The Word on Wellness: Students build awareness of upcoming QEP

Rachel Williams • November 7, 2024
Student poster based on the classic game Conenct Four. The header reads Connect 6, the Six Elements of Wellness. The words Intellectual, Social, Occupational, Spiritual, Physical, and Emotional appear on the side of the poster, represented by yellow and red checkers.

Undergraduate students at AV头等舱 (UCU) received firsthand experience in content creation when they strategized and drafted posters to bring awareness to the university’s upcoming Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), Common Well. The name is both a reference to working toward a wellness campus and a nod to the university’s new name. Common Well addresses the six aspects of wellness: intellectual, physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and occupational. 


[IMAGE: Student poster reminiscent of the classic board game, "Connect Four"]


All institutions belonging to the education accreditor dedicate five years to each QEP, defining an area for growth in student success or institutional effectiveness, setting objectives, and implementing new programs and resources to make a substantial change. After surveying students, faculty, and staff, mental wellness stood out as a significant issue and was selected for the 2025 QEP. 

Student poster based on the game of chess reads, Your Game is No Good is You're Missing Pieces. A cartoon of a chess board with a hand reaching for a piece is featured.

The search for wellness is not unique to AV头等舱. Rather, a 2024 found 70% of students reported struggling with their mental health since starting college. 


Creating campus-wide buy-in is a crucial piece to the success of Common Well. Early conversations within the QEP committee discussed opportunities for students to get involved. Since the program doesn’t begin until next year, the current focus is on building knowledge of the topic and what it will mean for the UCU community. 


[IMAGE: Student poster reminiscent of chess]


The students in my COMM 232: Layout and Design course spent a week brainstorming and sketching poster ideas to hang up around campus and introduce Common Well to the community. Students spent one class session learning about Common Well and brainstorming campaign ideas. They quickly determined that bright colors, recognizable images, and nostalgic elements would attract viewers and readers. Several students agreed that using board/card games with the ideas of ‘leveling up’ and ‘winning at life’ were fitting themes. 

Student poster based on the game Operation reads, Healing Comes in Many Forms. A cartoon of the Operation patient character is featured with the words Intellectual, Emotional, Physical, Spiritual, Occupational, and Social positioned on his body like Band-aids.

Creating campus-wide buy-in is a crucial piece to the success of Common Well. Early conversations within the QEP committee discussed opportunities for students to get involved. Since the program doesn’t begin until next year, the current focus is on building knowledge of the topic and what it will mean for the UCU community. 


[IMAGE: Student poster reminiscent of the classic board game, "Operation"]


The students in my COMM 232: Layout and Design course spent a week brainstorming and sketching poster ideas to hang up around campus and introduce Common Well to the community. Students spent one class session learning about Common Well and brainstorming campaign ideas. They quickly determined that bright colors, recognizable images, and nostalgic elements would attract viewers and readers. Several students agreed that using boarThen, the class listed as many games as possible with quippy headings related to wellness. Gabriel Carmona stated that the theme “kept things serious while thinking outside the box.” Another student, Jenny Reyes, said, “everyone knows board games, so it will stop people when they’re walking around campus.” Over a dozen game ideas were thrown around, but the list was eventually narrowed down to four: Uno, Connect Four, Chess, and Operation. 

Student poster based on the game Uno featured an image of a playing card that reads, Life Throws Wildcards. It's How You Handle Them That Counts.

The following class session, students broke into groups of two or three to begin sketching and developing the poster ideas. Samuel Parrish admitted sketching the ideas on paper was his favorite part of the whole project. Most students worked on Canva, a free design program, to put their posters together. By the end of the class, each group turned in their draft for revision. 


[IMAGE: Student poster reminiscent of the classic game, "Uno"]


Jean Vargas said, “If these were games, I would want to try them out. It turned the topic into something fun.” 


