Stanton University uses trivia night to help students connect

Stanton University in Anaheim hosted a trivia event to help new and international students build relationships and feel more at home on campus. The program mixed competition, conversation, and shared food to support belonging at the start of the academic year.

Why it matters: - Starting a new academic year can be especially hard for international students adjusting to a new country, culture, language, and academic environment. - Stanton University used a low-pressure social event to help students feel welcomed, supported and connected. - The gathering aimed to strengthen campus community beyond the classroom.

What happened: - Stanton University in Anaheim, California, organized an interactive trivia event for students. - Dr. Maldonado, the program chair, led the activity. - The event replaced a standard introduction format with a friendly competition. - Three students at a time volunteered to compete using desk bells to answer questions. - Students also shared pizza and refreshments after the trivia game.

The details: - Trivia questions covered Stanton University academic programs, policies, student resources and general knowledge. - Some questions were straightforward. - Others asked participants to think carefully and respond quickly. - Students celebrated correct answers and encouraged classmates who volunteered. - Hesitant students became more confident and engaged as the activity continued. - Faculty members joined the competition by the end of the game. - The informal meal after the activity gave students another chance to introduce themselves and build friendships. - Dr. Maldonado said, “At Stanton University, we believe that student success begins with a strong sense of belonging.” - Dr. Maldonado added that activities like this help students feel welcomed, supported and connected to their university community.

Between the lines: - Stanton University is using simple community-building events to support inclusion among students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. - The format suggests the university sees belonging as part of student success, not a separate extra. - The event also shows how casual, shared experiences can lower barriers for students who may be reluctant to speak up in formal settings.

What's next: - Stanton University is signaling continued support for an inclusive campus environment where students can learn, connect and thrive. - Similar student-centered activities may play a role in future efforts to help new students settle in. - The university framed community-building as an ongoing part of campus life, not a one-time event.

The bottom line: - A trivia game and pizza turned introductions into connection-building, giving Stanton University a simple way to help students feel at home.