In conversation with role models
Indeed, the goal of REconnect was not only to reconnect students, but also to increase their connection to the university. "By inviting role models like a dean or the college president, you can show that they are also just people." During those meetings, students were given every opportunity to interact with the guest speakers and ask questions. "About their work, but also about how they talk to people or how they deal with obstacles."
At the beginning and end of the programme, which lasted a total of seven weeks, the researchers had participants fill out a questionnaire. Did the meetings actually help reduce loneliness and increase connection with fellow students and the university? "We know from previous research that low-threshold interaction meetings can lead to improved well-being and social behavior," Vyrastekova explained. "But we didn't yet know whether that also leads to more connectedness to a community, such as the university."
After the first two editions, Vyrastekova can cautiously say that the programme is having an effect. : We don't have a robust data set yet, but based on the completed questionnaires you can see that REconnect has a positive effect: participants start to feel less lonely and experience more satisfaction with their lives."
Meeting people you wouldn’t otherwise meet
Whereas as a researcher Vyrastekova is guarded, as an organiser she sees up close what REconnect can bring students. "They reported feeling welcome again, more part of a larger community. Some students still see each other and others spontaneously organised an additional meeting."
Corona is now over, but loneliness remains a problem among students. That's why the programme continues, this year with support from the Student Affairs department. : Sometimes it takes a little longer to make friends; that can happen to anyone. It becomes problematic when this takes too long and you fall into a negative spiral," Vyrastekova states. "Our programme is designed to prevent that and ensure that people do meet people they wouldn't otherwise meet."
"In collaboration with one of our master's students, Femke Schootstra, and Minke Omlo of Student Affairs, we are building on the experiences of recent years and offering a third round of REconnect starting 29 January 2025."
Vyrastekova is not the first to come up with such an initiative, she emphasises. "Perhaps there are similar initiatives only within the university. We like to get in touch with colleagues who have ideas or want to collaborate. The more platforms there are where people can meet, the better!"
