Each year, approximately 6,000 students leave UVU, often due to a lack of meaningful connection to the institution or its community—exacerbated by UVU's status as a commuter school. This sense of disconnection often solidifies within the first three weeks, highlighting the urgency for faculty to actively engage students early on. As UVU seeks to deepen its connections, both with students and staff, it's crucial to understand how faculty build meaningful relationships. Developing hands-on projects and fostering a sense of belonging will be essential to creating lasting connections and improving retention.
