Campus Connect enhances student engagement with new residence hall programs

Rochester, New York – Students at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) now have more opportunities to engage with faculty and peers right where they live, thanks to the Campus Connect program. This initiative brings academic support, career advice, wellness workshops, and social activities directly into residence halls, making it easier for students to participate without having to travel across campus after hours.

Campus Connect offers 14 different programs this semester, each designed to help students build relationships, develop skills, and enhance their college experience. Organizers emphasize the importance of reaching students where they are, instead of requiring them to return to academic buildings after dinner. The goal is to merge academic and residential life, creating a sense of belonging that fosters both personal and professional growth.

Meeting Students Where They Are

One of the main advantages of Campus Connect is its accessibility. By holding sessions in residence hall meeting rooms, students who might not otherwise attend office hours or seek out academic resources have a chance to engage. One evening, a discussion focused on the value of attending office hours, with students asking questions and getting advice they might not have had access to during the day.

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Beyond academics, Campus Connect also helps students form friendships and build a support network. Events often include free food and snacks, which serve as an added incentive for participation. Sessions range from exam prep workshops to leadership development opportunities and even casual game nights.

A Collaborative Effort

The Campus Connect initiative was developed by a committee of administrators and faculty members who aimed to create a stronger sense of belonging among students. The committee included David Bagley, assistant vice president and director of Residence Life; Nicole Boulais, associate vice president for student engagement and community life; Neeraj Buch, dean of undergraduate studies and associate provost for student success; Kory Samuels, associate vice president of Auxiliary Services; and Shelitha Williams, associate vice president for student development.

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Williams highlighted the importance of this collaborative approach, stating, “The engaging and creative programs are a result of this inclusive partnership for the benefit of our students. The close proximity of these resources has offered convenient access for students to engage and be exposed to these resources.”

Building a Community in Residence Halls

Campus Connect aligns with the committee’s broader vision of “live, learn, belong, succeed,” a concept designed to integrate academic and social experiences. This initiative also coincides with ongoing renovations in residence halls, where new “Connection Hubs” serve as centralized spaces for programming and community-building activities. Additional renovations are planned for this summer to further enhance these spaces.

One recent event exemplified the program’s impact. On a snowy evening, Phil Shaw, a senior lecturer for the University Writing Program, hosted a trivia night in Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry Hall. Students answered questions about RIT and Rochester while socializing in a relaxed atmosphere.

Alex Storrs, a first-year cybersecurity major from Marlborough, Conn., attended the event with friends and found it both enjoyable and convenient. “It was quite easy for me to get to the event,” Storrs said. “The tunnels made it easy to get there. It was a lot of fun and I’m definitely glad I went. We even won some prizes.”

Looking Ahead
Campus administrators have been encouraged by the success of the program and the positive feedback from students. Bagley noted the growing use of Connection Hubs and increased engagement with campus resources.

“It’s exciting to see the continued support of the overall residential experience,” Bagley said. “The momentum and feedback will allow us to plan for more programs and events next year, especially when renovations are completed this summer.”

With its focus on accessibility, engagement, and community-building, Campus Connect is proving to be a valuable resource for students at RIT. As the program expands, organizers hope it will continue to enhance student life and contribute to a more connected and supportive campus environment.