Whether it’s due to the challenges of transitioning to a new environment, shyness, or other reasons, students may experience some form of social isolation during their college experience. While this can be a normal part of student development, it can also be a symptom of deeper concerns such as depression.

We’ve listed some resources ranging from opportunities for building connections and sense of belonging to academic support and counseling.

Socialization Opportunities

The following web pages will take you to places where students will have opportunities to connect to other students in areas of interest. While these resources can’t directly address social isolation, they can suggest events or activities for your student to meet others.

  • Student Organizations and Clubs – This site lists all of the different clubs and activities on campus that your student can join to meet new students.
  • CCCE – Your student can visit the Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE) to find organizations that your student can be a part of to connect with the Northfield community.

Peer Leaders

The following peer leaders are great resources for your student to go to in order to connect with different groups of people on campus. RAs are especially focused on building a sense of community so going to them first is recommended. The resources following RAs are other helpful resources, offering guidance to students on relevant groups, activities, or events on campus.

  • RAs – Resident Assistants (RAs) are a great starting point for your student. One of RAs’ goals is to build a sense of community on their floor so having your student reach out to their RA, by either sending them a quick email or visiting their room on your student’s floor when they’re on duty, would be a great place to start.
  • SAPB – Students on the Student Activities Programming Board (SAPB) from the Student Activities Office (SAO) could give your student some insight into upcoming events and activities on campus.
  • OPLs – OIL Peer Leaders (OPLs) from the Office of Intercultural Life (OIL) can help your student connect with people or clubs sharing similar interests and backgrounds. If your student is a first-year, they can sign up to join an OPL mentor and group to guide their transition into Carleton.
  • TRIO Peer Leaders – TRIO Peer Leaders can help your student with the social and cultural transition into Carleton.

Professional Staff & Resources

While peer leaders can help your student find events and clubs that relate to your student’s interest, professional staff and other resources can help address your students’ social isolation concerns in a more official manner.

  • SHAC – Even though social isolation might be normal to experience when transitioning to a new environment, social isolation could also be a symptom of another concern, namely depression. In that case, having your student visit Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) may benefit your student.
  • Dean of Students Office – If your student’s social isolation interferes with their academic work, then consulting with their class dean could be helpful.
  • Chaplain’s Office – Should your student wish to seek pastoral counseling, another confidential source on campus in addition to counselors at SHAC, then visiting a chaplain may also be beneficial.
  • Academic Support Center – This set of programs and services supports students in achieving their academic goals. ASC resources include one-to-one tutoring in writing, math, and other subjects; prefect sessions (informal group review sessions for particular courses); and coaching in learning strategies and time management.