Building Community Beyond the Classroom

Promoting Faculty-Student Interactions Through a Mini-Grant Program

Bibliographic Data

ID17817547
AuthorsTammy Wyatt (0009-0008-8608-1476, The University of Texas at San Antonio, corresponding author), Amy Buechler-Steubing (The University of Texas at San Antonio), Claudia Rueda (0000-0001-9796-6650, The University of Texas at San Antonio), Sapna Naik (0000-0001-9668-4643, The University of Texas at San Antonio), Haley Craig (The University of Texas at San Antonio), Brandy Barksdale (The University of Texas at San Antonio)
Year2026
Volume63
Issue3
Pages1-12
Publication date2026-04-23
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Student Affairs Research and Practice (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1949-6605 • E-ISSN: 1949-6591
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/19496591.2026.2639447
OpenAlexW7155362625
LanguageEN
References cited22

In response to the isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, The University of Texas at San Antonio launched the Connect & Thrive Mini-Grant Program to rebuild campus community and foster belonging—especially for students who began college remotely. This low-cost initiative funds faculty-led, small-group activities outside the classroom. Since inception in 2022, 1,200+ students have participated, reporting stronger connections with peers, faculty, and the university. The program demonstrates a scalable, innovative approach to community building and student engagement.

Community education · Community organization · Focus group · Higher education · Program evaluation · Qualitative research · Higher Education Practises and Engagement · Higher Education Research Studies · Service-Learning and Community Engagement

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