Why are connections so important?
- Connections allow students to build community, especially in a virtual environment, which is essential to your success at UNCC. Building connections can offer something as simple as a workout partner, a familiar face to join an organization with, or someone who you can lean on for help when you need it. Everyone knows the famous quote, “it’s not what you know, but who you know” but I would suggest challenging that. In college, it’s not about who you know, but who knows you. Building substantial connections with classmates can open up opportunities for leadership activities, LinkedIn references, and even career opportunities!
What are the common methods of connection? 
- College offers many unique opportunities to connect with classmates. When we’re operating in a face-to-face environment, never hesitate to introduce yourself in the classroom, on the basketball court, and even in café. The fact is, when we first arrive to college, everyone is looking for more ways to connect and meet new people. Many students simply fail to take that first step and introduce themselves but if we look at some of the best connections that we’ve made so far, they were once a stranger who we had to connect and communicate with. Your next lifelong connection could be an introduction away!
- GroupMe is another wonderful tool that is extremely popular on college campuses. This messaging platform allows students to create community with one another through creating group chats with people in the same classes, organizations, or group projects that you are in. This app is a perfect way for students to share resources, explain information, receive extra studying help, and enjoy lighthearted moments that happen in classes. While this tool is an important and vital resource for student communication, it is important to always follow UNC Charlotte’s code of Academic Integrity and Student Conduct when using this app. Usually, students will create GroupMe chats and invite students to join them. If no one has sent you an invite, take the initiative to form a group chat with your classmates. Once in the group, simply introduce yourself with your name, major, and classifications and take note of those students with commonalities.
- Student organizations are another perfect way for students to connect and create community here at UNCC. Not only do organizations personally connect you with people who share your common interests, but they also give you the opportunity to indulge in the same activities on campus. This is a perfect way to connect. Depending on the organization, this is a great resource to meet other professional in your field of major and build a Network of people who can help you navigate through your college career more effectively. To connect, I would start with an introduction of yourself and a brief description of your career goals if it is a professional organization. Many people love to talk about their personal aspirations, so this is a perfect way to understand what classmates are truly passionate about.
- Lastly, People on Canvas is another great way to connect with your classmates. On Canvas, you are able to message not only your professor, but also your classmates to create a GroupMe chat or make a study group. This is a great tool to use before classes begin but is also useful in mid-semester situations where any questions or concerns may arise. To connect on Canvas, go to your class homepage and select the People tool. There you can message students and your message will appear in their Canvas notifications.
How to form study groups?
- Study groups are extremely important to students, especially for those who may struggle in more difficult courses. Having a strong and knowledgeable connection of classmates to study with can be extremely important in your ability to succeed in certain courses.
- After we’ve done our best to build community and join or create any class specific GroupMe chats, the next step is to start a study group. This process is as simple as asking one question: “Is anyone available to study for this…” Students who are able and interested in studying will create a schedule that best works with yours. What most students realize is that studying with fellow students who may have picked up on a certain phrase that the professor said or took the best notes is usually the best way to succeed in certain courses because all information is covered.
- This question specifically relates to how comfortable with group work versus distractions that you are as a student. As a rule of thumb, the suggested number of students is 4 or 5 but study groups have been as large as needed. The suggested number works perfectly because it has a wealth of knowledge but is not big enough that distractions overwhelm the studying process.
- This is a question that comes up very often. When forming study groups, what you will expect and accept from people who join your group can be stated very clearly before entering. A discussion of these rules should be discussed in the agenda before the studying process begins. For students who cannot comply, as a host, you have the right to remove them from a GroupMe chat or Zoom meeting. Never hesitate to be direct with exactly what you expect from each student and when rules are made, ensure that both you and each member abides by those rules.
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