WISHES Launch Lab

The Fall 2023 Application Deadline Has Passed

WISHES was developed to provide institutions with the data they need to effectively respond to emerging student wellbeing needs and to adapt and improve their institution’s norms, structures, and processes in support of achieving better and more equitable wellbeing. We can no doubt progress faster when working together. Institutions that use WISHES are invited to participate in an improvement community with other colleges and universities working together to build data infrastructure, through the use of WISHES, and to use data effectively to transform campus systems that enable all students to thrive and flourish.

The key word is ACTION. Embracing an “all teach, all learn, all lead” philosophy, this action-oriented community focuses on working together to create intentional, impactful change, guided by WISHES data, to advance equitable wellbeing.

About the WISHES Launch Lab

The WISHES Launch Lab is a 4 month, cohort-based collaborative learning experience for institutions that are new to administering WISHES. The WISHES Launch Lab focuses on building foundational knowledge and skills for effectively using WISHES data to improve student wellbeing outcomes.  Topics include:

  1. The different measures WISHES can assess
  2. Strategies for how to effectively administer WISHES
  3. How to interpret your WISHES data
  4. How to use your data to improve your institution’s norms, structures, and processes that influence wellbeing
  5. How to inspire partners to action by telling a compelling story with your WISHES data

When is the Launch Lab offered? 

The WISHES Launch lab is offered in the Fall semester, starting in September.  This is a cohorted experience so institutions cannot start mid-Lab.  

Who Should Participate

Institutions that have signed and returned the WISHES Terms of Use are encouraged to participate in the WISHES Launch Lab.

Institutions interested in participating in the Launch Lab will be expected to assemble a team.  Anyone from your institution who will be involved in the administration of WISHES, analysis and interpretation of the data, and/or use of WISHES data is strongly encouraged to participate.   No experiences with data are necessary.  

Cost

There is no cost to participate. 

Requirements for Participation

  • Agree to the the Terms of Use, which must be signed prior to participation in the Launch Lab.
  • Administer the Wellbeing Improvement Survey for Higher Education Settings (WISHES) at least twice in the Fall Semester.
  • Form a multi-disciplinary improvement team.
    • Your team is expected to include a minimum of 3 people. Anyone from your institution who will be involved in the administration of WISHES, analysis and interpretation of the data, and/or use of WISHES data is strongly encouraged to participate. No experiences with data are necessary.
    • We strongly recommend that teams include representation from at least two different functional areas across the institution, such as student affairs, institutional research, academic affairs, faculty, student success, DEI, teaching and learning, student life, and student health.
  • Submit brief progress reports each month to facilitate problem-solving and accelerate learning and improvement across participating colleges and universities.
  • Participate in two onboarding webinars in September and monthly calls September – December.
  • All team members are expected to participate in all calls.
    • September 21, 2023
      1:00-3:00 PM ET
    • September 28, 2023
      1:00-3:00 PM ET
    • October 19, 2023
      1:00-2:30 PM ET
    • November 16, 2023
      1:00-2:30 PM ET
    • December 14, 2023
      1:00-230 PM ET
    • January 11, 2024
      12:00-3:00 PM ET

How to Join

  1. Submit the signed WISHES Terms of Use
  2. Complete a brief application by August 15th.