing the quality and accessibility of our programming, guided by the invaluable feedback provided by our students. Together, we will continue to create vibrant spaces where every student can thrive and flourish.”

Written by Meli Iracheta-Guerra – Web Project Manager – Student Affairs IT Services

More about Student Life

The Student Life portfolio's focus is to help students get involved on campus to better develop leadership skills, character, and discipline. We create global citizens who are ready to contribute to the world. Student Life also oversees the Get Involved brand and platform. Student Life consists of:

Seven (7) departments:

• D. Bruce Religion Center,
• Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life,
• Center for Student Advocacy and Community,
• Center for Student Media,
• Center for Student Involvement,
• DSA IT Services,
• Student Centers

7 University Sponsored Organizations:

• Activities Funding Board,
• Council of Cultural Activities,
• Frontier Fiesta Association,
• Homecoming Board,
• Metropolitan Volunteer Program,
• Student Government Association,
• Student Program Board

3 Affiliated Organizations:

• CoogRadio,
• CoogTV,
• The Cougar