Connected Start at Lasell University occurs during your first 100 days and is designed to help you build connections, feel at home on campus, and navigate your transition to college life. You’ll also discover the resources available to support your success.
Join Your Small Group
Through Connected Start, you’ll join a small group of 18-20 new students led by a Connected Start Student Leader (CSLs) and an employee facilitator. Together, your group will:
- Explore campus resources
- Attend events
- Participate in conversations that help you adjust to college life
For students, it means built-in friendships and real support.
For families, it means knowing your student has a network from the very start.
Program Structure
The heart of the program are weekly sessions with the Connected Start Leaders and facilitators, where small groups focus on key topics such as:
- Academic skills and strategies for success
- Time management and goal setting
- Campus resources and support services
- Building community and leadership skills
Groups will also have the opportunity to explore campus and the local community with the CSLs and employee facilitators, which can include attending student activities, on-campus athletic events, visiting nearby restaurants, or going to the dining hall as a group.
Additionally, students will have an opportunity to have deeper conversations related to these topics and more through their Living Learning Communities.
A look at weekly topics & activities
This is a sample of what the weekly themes and activities could look like:
| Week | Theme | Activity |
| 1 | Introductions | U-Belong |
| 2 |
Getting to know Lasell, Systems/ Campus Support/ Community Support |
Choices: Downtown Boston On-Campus:Petals & Pals, Scavenger Hunt |
| 3 | Getting in your Zone |
Choices: Laserland Activities Fair, Meet Your Major, and Living Learning Community (LLC) activity. |
| 4 | Communication/Conflict Resolution |
Canobie Lake Park |
| 5 | First month check-in |
Options: Yoga,Reading, Study hall |
| 6 | Healthy Decison making/ peer pressure | |
| 7 | Mental Health theme for OSAO week | |
| 8 | The World Around you | Campus Resource Round-up and Living Learning Community healthy relationships activity |
| 9 | After Mid-term Reflections, Preparing for next semester | Living Learning Community team work activity |
| 10 | End of Connected Start - Fall Fun/ Reflection | We made it! Event |
Connected Start - Frequently Asked Question
Is Connected Start required?
Yes. All first-year students participate in Connected Start because we believe every student deserves a strong, supported beginning at Lasell.
Is Connected Start a class?
No. Connected Start is not a graded class and does not include exams or coursework. It is a structured experience designed to support students during their first 100 days on campus.
Is there an additional cost?
No. There is no additional fee to participate.
How are groups assigned?
Students are assigned to one of 30+ Connected Start groups. When possible, schedules are reviewed to help ensure students are available for their weekly meetings.
Groups are formed using information provided during the application and orientation process.
Each group includes about 10–12 students, allowing everyone to get to know one another and build strong connections.
How does Connected Start work for student-athletes?
We understand that student-athletes balance many responsibilities, including practices, competitions, travel, and academics. Connected Start is designed with that in mind, and additional flexibility may be needed at times.
Participating in Connected Start helps student-athletes build connections beyond their team.
If scheduling conflicts arise because of athletics commitments, students should communicate with their Connected Start mentor or advisor so they can stay connected with their group and program activities.
Is attendance taken for Connected Start?
While attendance is not formally required, all first-year students are expected to participate regularly in their First-Year Experience group.
These sessions are designed to help students build connections, explore campus resources, and adjust to university life.
Who is in Connected Start?
Connected Start is Lasell University’s first-year experience program. It includes all first-year students, first-year commuter students, and transfer students from any class year.
Transfer students who are not first-year students may have certain events adapted to better fit their needs and experiences.
What happens during meetings?
Each week focuses on a meaningful theme, such as building community, learning about campus resources, academic success strategies, wellness, leadership, and goal setting.
What happens if I miss a meeting?
If you need to miss a session because of illness, a scheduling conflict, or another reason, that is okay. We encourage you to let your advisor know in advance when possible.
Advisors may check in with students who miss multiple sessions to make sure everything is going well.
Upcoming Campus Events
