Inside UW-Superior’s Revamped First-Year Experience Course

The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s redesigned first-year experience course, HHP-102, is doing more than teaching the fundamentals of health and wellness – it is helping students feel connected, supported and confident as they begin their college journey.

Launched in Fall 2024, the updated course has already made a measurable impact. Data from its first semester shows a significant increase in fall-to-spring retention, rising to 90 percent, a milestone that underscores the university’s commitment to student success.

“The 90 percent fall-to-spring retention rate is more than a number – it’s a reflection of our commitment to student success and belonging from day one,” said Harry Anderson, associate vice chancellor and dean of students. “HHP-102 is more than a course; it’s a promise to our students that they are seen, supported and set up for success at UW-Superior.”

BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS

With input from throughout the campus community, HHP-102 blends science-based wellness education with practical strategies for navigating college life. The curriculum emphasizes time management, stress reduction, self-care and mental well-being – skills that help students build a strong foundation for both academic achievement and personal growth.

Through engaging lesson plans led by instructors and campus partners, students are introduced to essential campus resources and encouraged to develop habits that support a healthy, productive college experience.

“The redesign of the HHP-102 course has allowed our first-year students to see that UW-Superior wants them to be successful and that there are services in place to help them succeed,” said Kim Lebard-Rankila, chair of the Health and Human Performance Department. “By combining campus services with lectures that expand students’ understanding of individual health, functional wellness and mental wellness, students begin to self-assess their behaviors and move toward optimal health. Retention is about students feeling seen, heard and cared about – along with quality course content that’s relevant to their future careers.”

CREATING CONNECTION AND BELONGING

For first-year student Alivia Visger, HHP-102 played a key role in easing the transition to college life.

“The course helped me with foundations for wellness and success,” Visger said. “It helped me adjust to college life by mentally preparing for a different schedule and learning how to manage my time.”

Instructors and student support staff play a pivotal role in helping students make those adjustments. According to Jen Bird, associate dean of students, the course creates opportunities for meaningful connection.

“You could see and hear the ‘ah-ha’ moments as students shared their experiences of transitioning to college,” Bird said. “I also had students make appointments with me after class who specifically said they came because they had met me and knew our office could help.”

LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCE

One of the most memorable components of HHP-102 is a team-building activity developed by Campus Recreation and Student Involvement. The exercise introduces students to leadership concepts and group dynamics through hands-on learning.

Students begin by completing a personality survey based on the Five Factor Model of Personality, which helps them identify individual strengths. They are then grouped into teams and challenged to build a tower using unconventional materials.

Afterward, students reflect on their roles, team interactions and outcomes – drawing connections to future group work in academic and professional settings. The activity promotes self-awareness, collaboration and confidence, encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones.

“This opportunity allows us to introduce ourselves, explain what our programs do and show how students can use them to grow as future leaders,” said Sean Monnier, senior lecturer in the Health and Human Performance Department and recreation program manager for Campus Recreation. “By putting campus faces to names and providing clear pathways for involvement, we help students begin building those critical relationships.”

Monnier said the transformation during the activity is striking.

“Seeing a quiet class of 40 become animated over a silly competition – while also sneaking in a lesson about group dynamics and leadership – has been an absolute joy,” he said. “Once students are given defined strengths and roles, it’s incredible how quickly they adapt, communicate and collaborate to meet their group’s needs.”

A REQUIRED COURSE WITH LASTING IMPACT

HHP-102 is offered both on campus and online each semester and is a required component of all academic majors at UW-Superior. For many students, it becomes an entry point to deeper campus involvement and lasting connections.

“The first-year experience course really helped me connect with other students,” Visger said. “They encouraged me to get out and participate in more activities beyond just class. It was a great foundation to build from, and the instructors were very helpful.”