Connections program brings new name, new goals to CLP
Upperclassmen and faculty mentors are helping freshmen and transfer students make a successful transition into the university.
By Sarah McNamara
Staff Reporter

Coordinators of a university program for new students have made changes that involve less time in the classroom and increased efforts to explore the campus and community.

The Connections program for freshmen, formerly known as the Chancellor’s Leadership Program, introduces students to the university, said Penny Woodcock, TCU Leadership Center coordinator. The program recognizes how critical the first semester is for new students and is designed to help them make a successful transition from high school to college, she said.

In respect to the college experience, Connections “is all about finding students and faculty members to be mentors who will connect new students with resources and try to give them a little perspective,” Woodcock said.

Woodcock said Connections also makes an effort to include transfer students in the program. She said the program coordinators realize transfer students have already had their first college experience and do not have the same anxiety as freshmen students.

Connections has created separate classes specifically for transfer students to meet their peers and discuss the concerns they have about attending a new university, she said.

In its fourth year, the program has changed more than just its name, Woodcock said.

The program has broadened and become much more interactive with a challenge course designed to encourage teamwork. A scavenger hunt encourages students to discover the available resources on campus, such as career services and student development services.

This fall the program has 50 upperclassmen and faculty sponsors to provide guidance in time management, study skills, campus resources and community service to more than 500 new students, Woodcock said.

Woodcock said the Connections groups only meet once a week 11 times during the semester because students already have many time constraints.

“It’s a time where they can relax, let their guard down, interact and just breathe,” she said.

Laura Metcalfe, a freshman interior design major from Minnesota, said Connections has been more to her than just meeting new people and getting a free T-shirt.

“I’ve enjoyed just finding out more aspects of the university from a student perspective,” Metcalfe said. “It means more coming from someone who has just been where we are.”

Amanda Grantham, junior marketing major, is in her second year as a Connections mentor. She said the best part about her job is seeing how the students grow throughout the semester.

“It’s a scary thing being in a new situation and feeling all alone,” Grantham said. “This is an opportunity to get together with a group going through the exact same things. It’s really comforting to them to know they’re not alone.”