POWER: Leading wellness initiatives at UK
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 4, 2024) – Prevention, Outreach and Wellness Education Resources (POWER), housed in the Office for Student Success, serves as the University of Kentucky’s trusted resource for student prevention, outreach and wellness education.
Since its launch in Fall 2022, POWER developed the “Building a Foundation for Success” action plan as a starting point to meet and address the evolving needs of students in the areas of prevention and wellness. Guided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Eight Dimensions of Wellness — which encompass emotional, physical, social, occupational, intellectual, environmental, financial and spiritual well-being — POWER takes a holistic approach to student wellness. In addition, the unit incorporates the NIRSA, Leaders in Collegiate Recreation; and NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Interassociation Definition of Well-Being, which emphasizes the integration of health, purpose, quality of life and positive relationships, ensuring that all efforts are comprehensive and student-centered.
“Our goal is to create a collaborative environment that empowers students and promotes lifelong healthy behaviors,” said Kim Rufra, director of POWER.
The importance of prevention work
Preventive education is crucial in a college environment where students often face a range of high-risk behaviors that can have long-term impacts on their health and academic success. POWER focuses on equipping students with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions, avoid risky behaviors and enhance their overall well-being. Prevention efforts not only reduce immediate risks — such as substance misuse, mental health crises or unhealthy relationships — but also create a foundation for lifelong healthy habits.
“By investing in prevention work, we are proactively addressing potential issues before they escalate,” Rufra said. “This is key to supporting student success and ensuring a safer, healthier campus.”
Spotlight on the Do’s and Don’ts campaign
One of POWER’s standout outreach initiatives this fall is the Do’s and Don’ts campaign, which promotes responsible decision-making during high-risk events, like football game days. With 22% of college students nationally drinking at least weekly, this campaign highlights the importance of school spirit while reducing alcohol-related risks. Tips like alternating alcoholic drinks with water, eating protein-rich meals and limiting alcohol consumption to one drink per hour help students make safer choices.
“While we know game day events can lead to heavy episodic drinking, football games should be fun, not risky. We want students to enjoy traditions like the ‘C-A-T-S Cats, Cats, Cats’ cheer safely and responsibly,” said Ashley Gann, student wellness coordinator and prevention specialist for social responsibility.
The campaign includes yard signs and information on campus digital screens and emphasizes social wellness, one of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, by fostering positive interactions and safe environments.
Call for collaboration
POWER invites campus partners and organizations to collaborate on initiatives that support student well-being.
“We believe that collaboration across campus is key to fostering a healthier, more vibrant student community. Let’s work together to create meaningful change,” said Rufra.
For more information or to explore potential partnerships, contact POWER at poweruky@uky.edu.
At the University of Kentucky, students are at the center of all that we do. From the moment you become a Wildcat through graduation and beyond, the Office for Student Success is committed to supporting you. Comprised of five areas and 25 units, together, they have one vision — to help students live a life of meaning. Student Success works through an equitable, holistic and inclusive lens to design and deliver unparalleled services and support a diverse community of learners in achieving their wildest ambitions. In the Office for Student Success this is what we do — this is who we are. You can explore resources available to you here. If you have additional questions, you can reach a Student Success team member by calling the helpline 859-218-YouK (9685).