'Cats Connect

 

'Cats Connect is a peer-facilitated program designed to build social networks and community on campus. Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate.

Our mission: Building our K-State community through deep, meaningful conversation and connection

Participants are placed in a group of 4-6 people from outside of their social groups. The group meets for six one-hour sessions, where members will get to know each other through a series of fun and thought-provoking questions and engage in a small connection project.

Fall 2024

• Session 1: Sept. 16 - Oct.14 | Sign up by Tuesday, Sept. 10
• Session 2: Oct. 21 - Nov. 18 | Sign up by Tuesday, Oct. 15

Facilitators

Each group will be led by a facilitator, who is also a member of the group. They take a leadership role to help the group work through the activities. All facilitators will receive ‘Cats Connect training. Sign up to be a facilitator for Session 1, by Friday, Sept. 6.

Training sessions will be offered:

• 9-10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9, Leadership Studies Building room 201
  
• 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, Leadership Studies Building room 201

Faculty and Staff

This program is open to all K-Staters - including our faculty and staff. Use the participant signup button above and you will be placed in a group with other professionals across the University. Learn more from faculty and staff who have participated in this short video.

Participant Signup

Facilitator Signup

Group Signup

Nominate Someone to Participate

'Cats Connect is sponsored by the Morrison Family Center for Student Well-being and the Staley School of Leadership. For more information email Jeneen LeMay at jalemay@ksu.edu and Tamara Bauer at tamara@ksu.edu.

Why 'Cats Connect?

• Social connection is the single most important protective factor for preventing suicide.
• Good relationships help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Good relationships are the strongest predictor of happiness!
• Positive relationships—with students, staff, or faculty—help students graduate and create a better student experience overall.

Project Connect

This program is part of a national experience called Project Connect. Students on other campuses around the nation love this program.

• 98% of previous participants said they would recommend it to a friend
• 95% said they would like to participate again themselves

Looking for more ways to create connection? Check out 101 ways to create connection and community, a blog from Project Connect.