The Importance of Building Community at Small Colleges

Building a sense of community is crucial for small colleges, where students, faculty, and staff can connect on a more personal level. The close-knit environment allows for high-touch and high-impact interactions, where relationships are built and nurtured. Community building extends beyond the campus to the surrounding town or city, as small colleges often become integral parts of their local communities. This emphasis on community helps students feel valued and supported, while also fostering connections with faculty, staff, and even parents and alumni. However, with challenges such as declining enrollments and limited resources, small colleges must find innovative ways to prioritize community building and make it a central part of their mission.