While much of the college experience is centered on going to class, doing homework, writing papers and taking exams, learning can happen in many ways, and take many forms. A student’s college education is influenced by the activities — academic, social, athletic and personal — in which he or she is involved. Student engagement, or a student’s active involvement in his or her school-related activities and experiences, has been directly correlated with students earning better grades, feeling more connected with their faculty and peers, and feeling more satisfied, overall, with their college experience.

Additionally, engaged students are more likely to graduate and are less likely to default on student loan debt — an important fact for the financial aid office.

What are some of the things your school can do to help facilitate student engagement? In general, students should become involved in college activities that interest them and encourage them to communicate with their instructors, and get to know a variety of their peers.

• Provide a variety of opportunities for students to become involved in campus-based activities that interest them, such as intramural athletics, clubs, and service organizations.
• Promote open communication between students and professors and teaching assistants.
• Encourage resident advisors to host activities in the dormitories so that residents can get to know one another.
• Make students feel welcome and supported by offering in-depth orientation seminars or even pairing up incoming students with returning students.
• Offer money and debt management training to students to impart basic financial skills and increase their sense of ownership over their finances.

Helping students become engaged in their higher education experience not only will give them a sense of belonging and help them discover and cultivate their own interests, but also will create responsible graduates.

For more ideas on how to engage your students to prevent default or information on financial literacy training programs, you can contact your TG account representative at (800) 252-9743 or visit TG Online at www.tgslc.org.

Chansone Durden is an account Executive Team Manager with TG serving schools in MASFAA. You can reach Chansone at (800) 252-9743, ext. 2513, or by e-mail.