CLASS Connection Hour was an opportunity for students in the College of Arts, Letters and Social Sciences (CLASS) to connect with their peers and faculty members, building their personal and professional networks as they continue their college education.
The event was held on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 9-10 a.m. at the Administration Building of the University of Idaho’s main campus. It was specifically held in Room 112, the office of the CLASS dean, to encourage students to feel comfortable visiting the space in the future.
Sean Quinlan, the Dean of CLASS and a professor of history, was present at the event. According to him, the purpose of Connection Hour and events like it are to create an environment for students that feels like a home, with victories, challenges and resources to aid them whenever they feel they need it.
“I’m always hoping that a college can provide a kind of source of identity and community for our students. This may sound really corny, but I really hope that we can, in our college, create a welcoming community for all of our students so that they feel like it’s home,” said Quinlan.
Many students attended the event, where they were welcomed with free coffee and donuts to enjoy between their morning classes. Students varied in their background, major and year in school, creating a diverse group of individuals.
Several faculty members were also present to engage with students and offer advice, from professors to advisors and beyond.
To promote conversation, a whiteboard at the event read, “Would you rather live without movies/tv or music?” Anyone could put a tally mark under their chosen category. Most agreed they’d live without film.
This question got people talking, and from there, conversation bloomed. At its peak, there was an upward of 30 individuals at once.
“I think just in general, everyone at U of I is super open to connecting and talking,” said Ellie Chester, a sophomore majoring in public relations.
Chester stated that both in and out of class, she’s been able to make some amazing connections. All you have to do is be willing to talk with others.
Chester also stated that she sometimes struggles to learn about events such as this, suggesting that the college might be able to improve its outreach in the future so that more students can get involved.
Any student at Connection Hour was able to meet new people, catch up with friends or build relationships with faculty members that will aid them throughout their time at UI. For some, relationships formed at events like this will live-on even after they graduate.
According to Saffron Brooks, a career consultant and liaison for CLASS as well as the College of Art and Architecture, building connections is one of the most important things someone can do while working towards a career.
Joining a club is one of the primary ways Brooks recommends doing this. Besides a club, even just developing a hobby can be beneficial to your skillset.
“Something that we’re all big proponents of in career services is going and finding a hobby, so we’re big hobby pushers. And joining a club. It can help you with your special interests,” said Brooks.
UI offers over 250 clubs, many of which are hosted by specific colleges at the university.
To explore different opportunities and organizations at UI, visit Engage UIdaho.
“For students who are interested in post graduate work, I really encourage them to be able to reach out to their faculty members and their advisors, not to be afraid to talk about their hopes, dreams, and aspirations,” said Quinlan, who reported that he himself was anxious about reaching out when he was in university.
Connecting with one’s college goes beyond attending small events such as Connection Hour. CLASS specifically hosts several high-profile events throughout the year, which anyone can attend to experience great culture and develop relationships.
More information on CLASS and their events can be found on UI’s CLASS website.
Events are also often posted about on social media, particularly Instagram. The official CLASS Instagram account can be found at @uidahoclass. The official UI Instagram account can be found at @uidaho.
For information on UI’s other eight colleges, visit UI’s academics website .
CLASS, the university’s largest and most diverse college, offers over 40 undergraduate liberal arts degrees. Fields generally focus on creativity or the complexities of human behavior and society. UI’s General Studies Program is also offered through CLASS.
According to Quinlan, the average student will change their major three times over the course of their undergraduate education.
Melanie Knapp can be reached at [email protected].