A team of staff and faculty across Academic and Student Affairs units have revitalized the Husker Student POWER framework for the 2024 academic year. Grounded in research and best practices demonstrated to support student success, the Husker Student POWER framework consists of five elements— Purpose, Ownership, Well-being, Engagement, and Relationships—that the university prioritizes and communicates to all students.
Husker Student POWER was first introduced in 2019 to guide first-year students’ college transition. The updated framework was developed throughout the spring 2024 semester and rolled out during New Student Enrollment to incoming first-year and transfer students this summer. It promotes students’ institutional belonging and academic self-efficacy by intentionally prioritizing curricular and co-curricular experiences that support the five elements. The framework is being communicated to students through brochures, stickers, digital signage, Start Smart courses, and the promotion of Big Red Welcome activities.
“The Husker Student POWER framework communicates a university-wide vision and approach for key elements that can help students make the most of their Husker experience” said Amy Goodburn, senior associate vice chancellor and dean of undergraduate education. “We hope that faculty and staff use this framework when they promote university events, programs, and resources related to the POWER elements.”
New this year is Husker Student POWER week from September 16-20, featuring events tied to the framework. On Sept. 16, first-year and new transfer students will receive the Husker Student POWER survey to gauge their academic, social, financial, and emotional well-being. Campus teams use the survey to outreach to students whose responses suggest that they might benefit from support and campus resources. Instructors are encouraged to promote student completion of the Husker Student POWER survey and the week’s events. Students who participate in Husker Student POWER week events, including completion of the Husker Student POWER survey, will be entered in a drawing to win prizes.
Below are the descriptions for each element designed for the student audience:
Purpose: Discover Your Why
You are here for a reason and we’re here to support you. Your purpose is unique and evolves as you do. Whether your purpose is tied to a major, an identity, your communities, a career goal, or a cause, reflecting on your purpose will help you craft and personalize your UNL experiences. And if you haven't figured out your purpose, that's okay, too. We are here to help you explore your why throughout your journey.
Ownership: Own Your Experience
Your UNL experience belongs to you. Our faculty and staff are here to support you every step of the way, but you are responsible for putting in the work. Owning your experience involves engaging in your courses and learning from and with others in the Husker community. Ownership also means taking advantage of campus resources and planning for opportunities that you want to experience. We are excited to help you make the most of your experience, but you are the owner.
Well-being: Balance Your Whole Self
Well-being is the optimal and dynamic state that allows people to achieve their full potential. Well-being includes physical, emotional, mental, academic, and social factors that impact how you feel and experience your life. By prioritizing your whole self, you help to build a supportive environment for yourself and your fellow Huskers.
Engagement: Get Involved
Engagement takes place in and outside of the classroom. Within courses, engagement includes actively listening, learning, and participating. Outside the classroom, engagement can mean joining clubs and organizations, attending campus events, undertaking undergraduate research, campus employment, internships, or study abroad, and networking with alumni. Engagement connects you with a diverse range of friends, mentors, professionals, and advocates and enriches your overall well-being. Engagement helps you to be part of something bigger than yourself.
Relationships: Grow Your Communities
At UNL, we believe every person and every interaction matters. Your faculty, staff, and peers are committed to your success. Building intentional relationships will equip you to be successful in and beyond the classroom. By the time you graduate, you'll be part of a strong Husker community and will have friends, faculty, staff, and community members who care about you and are here to support you.
For more information, contact Amy Goodburn, senior associate vice chancellor and dean of undergraduate education, at agoodburn1@unl.edu.
More details at: http://huskerstudentpower.unl.edu