Facts
- Colleges are putting more effort into helping students build social skills, according to a PBS NewsHour report by Paul Solman published October 29, 2026, as part of the network’s ‘Rethinking College’ series.
- The University of Massachusetts Amherst runs a student well-being initiative that holds structured, often phone- and screen-free events such as bonfires, climbing events and a glow-light dance party. Betsy Cracco, who leads the initiative, said about 54% of UMass Amherst students reported loneliness in 2023, and that the national figure was higher. She said the school has reduced its figure to about 42%, which she said is below the national average. PBS did not cite an outside source for these figures.
- At Eastern Michigan University, President Brendan Kelly said the school’s focus has shifted toward students’ careers and participation in the economy after graduation.
- Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz cited the university’s ranking as a top-10 public university for employability two years in a row. PBS did not name the source of the ranking.
- UMass Amherst students interviewed said college helps them communicate and gain confidence. Ben Luu, a student and resident assistant, said he was shy as a freshman.
Quotes
Brendan Kelly, Eastern Michigan University president, said: “It’s not about courses and credit hours anymore.”
Betsy Cracco, who leads UMass Amherst’s well-being initiative, said: “We start to see the erosion of social skills because people are spending so much time in virtual world.”
Christopher Blakely, UMass Amherst head of student engagement, said: “Our desire is that we design a campus where every student is known.”
Laura Lee McIntyre, Michigan State University provost, said: “Campuses are a place where young people learn to become adults.”
Source Read PBS NewsHour’s report here.
Image No photo for this story.
