MAKING NEW CONNECTIONS IN THE NEW YEAR!
As a new semester brings new courses, new professors, new assignments, it also provides new opportunities for students to meet new people and make new connections. Assisting students to become more involved and engaged with their campus community can certainly help to widen their social network and develop strong friendships. Day- to- day informal interactions can also set the tone for new relationships to take hold.
According to Kaitlin Bevins, Assistant Dean of Students, “If your student is looking for new ways to get involved there is never a bad time to try something new. The Office of Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership (SAIL) is a good place to start. The staff in the office will help in sharing information about clubs, meeting times and upcoming events. If students are looking to connect with other students not involving a club, I would suggest taking time to just hang out in Slavin Center. It is the campus center and busy all throughout the day with students studying, hanging out, grabbing coffee and spending time in McPhail’s. Students can find ways to connect with others by simply being in the same space. There always seems to be something going on in Slavin– whether it is free food, an event, fundraiser, or bingo.”
Great advice from Kaitlin, for sure. I also want to remind you of two PC websites that, with just one click, can be especially helpful to your students to be aware of upcoming activities, events, and programs.
Student Activities, Involvement & Leadership
This site provides information about clubs and organizations, as well as a complete calendar of events and activities for the semester.
The Center for Orientation, Transitions & Leadership
This office, which provides orientation and summer programming, facilitates programs to foster student development and leadership skills for students once they are on campus.
I hope you will check out these sites, share them with your students, and maybe even give them a little nudge to explore those options they never considered. Finally, remind your students to check their “Morning Mail” email each day. Here they will find a list of all kinds of events including spiritual, academic, athletic, and student life.
