Well-known author and researcher, Brene Brown, has stated that as human beings, we are “hard-wired for connection.”  This human need for connection has become even more evident in our students’ lives post-COVID as we have seen more of them struggle to make friends and reach out for help from faculty and staff, and the number who are experiencing social anxiety continues to rise.

In addition, other researchers have suggested that authentic connection is needed more than ever in a society that is ruled by technology as it is now the main way students communicate, display emotion, and make decisions. For many of them this constant electronic connection seems great, but it actually comes at a cost as our students of today’s generation are losing the capacity for empathy.  The ability to empathize is a valuable skill when working with people and trying to solve problems.  If students do not have this skill and have no place to develop it, they may really struggle in college, in the workplace, and in life. 

To assist students with creating these needed connections the Student Connection Programs area within the Highlander Success Center is focusing on building programs and offering opportunities for connection for first year students, second year students, commuter students, and transfer students.   Our current initiatives include Quest, the University 100 course, the Commuter Resource Guide, and Radford’s living learning communities with many more in development.  Our programs use a holistic approach to help students connect all areas of their lives including academics, co-curricular experiences, social interactions, and career plans. By helping students have intentional, purposeful connections with faculty, a key contributor to student success; experiential learning opportunities where they can apply their learning through undergraduate research, service projects, and exposure to new people and experiences; and encouraging small group interactions with their peers, Student Connection Programs enable students to find a sense of belonging on campus and create a comprehensive plan for success.

Encourage your student to seek out the programs and opportunities the Student Connection Programs offers throughout the year.  We cannot wait to meet them!

My name is Cannon Zylonis. I am from Culpeper, Virginia, and I chose Radford because I saw the pride that both my father and brother shared from their experiences here. Coming to Radford and meeting so many and seeing what is truly here to offer has really shown me why they love it so. From meeting and knowing people all across campus and within clubs and fraternity and sorority life the pride here is very present and truly inspiring. It pushes me to be more open and try so many new things. 

I am a double major in both business management and marketing, I am planning on graduating this upcoming Spring of 2023 and am very excited for the opportunities that await!

During my time here at Radford I have tried to get involved wherever I can and the place that I feel has been the most impactful is my greek life experience here at Radford. Since becoming a member of Theta Chi fraternity and joining the Inter Fraternal Council as Secretary I have aimed to meet as many as I can and get them involved so they too can enjoy the amazing people and opportunities provided. 

This University has been truly impactful in so many aspects of my life, the biggest and my personal favorite is the opportunities to give back to the community and multiple charities such as donating to the USO, giving to Toys for Tots, and many more. It is opportunities like these that make me proud and push me to be a better version of myself each day.

My biggest advice to any incoming student is to truly push yourself and meet new people, whether in the classroom, the gym, fraternity and sorority life, a club on campus, or anywhere you find yourself on campus. Opportunity is around every corner and so are friends for life that you will find impact you so much more than you could ever expect. So, get excited and talk to them all, push yourself even when it seems uncomfortable or impossible. Radford makes it possible! One Love!