How Colleges Can Cultivate Relationships to Improve the Student Experience
Nov 8, 2023
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Author Ana Homayoun discusses cultivating relationships for student success in higher ed, focusing on social connections, soft skills development, and redefining success beyond grades. Topics include networking challenges, intergenerational relationships, and fostering meaningful connections in college.
Success in higher ed goes beyond academics to include networking, mentorship, and life skills development.
Colleges must prioritize student well-being and resilience through intentional relationship building and soft skill development.
Diverse social connections enhance student mental health by reducing anxiety from overlapping social circles.
Institutions need to address communication and soft skills deficiencies by offering practical training and coaching.
Deep dives
The Importance of Moving Beyond Transactional Socialization in College Connections
College students need to move beyond transactional socialization to form meaningful connections. Adults often struggle with students directly asking for mentorship, leading to a lack of guidance on both ends. Author Ana Hamayun emphasizes student success beyond grades and admissions, highlighting the importance of supporters and clarifiers, which includes mentors and sponsors. Creating deliberate opportunities for students to develop relationships is crucial.
Well-being and Resilience as Critical Elements of Student Success
Student success now involves factors beyond academic and financial elements. Discussions with experts emphasize the significance of well-being and resilience in student achievement. Colleges historically addressed these aspects through health services but need to focus on proactive approaches. Building intentional frameworks for students to develop personal connections and life skills is now essential.
The Value of Multiple Circles of Connection for Student Well-being
Having multiple circles of non-overlapping connections is crucial for students' mental health and social dynamics. Friendships that span different groups reduce anxiety related to overlapping social circles. Creating diverse connections, such as with family friends or peers from different environments, offers a protective buffer in social interactions. Colleges can support students in fostering varied relationships to enhance their overall well-being.
Enhancing Communication and Interpersonal Skills in College Students
Colleges face a challenge in developing students' communication and soft skills, which are often overlooked in those with high cognitive intelligence. The pandemic has exacerbated skill deficiencies, leading to issues like poor email writing and meeting attendance. Institutions need to offer faculty training and coaching to address these shortcomings, emphasizing practical skill building in written and interpersonal communication.
Creating Intentional and Meaningful Networking Opportunities in Higher Education
To foster meaningful connections in college, intentional networking initiatives are crucial. Encouraging students to ask about others' career stories and providing insights into potential job opportunities are essential. College environments should promote diverse connections and intergenerational relationships, both in academic settings and extracurricular activities. Developing a culture of shared social capital and authentic networking experiences can enhance students' long-term success.
Deep, Collaborative Hands-On Projects for Meaningful Student Engagement
Implementing collaborative, real-world projects across diverse academic disciplines enhances student engagement and critical thinking skills. Examples like digital transformation hubs offer students practical experiences and problem-solving opportunities. By involving students from various backgrounds in hands-on initiatives, colleges can foster teamwork, innovation, and relationship-building among peers. Meaningful projects that transcend traditional coursework encourage holistic skill development and prepare students for professional success.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity in Social Interactions on College Campuses
Facilitating intentional diversity and inclusivity in social environments at colleges is essential to foster meaningful connections across different backgrounds. Initiatives such as club memberships, campus jobs, and extracurricular activities should focus on bringing together students from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Promoting intergenerational relationships and intercultural dialogue in public spaces can break down barriers and cultivate a sense of community among students. Prioritizing inclusivity in student interactions contributes to a more supportive and diverse campus environment.
Author Ana Homayoun joins hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn to discuss her new book "Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admission." They ask what other measures for success should we consider for a student in higher ed beyond academics. The conversation explores expanding one’s social circles, networking, finding mentors, and developing life management skills. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.
Key Moments
00:00 - Introduction
05:41 - Intentional College Experiences and Connections
09:31 - College Social Connections and Their Impact On Economic Mobility
16:34 - College Students' Soft Skills and How Colleges Can Help
20:12 - Redefining Success In College And Beyond
25:33 - Education And Career Goals With Ana Homayoun
26:39 - College Students' Networking Challenges and Strategies
31:34 - Networking, Career Advice, and Hands-on Learning.
35:46- Intergenerational Relationships and Connecting Students Across Differences
