Faculty are the single most important group offering learning experiences for students at colleges. Working effectively with them should be your student’s top priority. Connecting with faculty not only enhances a student’s college experience but can open doors to mentorship, research opportunities, and career guidance.
Academic Success Through Connecting With Faculty
Positive relationships with faculty can significantly boost academic performance. We know through research that students who feel supported by their professors are more likely to attend classes, engage in discussions, and seek help when struggling. A 2018 Gallup-Purdue Index study revealed that students who had a professor who cared about them and encouraged their goals were three times more likely to thrive after college.
Connecting with faculty is so important that while I directed a scholars program for a public college, I required my first-year students to introduce themselves to all of their faculty members during the first two weeks of school. This usually scared the living daylights out of the new students, but immediately distinguished them to the faculty members as serious students.
Faculty members also serve as academic role models, demonstrating critical thinking, discipline, and problem-solving skills that inspire students to excel. When students feel their professors are invested in their success, they are more motivated to put effort into their studies. This leads to higher grades and better learning.
Faculty Mentorship
Faculty members are uniquely positioned to mentor students, and help them navigate both academic and professional paths. This may be key for first-generation students or those from underrepresented backgrounds. And this mentoring can show them how college works, improve their retention rates, and provide valuable advice on choosing majors or career fields. This was a prime focus of our scholars program which had superior results in terms of retention and graduation rate.
Faculty mentors also write recommendation letters for graduate schools, scholarships, or job applications. These letters are more impactful when written by professors who know the students personally. As a result, they can provide detailed accounts of their strengths, accomplishments, and potential. Connecting with faculty is the only way to ensure that they can write strong letters for your student.
Research and Networking Opportunities
Having strong positive connections with faculty members also leads to research opportunities with them, as well as internships and other co-curricular activities. Many professors seek motivated students to assist in their research, offering hands-on experience in their fields. This is a valuable way for students considering graduate school or competitive careers to distinguish themselves from their peers.
Additionally, professors often have extensive professional networks. Students who build strong connections with them may be introduced to potential employers, collaborators, or industry experts. These introductions can be instrumental in securing internships and jobs after graduation.
How To Encourage Connecting with Faculty
With all the challenges students face while transitioning to college, having faculty members in their corner who provide guidance and encouragement can make all the difference. A supportive faculty relationship can also reduce feelings of isolation, particularly for students far from home or those struggling to adapt to college life. So, how can you encourage your student to make those important connections?
First, make sure they understand that asking for help from their faculty is the norm, not the exception. Faculty members have office hours every week where they mostly hear crickets from students until right before an exam. When your student attends office hours when they need help—even a small amount—faculty members take notice.
Another strategy is to encourage your student to respond to questions in class. Remember the crickets I mentioned earlier? That’s a common response when faculty ask for student responses or comments in class. A great way for your student to connect positively with their teachers is to be the one who answers the questions. Even if their response is incorrect (one thing your student is understandably terrified about!) the faculty member will likely appreciate the chance to play off of that response and continue teaching.
Students may also approach the faculty they’re close to when they hit academic setbacks or personal crises. In situations like this, professors can offer advice, resources, or accommodations to help students persevere. Their support can foster resilience and reinforce a student’s belief in their ability to overcome obstacles. But they can only provide that support when they know the student well and have a positive investment in their future.
Conclusion
Building relationships with professors is one of the most valuable yet underappreciated aspects of college life. By fostering open communication, offering practical advice, and supporting their independence, you can empower your student to make these important connections, and make the most of college.