Rutgers-Camden Blog
The Importance of Relationship Building on Campus
DID YOU KNOW that college students who form meaningful connections with others on campus are more likely to persist in school and continue toward graduation? More importantly, establishing relationships within the first two to six weeks of class is especially critical, as it can positively impact students’ level of campus involvement and academic achievement [1,2,3] . Whether you’re a first-year or returning student, a staff or faculty member, or you’ve stumbled upon this blog post later in the semester, there are plenty of opportunities awaiting you to connect with someone!
Benefits of building relationships
Have you ever looked around campus and thought to yourself, “I don’t fit in here”? Many students feel this way if they haven’t yet developed a community of their own. Connecting with other peers, faculty, and staff however, can enhance the sense of belonging and support that you feel at Rutgers-Camden. Finding someone who shares your same interests, culture, or major can expose you to people, events, and activities that you never knew existed. Other reasons to prioritize making connections on campus?
- People will recommend and think of you when unique opportunities arise (think: scholarship opportunities, learning abroad trips, faculty research, speaking engagements, etc.)
- You’ll have more efficient access to resources and support
- It’s easier to ask for letters of recommendation when you need them (think: graduate school, honors societies, internships, and jobs, etc.)
Where to Begin:
If you’re wondering how to go about building these relationships and reaping some of the benefits, here are some simple ways to get started:
- Connect with peers
- Sit next to someone new in class and introduce yourself. Ask a question about last night’s homework or commiserate with one another about that dreaded upcoming exam
- Head to the Engage page and find a student organization or event that tickles your fancy (there are TONS)! Attend a general body meeting or social activity to meet other people with similar interests.
- Conncect with faculty
- Go to your professor’s office hours to discuss course content, get mentoring advice, or ask about research opportunities. Office hours are not as intimidating as they might seem, and most professors would be elated to have a student stop by!
- Faculty tip: Get to know your students better by assigning an introductory discussion post on Canvas at the start of the semester, or incorporating activities into class time that allow you to learn more about them.
- Connect with staff
- If you’re already assigned to a success coach, EOF counselor, or TRiO counselor, make an appointment with them to discuss your goals.
- Head to the Engage page and find an event being hosted by one of the many student support offices on campus (Career Center, VPVA, Residence Life). Introduce yourself to one of the staff members and ask them what services their office provides.
- Staff tip: Attend campus events like the involvement fair, basketball games, etc. and introduce yourself to students. You both may be surprised at what you can learn from striking up a conversation!
Why Not Start Now?
Try introducing yourself at least one new peer, one professor, and one staff member within the next week. Exchange Instagram handles, email addresses, phone numbers or business cards to stay in touch. It’s never too late!
Resources
- 1. Levitz, R., & Noel, L. (1989). Connecting students to institutions: Keys to retention and success. In M. L. Upcraft, J. N. Gardner & Associates (Eds.), The freshman year experience (pp. 65-81) Jossey-Bass Publishers.
- 2. Pascarella, E., & Terenzini, P. (1992). Designing colleges for greater learning. Planning for Higher Education, 20, 1-6.
- 3. Upcraft, M. L., & Gardner, J. N. (1989). A comprehensive approach to enhancing freshman success. In M. L. Upcraft, J. N. Gardner & Associates (Eds.), The freshman year experience (pp. 1-12) Jossey-Bass Publishers.
