UNC-Chapel Hill’s New Student and Family Programs (NSFP) has received the 2025 Something Borrowed, Something New Award issued by the Association of Higher Education Parent/Family Program Professionals (AHEPPP): Family Engagement in Higher Education for its High Fives for Heels initiative.
High Fives for Heels is an event that brings Carolina families together to support students during exam periods. All families are invited to volunteer on campus to pass out snacks, spark conversations with students and send them off to their next study session with an encouraging high-five.
AHEPPP is a national association for higher education professionals who work closely with the families and supporters of college students. The Something Borrowed, Something New Award recognizes a professional or department that has implemented a program based on an idea borrowed from another institution. High Fives for Heels was inspired by the University of Maryland’s “Hugs and High Fives” event.
“Our team recognizes the integral role families and support systems play in the college experience. Working alongside the Carolina Parents Council, staff were inspired to create a new event model that included all Heels, both students and families,” said Jennifer Asouzu, associate director for family programming and communications with NSFP. “Interpreting Maryland’s event as a free engagement experience for families at Carolina was a no brainer! Because of this event, we are able to create connections and center wellness and support.”
High Fives for Heels strengthens the Carolina community by fostering connection and collaboration between students and families. Family members are encouraged to see themselves as active members of campus life, while students who may not have strong familial support systems are reminded that they always have champions cheering them on at Carolina.
For families unable to attend in person, there are several ways to get involved. They can donate snacks for distribution at the High Fives for Heels events or contribute to the Basic Needs Fund, Carolina Parents Fund or Heels Care Network. Each donation and volunteer helps give students the compassion, stability and care they need to feel supported.
“The most valuable part of this event was seeing how much it meant to the students” stated one volunteer. “They were so very thankful and happy. It meant a lot to them. Which made it mean a lot to me.”
The first High Fives for Heels event took place in February 2025, followed by a second event in April. The February event brought together 59 family volunteers, connected with more than 350 students and raised over $9,300 for the Basic Needs Fund. Post-event assessments from April showed that 100% of families were satisfied with the experience, and 75% planned to volunteer with NSFP again.
This fall, the initiative expanded even further. The most recent event on Oct. 3 featured partnerships with Student Wellness and the Dean of Students’ office, offering additional resources, program information and even visits with therapy dogs to help students de-stress between exams.
“Being surrounded by so many people with such great energy is especially nice during this time of the school season. It is such a simple gesture, but it makes a huge difference,” said senior Maddie Andrea.
Since its inception, High Fives for Heels has engaged more than 250 volunteers and distributed thousands of snacks. Through this program, NSFP continues to build cross-campus collaboration and strengthen family engagement, reminding every Tar Heel that they are supported, appreciated and cared for.
Visit the New Student and Family Programs website to learn more.
—Payton Wilkins ‘25