Did you know?
- 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.
- Chronic loneliness has the equivalent health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
'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 4-7 people from outside of their usual social circles. The group meets for five consecutive one-hour sessions, plus one reunion activity, where members get to know each other through a series of fun and thought-provoking questions and engage in a small connection project.
Why do faculty and staff love 'Cats Connect?
Why do students love 'Cats Connect?
Spring 2026
Participants can select in-person (on the Manhattan campus) or virtual meetings (via Zoom). There are two sessions to choose from:
- Session 1 will meet weekly the week of Feb. 9, through the week of March 9.
- Register for Session 1 by Tuesday, Feb. 3.
- Session 2 will meet weekly the week of March 30, through the week of April 27.
- Register for Session 2 by Tuesday, March 24.
The participant registration form includes a space to submit availability for meeting times.
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.
Session 1 facilitator training dates:
- 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, room 218 of the Leadership Studies Building
- 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, room 218 of the Leadership Studies Building
Session 2 facilitator training dates:
- 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 24, room 218 of the Leadership Studies Building
- 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Mar. 25, room 218 of the Leadership Studies Building
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? Read 101 ways to create connection and community at this link, a blog from Project Connect.
'Cats Connect is sponsored by the Morrison Family Center for Student Well-being, Human Resources and the Staley School of Leadership. For more information, email Josie Brooks at josie22@ksu.edu.