Pathways - ConNECtions Program
Mission
The ConNECtions Program aims to support the academic and social integration of first-year and transfer students within the New England College community. Emphasis is placed on assisting new students in their transition to college, while also promoting independence, confidence, and active engagement in campus life.
Participants
This goal is accomplished by matching all incoming students with a peer leader and a staff connector who serve as personalized contacts at NEC. All connectors are NEC professional staff members and upper class students who want to help new students feel supported, valued, and challenged in their academic and social pursuits. Peer leaders model active learning, engagement in the NEC community, and generally support new students in taking responsibility for their own success. Participating in ConNECtions provides returning students not only with an opportunity to transform their own college experience, but to positively shape that of their peers as well.
What to Expect from ConNECtor Relationships
Peer Leaders support incoming students in a variety of ways, including:
• Providing information about academic resources and other
support services on campus
• Facilitating connections among new and current students
• Encouraging participation in campus events and
programming
• Answering questions about campus policies
• Learning about Henniker and things to do in the greater
Concord area
Staff ConNECtors support peer leaders and provide guidance to incoming students who prefer to connect with an adult on campus about particular questions or concerns during and after their transition to NEC.
Incoming students can maximize ConNECtor relationships by:
• Actively communicating or meeting regularly with your peer
leader
• Making an effort to get to know your peer leader
• Contacting your staff or peer connector with any questions,
concerns, or needs
• Being open-minded about new ideas, experiences, and
challenges
• Taking advantage of the knowledge and insights your peer
connector can offer to help you meet people, establish
yourself, and get involved in the NEC community
