Senior scholarship recipients lead interactive sessions to create a supportive environment and assist first-year students in adapting to university life.
Khon Kaen University, through the Student Development and Alumni Relations Division, has continued its “KKU Buddy Connect: Bridging Distances, Uniting Hearts” initiative with a second activity, the “Buddy Connection Event”. Held at the NEXUS Arena, Sports Division, on 26 July 2026, the event was the first official joint activity between the two groups, bringing together over 450 public-minded senior students receiving Category A scholarships and 536 first-year students from the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Following the inaugural launch on 10 June 2026, which focused on training senior mentors in non-judgmental listening, empathetic communication, and psychological first aid, this second instalment enabled mentors to put their skills into practice. The event featured ice-breaking exercises, recreational sessions, and 10 interactive workshop stations. These activities allowed students to exchange practical advice on academic adjustment, student life, course registration, and participation in university clubs on the Mor Din Daeng campus.
The activity was designed around the core principles of relationship-building and inclusive welcome. Because first-year students from the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies spend their first academic year living and studying in Khon Kaen, rapid adaptation to the learning environment is essential. The initiative aims to foster connections across different disciplines and faculties, thereby broadening the students’ social networks. Senior student volunteers from various faculties act as mentors, offering guidance, assistance, and peer support throughout the transition.
The primary objective of the programme is to instil a unified institutional identity, ensuring that all students—regardless of their faculty or campus—feel part of the Khon Kaen University community. Building strong interpersonal networks serves as a vital foundation for mental well-being, enabling new students to navigate their university experience with confidence and success.
The KKU Buddy Connect project will continue with a third event, titled “Thread-Tying Ceremony and Blessings for First-Year Students”, scheduled for 4–5 April 2027. This upcoming gathering will reflect on the experiences shared over the academic year and include an educational field trip to Nong Khai Province, officially transitioning the students to the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies at the Khon Kaen University Nong Khai Campus.
