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Positive relationships in college contribute to students’ academic success, sense of belonging, and personal well-being. This book is designed to help students develop those relationships.

Students can read this book from start to finish, or they can also jump around and read whatever chapters interest them most. Each chapter of the book also includes reflection questions (Ask Yourself…) and suggestions (Try This!) that students can consider on their own or discuss with peers, professors, advisors, or others.

This book has nine chapters, divided into three parts.  After the introduction, the first three chapters make up a section that focuses on how students can start building connections, the common challenges students face in college, and the many strengths students bring with them to college.

Part II has three chapters that describe who students will interact with in college— the peers, faculty, and staff who will help transform their learning and life in college.

The final part of the book has three chapters that explore how relationship accelerators, mentoring conversations, and constellations of connections can deepen and enrich a student’s college experience.

The book closes with a conclusion “Take These Ideas with You,” an afterword by a student and dean about their own relationship, and a set of “College Terms to Know.”