Campus Events Build Student Confidence and Support Retention for Future Success

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) calendar is filled with events and activities for students to build community and make connections. But these opportunities are more than just fun and games. They help students feel supported, strengthen interpersonal and leadership skills, and build a sense of belonging that can make a meaningful difference in whether students persist and succeed. 

In a study by the Institute for Higher Education Policy, which surveyed 1,400 university students, researchers found that those who reported a stronger sense of belonging also had higher retention rates. The study also found that students received better grades when faculty used practices designed to foster belonging.  

The connection between student engagement and retention also applies to adult learners. The Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) reported that making connections and creating a “Culture of Caring” contributes to a student’ retention and academic success. Students who have more academic and social interaction are also more likely to complete their programs.  

At CSM, the Student Life Office, part of the Division of Student Excellence and Success, helps students to feel welcome and build momentum by hosting special events and supporting student-led organizations. CSM student Joiner-Serenity Williams has participated in several campus events and said they have helped her make new friends and feel more engaged with campus life.   

“Being involved gives students a chance to meet other people and step outside of their comfort zone,” Williams said. “When classes become stressful, having a strong community around you can make college feel easier and help you keep going.”  

CSM Student Life organizes about 15-20 events throughout the academic year at each of the college’s four campuses to provide a relaxed setting for students to get to know their peers and have fun. In September, Student Life hosted bingo, trivia, and a movie screening, with those events scheduled again in October.  

Students can also participate in Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), which host their own events and activities throughout the year catered to a variety of interests, from art, music, and theater to video games, sustainability, academic success, and engineering. During the 2025-2026 academic year, there were 17 RSOs. 

Student Life Assistant Director Courtney Kimble Hawkins said providing a space for students to connect outside of the classroom can help them to build relationships and seek support from one another.  

“We want to foster a campus environment that runs deeper than just going to class,” Hawkins said. “These events and organizations give students a foundation to build a support system so they can feel comfortable asking for help when they need it, from faculty and staff, and from one another. It’s exciting to see students grow as they become more involved on campus, build confidence, and have the drive to continue their academic careers.”  

CSM student Oreoluwa Famojuro said his involvement with campus events has helped him to feel comfortable making friends, sharing resources, and finding the confidence to get through academic challenges.  

“When school gets stressful, it helps to have people you can talk to and activities to be involved in,” Famojuro said. “Knowing that school comes first, but still taking time to attend events and get involved, helps me get through the hard classes and stay motivated.”  

Student Life is working to increase the number of events hosted at each campus throughout the year and increase student involvement. This year, CSM launched The Flock, an app for students to chat, learn about upcoming events, join clubs, and access announcements.  

Student Development Dean Michelle Silcox said the app can provide real-time data on which events are popular and what students are looking for. This feedback will help guide future event planning to encourage more participation.   

“Our goal in Student Development was to create one centralized place where students could easily see all that is happening on our campuses—from student events and RSO meetings to athletic events and other opportunities to get involved,” Silcox said. “By making these opportunities more visible and accessible, we hope to encourage more students to participate, connect with others, and feel a greater sense of belonging within the college community.” 

The CSM calendar has a full list of upcoming events. The Student Life website has more information on existing RSOs and how to get involved.