Take a Student to Coffee Program

The Take a Student to Coffee program, supported by Access, Belonging & Student Engagement , is an opportunity for outside-the-classroom connections between students and faculty/staff. The program is designed for a faculty or staff member to invite a student for a coffee, beverage, or snack and use the time to get to know each other better and/or to discuss projects, events, or activities. We hope this program encourages meaningful discussions and the development of lasting mentor/mentee relationships.

Why “Take a Student to Coffee” matters

Informal conversations with faculty and staff can make a real difference in a student’s college experience. Research consistently links positive out-of-the-classroom interactions with stronger connection to campus, greater engagement, and better academic momentum.

Benefits for students

Students who build relationships with faculty and staff are more likely to:

• Feel a stronger sense of belonging and support on campus
• Get clearer guidance on navigating college (courses, majors, opportunities, next steps)
• Stay motivated and engaged in learning and co-curricular life
• Gain confidence through encouragement, feedback, and “someone in my corner”
• Clarify goals for careers, internships, research, and post-graduation plans

Program Outcomes

• Student Participants:
  • 100% said the conversation was meaningful and worthwhile
  • 100% felt more connected to the faculty/staff member
  • 100% felt comfortable reaching out to that person in the future
  • 100% felt more comfortable approaching faculty/staff in general
  • 100% felt more “seen,” “known,” and valued by faculty/staff
  • 97% felt more comfortable asking the faculty/staff member for academic, career, or personal help
  • 83% said the program made them more likely to stay enrolled at UWL
• Faculty/Staff Participants:
  • 100% felt the program is a valuable initiative
  • 100% felt the conversation was meaningful and worthwhile
  • 98% felt more connected to students outside their formal role
  • 90% felt an increased understanding of student needs

How it Works

Faculty/staff members may apply to receive a $10 certificate to use to take a student out to coffee or a snack at an on-campus Chartwells dining location. Faculty/staff are responsible for any balances of the sale after the $10 certificate is applied.

Certificates will be mailed through campus mail. Faculty/staff are then welcome to invite any student to a coffee conversation. Once a certificate is used at the Chartwells location, both the faculty/staff member and the student will receive a survey to complete.

Faculty & staff should make every effort to use the certificate by the expiration date. The Take a Student to Coffee program is very popular, and due to limited funding, applications may close once available certificates have been claimed. By accepting a certificate, faculty/staff understand that they are reserving a spot in the program and that an unused certificate may prevent others from participating.

What to expect

This isn’t an interview or advising appointment—it’s a friendly, low-pressure chat. Students and faculty/staff can talk about:

• How the semester is going
• Questions about academics or careers
• Campus involvement and interests
• Opportunities like research, internships, or leadership
• Anything they’re curious about

Quotes from past participants

Students

“I was so grateful for this experience. I enjoyed my conversation and learned so much. I would definitely do this again.”

“Very nice to get to know more about them and different resources/opportunities on campus. Felt like they valued the conversation and actually cared about what I had to say and get to know me, made me feel more connected to the GEO department, and value the campus/faculty I'm involved with.”

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to get to know my professor more!”

“I really had a great time learning and sharing. I feel encouraged as I am graduating that I always have a home at UWL.”

“Very nice to get to know more about them and different resources/opportunities on campus. Felt like they valued the conversation and actually cared about what I had to say and get to know me, made me feel more connected to the GEO department, and value the campus/faculty I'm involved with.”

 “Thank you so much for the opportunity to get to know my professor more!”

 “I really had a great time learning and sharing. I feel encouraged as I am graduating that I always have a home at UWL.”

Faculty & Staff

“This was a great experience and I felt like it broke down barriers and allowed a deeper connection more quickly and authentically through coffee/food.”

“This is a small way that faculty can reach out to students during a stressful time. In my experience, these tiny interventions/interactions are helpful in letting students know that faculty care about them as humans, not just as students.”

“I actually invited another student to coffee after being inspired by the program and just paid for the coffee for the student myself. Thanks for this great idea.”

“The program allowed me to have a terrific conversation with a student who I may not have connected with otherwise.”

“Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity to connect and bond with our students through such a valuable program!”

“I believe that the "Take a Student to Coffee" program sends the message that we, as an institution and as faculty, genuinely care about the student's well-being, both inside and outside the classroom.”