Any ideas for kids who have trouble meeting other kids?

sorry shouldn’t have used word “kid” !!! Meant students.

Janet...I would go to welcome spaces such as SGA clubs that align with their major to open and fun environments such as Rowan After Hours or Student University Programmers events (all offered by Student Center & Campus Activities). Additionally all students have access to the campus rec facilities and programs (using the gym, taking group fitness, join one of the 47 student run sport clubs - recreational and competitive), join an intramural sports team. I would say it take a bit of bravery though and to put themselves out there and there could still be people willing to befriend them, or others may be like them seeking social connections. If they live on campus, hopefully the RA can connect them to other residents or programs/events. For commuters there is a club called CAR (commuters at Rowan).

Also based on their social interests, their may be gaming clubs (board games, esports) or other activities. You just have to find them, and most are going to be welcoming to new students. We will see plenty of transfers coming in the Spring so they will be working to also connect socially on campus so they may connect with your students.

https://rowan.campuslabs.com/engage/organizations

georgek@rowan.edu

Thank you very much. I greatly appreciate all of your ideas and will pass them along to my freshman daughter. Rowan has terrific support so thank you!

https://sites.rowan.edu/oca/careerevents.html

As I mentioned we are one of the largest employers and we stress career readiness and employability. Being employed gives you access to another 199 friends in campus rec as well as getting paid, learning skills such as communications skills, conflict resolutions, problem solving, customer service, etc. We just had a winter banquet and had 120 students voluntarily show up to celebrate...so consider that for your student in making social connections.

https://sites.rowan.edu/rec/staff_and_employment/applications.html

Maya Angelou quote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid.From the bottom of the hierarchy upwards, the needs are: physiological (food and clothing), safety (job security), love and belonging needs (friendship), esteem, and self-actualization.Needs lower down in the hierarchy must be satisfied before individuals can attend to needs higher up.

There are so many students registered and many are hidden disabilities, so encourage students to ask for accommodations if needed. https://sites.rowan.edu/accessibilityservices/index.html

We all need to realize that when students communicate or disclose with a faculty that they are not well, that should be seen as a strength/bravery, not a weakness. Faculty can thank them for letting them know and be flexible and share resources to help the student.

Strive to Thrive Newsletters are sent every 2 weeks with events, articles or reflections. https://sites.rowan.edu/studentaffairs/initiatives/well-being/newsletters.html

Very reassuring to know our son has such supportive faculty, in addition to large variety of resources. We explored some of these resources on main website but your insights into available resources and into issues and situations students are coping with have been invaluable! You all made such great points! Thank you for taking the time to share with us.

https://sites.rowan.edu/studentaffairs/initiatives/well-being/more-information/index.html

Thank you for your words!

Thank you all!