Connection is essential for the college experience. ProjectConnect is a campus-wide program that helps connect students as they build their communities on campus. Becoming a campus facilitator and hosting connection groups is a great way to make an impact on student engagement. As plans begin for the spring 2026 groups, additional connection groups and facilitators are needed for the initiative.
ProjectConnect is an evidence-based facilitated program to help build social connection and community on campus. Students get to know a small group of four to six students outside of their social groups over the course of six one-hour sessions to engage in a series of thought-provoking questions and fun activities. These sessions can be offered in-person or virtually.
Trained facilitators lead groups through a step-by-step curriculum that includes question prompts and activities demonstrated to build empathy, connection and friendship. A bit about the program model:
- Each group is four to eight students
- One PCFacilitator (staff or peer)
- Six sessions approximately one hour long. The program suggests the last session could be a service project and/or a social based activity to close it out. These can be weekly or bi-weekly sessions. It’s not recommended going more than two weeks in between.
- Everything is organized and provided, including materials, activities and assessment. You are only facilitating the conversations and building connections with students.
The current population of students, including those incoming, is experiencing loneliness a significantly higher rates than previous. One of the goals is to connect students through building relationships with other students and faculty/staff that care about their wellbeing and success.
If you would like to host a connection group this spring or get involved in the program, you can register for ProjectConnect Facilitator Training coming up from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14.
