Georgetown University Adopts UVA Initiative That Reduces Depression, Loneliness

Georgetown University and Virginia Tech are joining the University of Virginia in implementing an initiative aimed at combating depression and loneliness among college students.

The program, called Hoos Connected, was developed by psychology expert Joseph Allen and has shown promising results in reducing depression and fostering deep connections among students.

Hoos Connected is a one-credit class where small groups of new college students gather weekly to discuss their similarities and differences.

Facilitated by upperclassmen trained in Allen’s Adolescence Research Lab, the program has already benefited over 2,500 students and is now expanding to other universities.

This initiative comes at a crucial time as young people are increasingly experiencing feelings of isolation and anxiety, and Hoos Connected aims to address these challenges by creating a supportive and connected environment for students.

Summary

Hoos Connected, a program founded by teen psychology expert and professor Joseph Allen at the University of Virginia (UVA), has been successful in reducing depression among new college students.

This program, also known as The Connection Project, brings small groups of new college students together to meet weekly and discuss their similarities and differences, creating deep connections with others.

Facilitated by trained upperclassmen from UVA’s Department of Psychology, the program has seen significant growth since its inception in 2018.

Now, Hoos Connected is expanding to other schools, including Georgetown University and Virginia Tech, to provide more young people with the opportunity to combat loneliness and depression.

Program Introduction

Hoos Connected

Hoos Connected is a program founded by Joseph Allen, a professor at UVA and an expert in teen psychology.

The program aims to reduce depression and loneliness among new college students by creating deep connections through small group discussions.

Hoos Connected, also known as The Connection Project, has seen remarkable success since its launch in 2018.

Reducing Depression and Loneliness

Depression and loneliness are prevalent issues among young people, and Hoos Connected addresses these challenges directly.

By providing a platform for students to form meaningful connections, the program helps combat the isolation and anxiety experienced by many college students.

The program has been proven to be effective in reducing levels of depression and making students feel more connected.

Simple Structure

Hoos Connected follows a simple yet effective structure. Small groups of new college students, including first-year, second-year, and transfer students, meet weekly in a one-credit class.

Through facilitated discussions, students have the opportunity to explore their similarities and differences, fostering strong connections with their peers.

This simple structure allows for easy implementation and scalability.

Facilitated by Upperclassmen

The success of Hoos Connected is partly attributed to the facilitation provided by trained upperclassmen.

These upperclassmen undergo training in Allen’s Adolescence Research Lab in UVA’s Department of Psychology, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to lead meaningful discussions.

By having fellow students act as facilitators, the program creates a comfortable and relatable environment for participants.

Program Growth

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Since its inception in 2018, Hoos Connected has experienced significant growth. The program started with 54 students participating in the first class during the spring of 2019.

Currently, 475 students are enrolled, and over 2,500 students have benefited from the program.

This remarkable growth showcases the impact and relevance of Hoos Connected in addressing the mental health challenges that college students face.

The program has gained media recognition and was featured in the New York Times.

Expanding to Other Schools

Current Expansion

Hoos Connected is expanding beyond UVA and reaching other institutions, including Georgetown University and Virginia Tech.

This expansion allows the program to reach a larger number of young people who may benefit from its approach.

By partnering with leading universities, Hoos Connected aims to make a positive impact on the mental well-being of students across the country.

Benefits for Young People

The expansion of Hoos Connected to other schools comes at a crucial time when young people are increasingly experiencing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

By bringing the program to Georgetown University and Virginia Tech, more students will have access to a proven program that addresses these challenges and fosters meaningful connections.

Hoos Connected has the potential to improve the well-being of a larger number of young people beyond UVA.

Alignment with University Mission

Expanding Hoos Connected to other schools aligns with UVA President Jim Ryan’s vision of being helpful to the state and larger society.

By sharing a program that has documented effectiveness in reducing depression and increasing feelings of connection, UVA is fulfilling its mission to serve the community.

This expansion reinforces UVA’s commitment to tackling the mental health challenges faced by young people and making a positive difference in their lives.

Hoos Connected

Program Founder

Hoos Connected was founded by Joseph Allen, a professor at UVA and an expert in teen psychology. Allen’s expertise and passion for supporting young people’s mental health led to the creation of this innovative program.

Through his research and dedication, Allen has developed a program that addresses the specific challenges faced by new college students.

Program Description

Hoos Connected, also known as The Connection Project, is a program designed to reduce depression and loneliness among new college students.

The program brings together small groups of students who meet weekly to discuss their similarities and differences.

