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Category: Events

Join a ‘Cats Connect group to build your community, increase social well-being

'Cats Connect - Powered by Project Connect

Kansas State University has become a notable community for the successful implementation of ‘Cats Connect (see this blog story from Project Connect, the organization behind K-State’s program), and that is thanks to collaboration, partnerships, and flexibility to ensure all Wildcats have access.

Have you tried ‘Cats Connect? With two opportunities each semester, it’s possible to find time to make it work for you.

‘Cats Connect is a peer-to-peer facilitated program designed to help groups of 4-7 Wildcats meet and develop friendships outside of their regular social circles. Groups meet for one hour for five consecutive weeks. During each meeting, everyone will have the opportunity to respond to a series of fun and thought-provoking questions and engage in a small connection project.

Students, faculty, and staff are all invited to participate. Groups are built based on availability. Participants can select in-person (on the Manhattan campus) or virtual meetings (via Zoom).

As a Health Promoting University, K-State supports the holistic well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Social well-being—the ability to form meaningful, supportive relationships—is a key aspect of health. Over the past two years, ‘Cats Connect has strengthened mental and social well-being by connecting over 1,000 K-Staters. These relationships help protect against stress, anxiety, and depression while also boosting student satisfaction, retention, and faculty/staff engagement.

Session two will meet weekly beginning the week of March 31, through the week of April 28. Registrations for session two are due by Tuesday, March 25, at this link. Continue reading “Join a ‘Cats Connect group to build your community, increase social well-being”

Share a story of support—Nominate an outstanding member of faculty/staff

K-State students are invited to nominate a member of the Staley School of Leadership faculty or staff for the 2025 Rost award.

All Staley School of Leadership faculty and staff are eligible, and includes:

  • The University Honors Program
  • Applied Learning
  • Leadership and service programs
  • Leadership studies academics
  • Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research

Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 2.

Established by the Staley School of Leadership student ambassadors, the Rost award recognizes a member of the Staley School faculty or staff who exemplifies the mission statement of the Staley School:

Developing bold, curious, and connected learners to address our world’s most complex challenges

The recipient of this award should not only demonstrate these characteristics in their own lives, but should also inspire others to become better leaders.

Submitted nominations are shared with anyone who is nominated, making this an opportunity to share a message of thanks, support, or kindness with someone who has made an impact demonstrating the Staley School mission statement.

The Staley School Ambassadors will form a committee, review nominations and carefully select the 2025 recipient. The award is presented at Celebrating Service and Leadership, the Staley School spring awards event.

View a list of past recipients. For questions, email Kim Ralston, communications program administrator and co-advisor for the Staley School Ambassadors, at kimralston@ksu.edu.

The Staley School of Leadership at Kansas State University includes undergraduate and graduate leadership studies academic programs, leadership and service co-curricular programs, the University Honors Program, Applied Learning, and Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research. The Staley School develops bold, curious, and connected learners to address our world’s most complex challenges. To learn more, visit k-state.edu/leadership.

Exchange ideas, build your resume, and increase your confidence at the K-State Strengths Conference

A view of a classroom shows many students seated in grouped desks engaging in conversation.

On Friday, April 4, college students from about six Universities across the Midwest will gather for the second K-State Strengths for Students Conference. The first and only conference of its kind, the event is developed with students, by students and for students. Workshops throughout the day are led by students and are designed to help attendees develop and apply their CliftonStrengths and exchange ideas for Strengths integration in classes and student organizations.

The energy, passion, and motivation to collaborate at such a unique event aren’t the only thing the students – some from rival universities, even! – have in common. Their goals include deepening their understanding of their own Strengths to increase well-being, polishing their resumes, and learning how to advocate for themselves personally and professionally. Attendees also will exchange strategies and take new ideas back to their own campus communities to increase student engagement. The opportunities for growth and development, in their selves and for the greater good, are endless.

The K-State Strengths team invites students to attend the 2025 K-State Strengths for Students Conference:
10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday, April 4
Leadership Studies building

Registration is $20 per person and includes lunch. More details and registration are available on this website. Scholarships are available to cover the registration fee – see the registration form. Add the event to your calendar for event reminders and updates: Facebook | University calendar | OrgCentral Continue reading “Exchange ideas, build your resume, and increase your confidence at the K-State Strengths Conference”

HandsOn Kansas State to host mobile food distribution

HandsOn Kansas State, in conjunction with Harvesters Community Food Network of Topeka, will host a mobile food distribution Friday, Feb. 14.

The Mobile Food Distribution will take place in the parking lot of the Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex, beginning at 4 p.m. until supplies run out.

The distribution is open to all members of the K-State and Manhattan community with food offered at no cost.

Individuals who plan to walk up are encouraged to bring reusable bags to make it easier to carry food.

Volunteers are needed to assist at the event. To sign up to volunteer, email handson@ksu.edu.

Due to construction on Denison Avenue, please read the following arrival procedures for drivers and review the map below:

  • All vehicles must enter Gate 8 and stage in the H-3 parking lot from the eastbound lane of Kimball Avenue.
  • All vehicles must exit through Gate 9.
  • Participants should plan to help open vehicle doors as needed.

A map of the Rec parking lot shows arrrows and instructions: Enter Gate 8. Exit Gate 9.

HandsOn Kansas State is a program housed within the Staley School of Leadership that promotes civic learning and leadership through meaningful volunteer and service opportunities between campus and community. HandsOn strives to develop socially-responsible citizens, knowledgeably equipped for active participation. For more information, volunteer opportunities, or questions about mobile food distributions, contact HandsOn Kansas State at handson@k-state.edu.