Social connectedness is the feeling of belonging, being valued, and having meaningful relationships with others, which is a fundamental human need vital for both physical and mental health, resilience, and longevity.  It goes beyond objective social network size to encompass the subjective experience of feeling close to others, feeling cared for, and being an accepted part of a group or community.

We are sensitive to all students regarding their backgrounds and individual differences. We believe that by recognizing and affirming individual differences, as well as recognizing the commonalities of the human experience, we can better help students navigate a sometimes misunderstanding world.