Submitted by: Jennifer Brewer, jbrewer1@uca.edu on 11/24/2025
A magical time in the semester – students suddenly realize that “maybe I should talk to someone else in class” – preferably the one who has the best notes in the room! A little nudge from us can turn those casual connections into real support systems and help students feel like they truly belong here at UCA.
This week’s Faculty for Successful Students focus is: Help Students Form Peer Connections.
Slide:
Establishing peer connections in college significantly impacts students by enhancing their sense of belonging and support network. Strong relationships with peers provide emotional support, academic collaboration, and social engagement, all of which contribute to improved retention and academic performance.
Faculty Tips to Reinforce Success
Here are a few simple ways you can encourage these habits in your classes:
- Bring your class or group to a Game Night at the Student Success Center (contact Student Success for more information, dates, and times)
- Promote study groups/Study Buddies
- Recommend the StudentLingo workshop on group work
- Incorporate brief opportunities to engage with a partner or small group in class, even if your class does not include collaborative assignments.For example, Pairing and sharing answers to practice problems, discussing assigned readings in pairs or small groups, or formulating questions about lecture material in pairs all provide ways to connect and get to know classmates that can open the door to more substantial peer support.
Resources for You:
Thanks for creating the kind of classrooms where students feel seen, welcomed, and connected. Where students look around your classroom and think, “Okay…these are my people.” Those moments matter more than you know.
✨ Know someone who needs a little inspiration this week? Go ahead…forward this message, inviting them to join our list.
They’ll thank you later!
Center for Excellence in Teaching and Academic Leadership & Student Success Services
https://uca.edu/cetal/faculty-for-successful-students/