By fostering meaningful connections and providing a supportive environment, Hoos Connected aims to improve the mental well-being of participating students.

Reducing Depression and Loneliness

Addressing Common Issues

Depression and loneliness are pervasive issues among new college students. The transition to college can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of isolation and disconnection.

Hoos Connected directly addresses these common issues by providing a platform for students to come together and form deep connections.

The program recognizes the importance of social support in combating depression and loneliness.

Unprecedented Rates

The rates of depression, loneliness, and anxiety among young people have reached unprecedented levels.

Hoos Connected is a response to this alarming trend, providing a structured and supportive environment for students to build connections and find support.

By addressing these challenges proactively, the program aims to stem the tide of increasing mental health issues among college students.

Simple Structure

Weekly Meetings

Hoos Connected follows a simple structure that centers around weekly meetings. These meetings provide a consistent and reliable opportunity for students to come together and engage in meaningful discussions.

By meeting regularly, participants develop a sense of routine and belonging, which can help combat feelings of isolation and instability.

Small Groups

The program organizes participants into small groups, allowing for more intimate and personalized discussions. Small groups create a safe space for students to share their thoughts, experiences, and challenges.

By engaging in small group discussions, participants can form deeper connections with their peers and develop a support network within the program.

Creating Connections

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The main goal of Hoos Connected is to create connections among participants. Through discussions on their similarities and differences, students build a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

These connections provide a valuable support system that can help students navigate the challenges of college life. Hoos Connected empowers students to form these connections and supports them along the way.

Facilitated by Upperclassmen

Training in Adolescence Research Lab

The success of Hoos Connected is due, in part, to the facilitation provided by trained upperclassmen. These upperclassmen undergo training in Allen’s Adolescence Research Lab, gaining valuable insights into facilitating meaningful discussions.

The training equips them with the necessary skills to guide participants through the program effectively.

Role in Leading Discussions

The upperclassmen facilitators play a vital role in leading discussions during Hoos Connected sessions. Their presence creates a relatable and supportive environment for participants.

As students who have experienced college life themselves, the facilitators can offer valuable insights and guidance. Their empathetic approach helps foster an atmosphere of trust and open communication among participants.

Program Growth

Initial Enrollment

When Hoos Connected was first introduced in 2018, 54 students participated in the program. The initial enrollment demonstrated the demand for a program that addresses the mental health challenges faced by college students.

The positive response from students marked the beginning of the program’s growth and success.

Current Enrollment

Since its inception, Hoos Connected has experienced exponential growth. Currently, 475 students are enrolled in the program, a testament to its impact and relevance.

The increasing enrollment numbers indicate the program’s ability to meet the needs of college students across multiple campuses. Hoos Connected has provided support and connection to over 2,500 students to date.

Media Recognition

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Hoos Connected has garnered media recognition for its innovative approach and effectiveness in reducing depression and loneliness.

The program was featured in the New York Times, highlighting its positive impact on college students’ well-being. The media recognition has brought attention to the program’s success and contributed to its growth and expansion to other universities.

Current Expansion

Georgetown University

Hoos Connected is expanding to Georgetown University, bringing its proven approach to another prestigious institution. Andrea Bonior, a teaching professor and licensed clinical psychologist at Georgetown, is facilitating the program’s implementation at the university.

She recognizes the value of the program in fostering meaningful connections and is excited to bring it to Georgetown’s students.

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech is another university adopting Hoos Connected to address the mental health challenges faced by its students. Colleen Driscoll, Virginia Tech’s assistant director of mental health initiatives, is leading the small pilot program.

The goal is to host four groups in the spring semester, targeting specific student populations within the university. This expansion demonstrates the commitment of Virginia Tech to prioritize the well-being of its students.

Virginia Tech

Pilot Program

Virginia Tech has launched a small pilot program of Hoos Connected, aiming to address the mental health needs of its students.

The pilot program includes a mix of graduate and undergraduate students, targeting specific groups such as the College of Engineering, graduate students, and international students.

By piloting the program, Virginia Tech can assess its effectiveness and tailor it to meet the needs of its unique student population.

Spring Plans

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In the upcoming spring semester, Virginia Tech plans to expand its implementation of Hoos Connected. The goal is to host four groups dedicated to different student populations within the university.

This expansion demonstrates the university’s commitment to supporting the mental well-being of its students and providing them with the tools to combat loneliness and depression.

By adopting Hoos Connected, Virginia Tech aims to create a more connected and supportive community on campus.