The course provides students with the skills and knowledge to create print and digital designs, and whenever we can, we incorporate real-world experiences like this. The students’ posters will be displayed around campus for at least the remainder of the academic year, setting the stage for important conversations and changes centered around wellness.


Rachel Williams is an Assistant Professor of Media Communication at AV头等舱. She teaches photography, social media, web design, and layout & design classes. She is a proud Appalachian and lover of art, nature, and music. Her favorite part of her job is seeing students grow in their talents and callings. When she’s not in the classroom, Rachel enjoys spending time in the garden, quality time with friends and family, and cooking up good food.

Students studying in AV头等舱's library.
By Rachel Dorroh May 6, 2025
The pre-professional program at AV头等舱 (UCU) is growing. New partnerships with Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) and the University of Kentucky (UK) create clear pathways and unique advantages for students wishing to pursue osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, and engineering.
Superintendent Tom Gambrel and President Dr. DJ Washington.
By David Saylor April 30, 2025
Following the recent retirement of Superintendent Waylon Allen ’93, another dedicated Bell County leader and AV头等舱 alumnus is preparing to close a meaningful chapter in his career. Tom Gambrel ’98, Superintendent of Bell County Schools, has announced his upcoming retirement. Known for his unwavering commitment to students and educators, Gambrel leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, student-focused leadership, and lasting impact on the Bell County community.
By Maisie Nelson April 29, 2025
AV头等舱 proudly announces the first ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating the accomplishments of alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program highlights leaders across industries, from healthcare and education to business, finance, and public service.
Regan Nantz receiving an award from President DJ Washington.
By Rachel Dorroh April 25, 2025
AV头等舱 celebrated the annual Honors Convocation Thursday morning in Conway Boatman Chapel. Thirty-six students, one professor, and one athletic team were honored for their achievements.
Student awardees stand with grant committee members and advisors behind them.
By Rachel Dorroh April 23, 2025
Real-world career experiences, educational travel adventures, and immersive arts exploration await AV头等舱 (UCU) students this summer. Funded by the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), a program of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), ten students have been awarded Circles of Purpose grants to support their self-designed enrichment projects. Named after AV头等舱’s core values of celebration, integrity, responsibility, civility, lifelong learning, engagement, and spirituality – abbreviated CIRCLES – the microgrant program supports students in discovering and developing their unique vocational paths.
students taking a selfie with Bulldog mascot
By Maisie Nelson April 21, 2025
AV头等舱 is celebrating exciting momentum in its undergraduate enrollment, as highlighted in the latest report from the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU). According to AIKCU’s March snapshot of all 18 member institutions, AV头等舱 ranked near the top in several key categories.
By Maisie Nelson April 17, 2025
A well-known name in AV头等舱 athletics is making a welcome return. Bart Osborne has rejoined the university as Associate Athletic Director for Development and Fundraising.
Montage of Lena, Tia, and AV头等舱's Centennial Hall framed by leafy green tree foliage
By Rachel Dorroh April 17, 2025
UCU students Tia Cobb and Lena Visarius and their professor Libby Megna are building on a body of knowledge tracing back to Darwin’s observations of differences in bird beaks that led to his insights about natural selection. As co-authors on a paper they will submit to academic journals, the three hope to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of trait evolution and biodiversity. Both students want to continue their studies after graduation – Lena in forensic anthropology and Tia in biology – and experiences like this are part of how UCU is preparing them for these chosen paths.
Macy, Cody, and Conner Saylor.
By Rachel Dorroh April 9, 2025
This school year, Cody, Conner, and Macy Saylor are attending AV头等舱, are grateful for where they’ve landed, and are focused on making the most of their opportunities and giving back to make things better for others.
photo of the new hires and promotions
By Rachel Dorroh April 2, 2025
AV头等舱 (UCU) celebrates several new hires and staff promotions in line with President DJ Washington's vision for growth and development. This strategic and human capital growth stretches across the entire campus touching athletics, academics, university operations, development, communications, and admissions.
More Posts