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 Union Commonwealth University (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 Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) 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 Union. Rather, a 2024 U.S. News & World Report survey 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 Union Commonwealth University. 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.

Children enter Norton Hall, a brick building with a Boys & Girls Club van parked out front.
By Rachel Dorroh June 26, 2025
The Dr. Marcia Hawkins Boys & Girls Club at Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has moved to the heart of campus. Now located on the ground floor of Norton Hall, which is adjacent to the Student Center, the Club has more space to call its own as well as easy access to amenities.
By Maisie Nelson June 25, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s ongoing “50 Under 50” recognition program. The initiative celebrates alumni under the age of 50 who are driving change and making a difference in their professions and communities.
Bill and Merrill Davies with the Union Mascot, Mack the Bulldog.
By David Saylor June 24, 2025
William “Bill” Davies ’66 and Merrill Johnson Davies ’64 were brought together by their education at Union College and their Baptist faith in 1962. Since then, they have built a lasting legacy of service, learning, and community impact — one that has spanned more than 56 years of marriage.
By Maisie Nelson June 13, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to recognize the achievements of seniors from Barbourville High School who have committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at Union. Together, these students have been awarded more than $88,000 in scholarships as part of the university’s commitment to supporting local talent and making higher education more accessible.
Lynn and Amanda with Union's mascot, Mack the Bulldog, all wearing caps and gowns on Union's campus.
By Rachel Dorroh June 5, 2025
This past fall, Lynn Smith was appointed as Executive Vice President of Union Commonwealth University. She draws on her nearly 25 years of service and three Union degrees to oversee operations including business & finance, information technology, and human resources, among other responsibilities.
By Maisie Nelson June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to share several exciting updates as work gets underway on key campus improvement projects this summer. These initiatives, made possible through successful fundraising efforts, reflect Union’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.
By Maisie Nelson June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of seniors from Bell County High School who have committed to continue their academic journeys at Union. Together, these students have been awarded over $190,000 in scholarships, recognizing both academic excellence and athletic talent.
By Maisie Nelson June 2, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is inviting school-aged children to enjoy free swim days every Saturday in June, beginning June 7 at the Center for Health & Learning’s Stivers Aquatic Center. These open swim opportunities are a way to give back to the community and celebrate the start of summer with local families.
Miller standing beside the sign for Conway Boatman Chapel.
By Rachel Dorroh May 30, 2025
After 21 years as the chaplain of Union Commonwealth University (UCU), the Rev. David Miller is retiring this month. Since his first ministerial appointment in 1984, he has served as the pastor of several Kentucky congregations, has taken on leadership roles in multiple Kentucky organizations, and has led countless campus programs and groups dedicated to student development. He says supporting students to find their personal calling, however, has been the highlight of his career.
By Maisie Nelson May 27, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program continues to highlight exceptional leaders across diverse industries — from public service and business innovation to healthcare, marketing, education, and law.
More Posts