September 14, 2021

Co-Curricular Transcripts: An Important Compass of College Life

September 14, 2021/ Lucie-Kay Desthuis-Francis

The academic transcript has traditionally been the blueprint of a student’s accomplishments. However, it does not completely reflect the learning experience of college life. More importantly, it is not the best indicator of student success or career readiness.

Colleges and employers are increasingly taking a more holistic view of the college experience. Therefore, co-curricular transcripts are becoming commonplace and the technology around them is evolving.

September 07, 2021

Fall Fun in '21! Inspiring Ideas for Outdoor & Virtual Campus Events

September 07, 2021/ Stephanie Chandra

27 Inspiring Ideas for Outdoor & Virtual Events this Fall

For many, one of the most beloved times of the year is fall. A brand new school year full of possibilities, an emergence of vibrant colors, flavors, and crisp, cool air. What’s not to love?

This year may look different for many college students following COVID-19 guidelines, but there are still many ways to take advantage of this beautiful season!

August 31, 2021

Make New Social Connections on Campus: Expand Your World

August 31, 2021/ Lucie-Kay Desthuis-Francis

Social connection is a core human need. Having a strong support network is essential to building a sense of belonging. Research shows the positive correlation between social connectedness and overall wellbeing, resilience, and life satisfaction.

For students, a feeling of belonging is a key predictor of student engagement, retention, and success. Social connections provide students with the emotional and academic support they need to thrive.

Regular social interaction helps develop meaningful and lasting relationships. There are plenty of stories of college friends starting a business together, and I personally have several friends who met their significant other in college. Even some of the more short-term connections can provide long-term benefits.

Having a strong support network helps students feel less isolated. It helps them realize that they are not alone in experiencing stress and anxiety. Social connectedness also helps prevent student burnout and contributes to higher student retention rates.

August 24, 2021

COVID-19 As a Catalyst for Change on Campus

August 24, 2021/ Kathryn Warren

COVID-19 As a Catalyst for Change on Campus

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Students are registering for classes, buying books, and packing their bags. Residential Assistants are feverishly working on bulletin boards and door decorations. Student Affairs staff are training student leaders, coordinating arrival logistics, and putting the finishing touches on their Welcome Week programs. The new academic year is upon us and many colleges are welcoming students to campus for the first time since Spring 2020.

August 10, 2021

New But Not: Supporting Sophomores in 2021

August 10, 2021/ Bridget DuBrey

New But Not: Supporting Sophomores in 2021

My sophomore year was hard. I had just been dumped by my boyfriend, which meant I needed to find a whole new friend group. I was transitioning into my role as an RA and trying to get more involved with organizations on campus. I felt pressured to declare a major and wasn’t sure what my career path would be.

But I had been on campus before. I knew my way to most of my classes and I knew which dining halls had the best food. I had already survived my first year in a residence hall and developed study techniques that didn’t require parental encouragement.

August 03, 2021

Strategies to Make Your Hybrid Events a Success!

August 03, 2021/ Lucie-Kay Desthuis-Francis

Hybrid events have become the “new normal” for many campuses. While no longer a necessity, many colleges have seen them as an asset from both an event management and student engagement standpoint.

July 27, 2021

12 Tips to Support First Year Students on Your Campus

July 27, 2021/ Stephanie Chandra

12 Tips to Support First Year Students on Your Campus

There’s no denying it. Freshman year is hard.

The transition between a regimented, organized senior year of high school (living at home and learning in a structured environment) to the first year of college (where built-in frameworks may no longer exist) can be an enormous challenge for many people.

From geographic moves, unfamiliar faces, new living situations, and unexpected social and academic expectations, it can be pretty intimidating for first-year students trying their best to adapt. It’s no wonder that far more students enroll as freshmen than walk across the graduation stage four years later.