We’re wired to make friends, and the college years can be the time to sow seeds of friendship that continue to flower through the decades after graduation.

Encouraging Student Connections

New opportunities, new interests, new connections, new friendships – they are all key parts of the college experience. If your student is struggling a little to find their people, here are some tips from SNC students, parents and staff.

“Encourage your first-year student to continue communicating with their FYE (First-Year Experience) mentor. They held a meeting with their small groups in early September to check in on how the first week went. And they’ll continue to be at different events that students have to attend for their First-Year Seminar courses. FYE mentors will also try to schedule a one-on-one meeting with all the students in their groups after Long Weekend in early October. Students should also check out our intramural sports, which help provide a healthy lifestyle while also promoting leadership, sportsmanship and interpersonal skills.” – Shelly Mumma, Center for Student Engagement

“One of the best ways I can recommend getting the most out of your time at St. Norbert is not being afraid to ask for help. SNC provides so many different resources for students to utilize, and our campus is full of friendly faces that want to see you succeed. Just remember that you’re never on your own and there’s always someone you can turn to for help.” – Eva Westein ’26

“The transition from high school to college can be challenging for many first-year students. One way to ease the transition is to get involved on campus and utilize the various campus resources to achieve academic success. Students can do this in different ways, including joining clubs and campus organizations, attending speaker events, participating in service learning and research projects, accessing tutoring and Writing Center services, and participating in the ‘Take a Professor to Lunch’ program. Taking advantage of these opportunities early on in a first-year student’s academic journey will help equip students with knowledge and skills to take control of their education, navigate challenges effectively and reach their full potential.” – Joe Webb, Student Affairs

“My advice for first-year students is to join a student organization that they’re interested in. Even just being part of one org really helps you to meet people and get more involved. I joined a social group my sophomore year and it’s where I’ve made some of my closest friends.” – Breeana Zubrod ’24

“Students can participate in service opportunities through our awesome Sturzl Center.” – Cabrini Jablon ’97, Admissions

“First-year students should challenge themselves to go to some kind of event on campus once a week by using resources like SNC News and the What’s on Weekends emails. Plus, spend some time exploring mySNC to see not only events, but also all the organizations on campus in which you could get involved.” – Erin Lamm ’24

“Students could join their residence hall’s community council by contacting their area coordinator, and they should get to know their RA or ALIVE peer ministers. And check out the Center for Student Engagement’s Emerging Leaders program, too.” – Joe Totman, Residential Housing & Education

“We absolutely encourage you to visit your student(s). Students appreciate seeing their family, and now is a time of great fall weather that’s perfect for a picnic outdoors.” – Julie Massey, Student Affairs

Here are a few additional ideas we love that were shared by awesome SNC parents like yourself on the St. Norbert College Parents’ Facebook group.

• “Put up a ‘Let’s eat dinner together’ board in the hallway, where first-years can add their name and join others looking for a buddy to go to dinner with.”

• “While the weather’s nice, encourage them to go outside, play Frisbee golf or just explore the campus.”

• “Have them try to introduce themselves to one new person every day.”

• “We sent our daughter the game Cards Against Humanity. It turned out to be a great icebreaker, and she met a lot of fun people this weekend.”

Last updated Oct. 5, 2023