SALINA — At Kansas State University at Salina classes are already small, professors and students get to know one another, and there are ample opportunities for students to get involved in activities they are passionate about.
But this semester, K-State Salina has made a student’s campus experience even more personal.
An organized learning group, known as the CAT Community, was launched this semester. CAT stands for connecting across topics, as students from various majors are brought together to experience college life.
The pilot program was purposely kept small and narrowly focused with 12 students from the professional pilot program and engineering technology programs, and their community mentor, Scott Mall, sophomore in professional pilot, Clay Center.
All of the students take General Psychology from the same instructor and are enrolled in either Intro to Aviation or Freshman Engineering Seminar, depending on their major. They also live on the same floor in the K-State Salina residence halls to help foster the community experience.
The CAT Community is part of the new K-State First initiative, which is designed to create an outstanding university experience for every first-year student at K-State, according to Dixie Schierlman, associate dean of student life at K-State Salina.
“The program provides new students with a transition to college-level learning and college life in four important ways,” she said. “It fosters campus community and feelings of belonging, offers opportunities for diverse activities and interactions, raises academic expectations with engagement and compassion, and empowers students with a strong sense of personal responsibility and social agency.”
Students involved are enjoying the program.
David Williams, freshman in professional pilot, Wichita, said, “It helps you stay on track and focus. It’s a great program to help you achieve things in college.”
The program focuses on more than academic success.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet people,” said Jamie Arnel, freshman in professional pilot, Wichita. “It’s for people who want to get involved, make friends and have people around to help you understand things.”
Trevor Baker, freshman in mechanical engineering technology, Washington, signed up after his adviser mentioned it when he was enrolling. “I liked that it would give me a chance to do community service and meet people,” Barker said.
Not all of the students’ learning takes place in the classroom.
“They had us take a personality test to learn about your own personality,” Baker said. “I learned I was an extrovert and how in a working community you need extroverts and introverts. I need people to slow me down and make me think.”
The group also spends time together when it isn’t for class or a study group. They hold impromptu videogame tournaments, make late-night trips to a local restaurant for half-price appetizers, and pop in and out of one another’s rooms.
“It’s great that we’re all within shouting distance of one another,” Arnel said.
As the academic year progresses, the CAT Community members will work as a team to create a video promoting K-State Salina and encouraging future students to take part in the learning community.
Other students participating in the program are:
Joseph Allen, freshman in electronic and computer engineering, Derby; Jarrod Rathbun, freshman in digital media, Ellsworth; Josh Jensen, freshman in engineering technology, Gypsum; Tyler Bohl, freshman in mechanical engineering technology, Phillipsburg; Baylen Edelman, freshman in mechanical engineering technology, Sabetha; Brock Bowen, freshman in professional pilot, Topeka; and Brian Seitz, freshman in engineering technology, Wichita.
From out of state:
Omokolade Osinubi, freshman in professional pilot, Atlanta, Ga.; and Seaton Owensby, freshman in professional pilot, Nixa, Mo.
Assisting Schierlman on a steering committee are Danielle Brown, academic services coordinator for student support services; Teresa Hartman, instructor of math; Les Kinsler, professor of computer systems technology; Kaleen Knopp, instructor of English; Joel Matthews, instructor of psychology and campus counselor; Alysia Starky, assistant dean of academics and library director; and Jacquelyn Wood, academic services adviser.
Prepared by Natalie Blair