A Collaborative Student Affairs and Faculty Health Assessment and Intervention Initiative

Abstract

The authors describe a collaborative partnership forged between faculty and student affairs staff to improve student health at a large urban university. They examine skills and reward structures of each constituency and the stages of the collaboration in the context of 2 theoretical models. A comprehensive data collection and dissemination process in the campus community provided goals for the initial stage of the partnership, leading to implementation of campus initiatives that use the reciprocal skills of each stakeholder. Outcomes of the collaboration included (1) a working relationship between faculty and student affairs staff, (2) increased dialogue with high-level administrators, (3) more coordinated campus efforts to decrease high-risk drinking, (4) use of outcome measures for implementing and evaluating health programs, and (5) an opportunity for interdisciplinary research. The authors offer suggestions for implementing the process on other campuses.

Key Words:

• collaboration
• faculty members
• partnership
• student affairs
• student health

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carol H. Ott

The authors are with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research. Carol H. Ott is an assistant professor in the College of Nursing; Carol Haertlein is an associate professor in the College of Health Sciences and chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy Donald H. Craig is director and senior psychologist with the Norris Health Center.