Networks

A group of students at a table for the Asian Student Union Board.

Understanding
Networks

It can be difficult to navigate the obstacles in life alone, but the connections that we make can help us to overcome those struggles and continue to grow as individuals and as a community.

Networks refers to building strong and healthy relationships in both our professional and personal lives. It is the broadening of our connections with others and the growth we experience in meeting new people, building a community of support around ourselves and working alongside each other towards common goals.

By learning strategies to build networks, we at Steps to Leaps hope to empower you to develop new, long-lasting relationships and reinforce existing ones. 

To help you along, we've curated a collection of content geared toward helping you develop this crucial  pillar of well-being.


Networks Icon Networks Learning Modules

Take self-improvement into your own hands with our self-guided learning modules.

Networks Icon Student Spotlights

Read about the many individuals who have incorporated Networks into their holistic well-being.

Networks Icon Well-Being Tips

Members of our Research Collaborative share valuable advice on creating positive relationships and connecting with others.

Networks Icon

Networks Related Research

Read research that explores the importance of Networks in our overall well-being.

Learning Modules

Whether you're on your personal journey towards personal growth or you're a campus leader seeking to improve the overall well-being of the Purdue community, we have resources for you.

With our fully scripted, easy-to-follow guides, anyone can apply these teachings in a group or individual setting.  

Access the Learning Modules

Check out our resources firsthand by viewing our sample learning modules. Our remaining resources require a valid Purdue career account username and password to access.

To access current learning modules and lesson plans, please click on the lessons provided below or view the entire Steps to Leaps catalog by visiting Training@Purdue. 

Add A Course to Brightspace

Add a Steps to Leaps learning module to your Brightspace account by following the directions below:

  1. Select a lesson plan below or visit Training@Purdue to view our entire catalog of programs.
  2. Select your desired lesson and under "Section Details", click "Add to Cart"
  3. Log in to Training@Purdue using a valid Purdue University username and password.
  4. After accepting the Terms of Use, click "Submit" to checkout.
  5. After confirming your checkout, the course material will be accessible to you in Brightspace and will expire in 12 months.

Related Learning Modules

Academic Lingo
Anxiety
Building a Network (Self-Guided)
Building a Network (Facilitator Led)
Megan Bixler

What Does Networks Look Like?

MEGAN BIXLER SHARES HOW TO FIND YOUR COMMUNITY

Megan Bixler, a junior studying agricultural economics at Purdue, is excited about where her degree will take her even though she hasn’t settled on a specific path yet.

“My degree is so broad and there are so many things you can do within agricultural economics,” Megan says. “I could go into planning, marketing, agricultural education outside of the classroom, tourism, policymaking – the options are really endless!”

Learn more about Megan here.

Student Spotlights

We celebrate Boilermakers at every degree level who are making strides towards self-betterment and exemplify one or more of the Steps to Leaps learning pillars - Well-Being, Leadership, Impact, Networks and Grit/Persistence.

Read more stories about students actively developing Networks and building relationships.

How Can We Build Networks?

Dr. Nasreen Lalani

Finding joy in connecting with and serving others

Imagine you are living in a dormitory, far from your family, down with fever and cough, feeling weak and suffering from a severe headache. Out of the blue, your friend calls in and sends you a bowl of warm soup, some snacks and fruits or offers you kind words and asks you if you need further help or assistance. How would you feel at that moment?

You may feel as if a weight has been taken off your shoulders. Having a friend who has your back without needing to be asked is a blessing not all have. Knowing you have someone there for you alleviates that dreaded feeling of loneliness. Connecting with others and having someone by your side always brings a sense of mental and emotional happiness and peace.

Continue reading this week's Well-Being Tip of the Week...

Well-Being Tips

Here are some tips to help grow and maintain your own Networks.

Student Testimonials

Learn more about the first-hand impact of Steps to Leaps, as students and others share their experiences with the initiative and how they have incorporated the Networks well-being learning pillar into their daily lives. (Purdue login required for access.)

Watch Now

What does the research say?

There is considerable research showing us the importance of Networks in holistic well-being.