Building Student Success: How Campus Engagement Boosts Confidence and Retention at CSM

The Power of Belonging in Higher Education

For many students, the journey through college can present both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. Beyond academic rigor, factors like feeling connected, supported, and confident play a crucial role in whether students persist and ultimately succeed. The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) recognizes this dynamic and is actively working to cultivate an environment where students feel a strong sense of belonging through a variety of campus events and student-led organizations.

According to CSM, these opportunities are designed to be more than just recreational. They aim to strengthen interpersonal and leadership skills, helping students build connections that can make a meaningful difference in their academic journey. Research supports this approach: a study by the Institute for Higher Education Policy, which surveyed 1,400 university students, found a strong correlation between a sense of belonging and higher retention rates. The study also indicated that students achieved better grades when faculty implemented practices to foster this sense of belonging.

This connection between engagement and retention extends to adult learners as well. The Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) highlights that creating a “Culture of Caring” and facilitating connections contribute significantly to a student's retention and academic success. Students who experience more academic and social interaction are also reportedly more likely to complete their programs.

CSM's Approach: Events and Organizations for Engagement

At CSM, the Student Life Office, part of the Division of Student Excellence and Success, spearheads efforts to welcome students and help them build momentum. This includes hosting special events and providing support for Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). Student Joiner-Serenity Williams, who has participated in several campus events, shared that these experiences 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, adding that a strong community can make college feel easier during stressful times.

The Student Life Office organizes approximately 15-20 events throughout the academic year at each of CSM’s four campuses. These events, such as bingo, trivia nights, and movie screenings, offer relaxed settings for students to interact and build connections. In addition to these college-organized events, students can engage with 17 RSOs, which host their own activities catering to diverse interests. These range from art, music, and theater to video games, sustainability, academic success, and engineering.

Courtney Kimble Hawkins, Assistant Director of Student Life, emphasized the importance of providing spaces for students to connect outside the classroom. “We want to foster a campus environment that runs deeper than just going to class,” Hawkins said. She explained that these events and organizations provide a foundation for students to build support systems, enabling them to feel comfortable seeking help from faculty, staff, and peers. This involvement, she noted, helps students grow in confidence and maintain their drive to continue their academic careers.

Another CSM student, Oreoluwa Famojuro, echoed these sentiments, stating that campus involvement has helped him feel comfortable making friends, sharing resources, and finding the confidence to navigate academic challenges. “When school gets stressful, it helps to have people you can talk to and activities to be involved in,” Famojuro said.

Enhancing Accessibility and Future Engagement

To further increase student involvement, CSM’s Student Life is working to expand the number of events hosted across its campuses. A key initiative for the 2026-2027 academic year is the launch of “The Flock,” a new app designed for students. According to Michelle Silcox, Dean of Student Development, this app provides a centralized platform for students to chat, learn about upcoming events, join clubs, and access important announcements.

The app also offers a valuable tool for future planning. Silcox stated that it can provide real-time data on event popularity and student preferences, which will help guide future event planning to encourage greater participation. “Our goal in Student Development was to create one centralized place where students could easily see all that is happening on our campuses,” Silcox said. She hopes that by making these opportunities more visible and accessible, more students will be encouraged to participate, connect with others, and feel a stronger sense of belonging within the college community.

For students in K-12 and those preparing for college-level work, developing strong study habits and confidence can begin early. Free resources like COSMIQ, a voice-driven AI tutor, offer personalized support for various subjects, which can be a valuable tool in building the foundational skills needed for success in higher education. Similarly, exploring exam prep resources can help students feel more prepared for the academic demands of college.

Conclusion

The College of Southern Maryland’s commitment to fostering a vibrant campus life through engaging events and student organizations underscores a broader understanding of student success. By prioritizing community building, skill development, and a sense of belonging, CSM is investing in the holistic well-being of its students, which can lead to increased retention and a more enriching educational experience. This proactive approach not only benefits individual students but also strengthens the college community as a whole, preparing learners for future success.