Connections really ARE everything

When I look at these images, I see all the different ways that our students explore connections across campus. Over winter break, you may have heard comments such as, “College is going great!” or “I’ve made a lot of friends!” For some students, fostering connections does not come as easy. Perhaps you’ve heard your student describe feelings of isolation or loneliness or express a desire to "find their people.” Maybe they believe it is too late in the academic year to build a community. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

One of my recent readings, “Connections are Everything: A College Student’s Guide to Relationship-Rich Education,” by authors Peter Felten, Leo M. Lambert, Isis Artze-Vega, and Oscar R. Miranda Tapia, explored this topic. Decades of research show us that certain types of college relationships have a more significant impact on student success than we realize. The book identifies three relationships that each student should start with: a friend, a professor, and a member of the college staff.

Data from a poll of 30,000 college alumni showed that those who had at least one professor who encouraged them to pursue dreams, cared for them as individuals, and made them excited to learn, were more than twice as likely as their peers to be thriving professionally and personally, even for years following graduation.

There are so many members of our professional faculty and staff who go above and beyond for our students. If your student has mentioned enjoying a professor’s course, or grown inspired after a professional mentorship, encourage your student to pursue and invest in that relationship. Benefits of a relationship-rich college experience include being better able to advocate for oneself and others, see and understand new perspectives, and experience less stress and more joy in daily life.

As for student-to-student connection, there are opportunities coming up and through spring for students to explore meaningful relationships:

• As we navigate the start of a new spring semester, students will have the opportunity to connect at Winter Weeks of Welcome. Like our fall welcome events, Winter Weeks of Welcome includes fun activities and in-person experiences for students in January. The full schedule is available for download through the Hokies on Track app.
• The Connection Project through Hokie Wellness brings students together to get to know each other while navigating the components of meaningful connections. This growing program is led by facilitators who guide meetings and engaging discussions. Students can sign up for the course through January 26!
• Group exercise courses with Recreational Sports are another way to connect with peers while prioritizing mental and physical health. As spring approaches, the Venture Out program will host opportunities for exploration and activity, celebrating adventure, and education through connection.

Each student’s college experience is entirely different, and that’s the way it should be! We strive to offer a variety of spaces for students on and off campus to explore meaningful moments with their peers, professors, and staff, developing impactful relationships that challenge them in healthy ways while fostering their sense of belonging. This semester is a new opportunity – an opportunity to try new classes, to meet a new mentor, or reach out and make a new friend.

I wish you and your students a wonderful spring semester!