Lessons outside classroom just as important

our parents might try to convince you that your most important college experiences will take place in the classroom. Don't believe it! Certainly, your academic life is one of the most important aspects of your experience at IU. However, just as important -- if not more important -- is your social and emotional growth during your time in Bloomington. \nNow you may be saying, "Yes! Now I have even more reason to paaarrrtaaay!" Hate to kill your buzz, but we are talking about nurturing your social growth, not your social life. \nWhat's the difference? Your social life has to do with how you spend your free time with others -- whether going to parties, playing intramurals or talking in your room. Social growth has to do with the quality of your relationships with your peers -- the meaningfulness and depth of your connections with others. \nSo why is it important to experience social growth in college? Because the quality of your relationships plays a big role in determining your emotional well-being. People who know how to be in mutually supportive, open and trusting relationships tend to be emotionally healthier than people who do not. Often, talking with someone you trust about feeling sad, scared or down on yourself is one of the most helpful things you can do to cope with whatever is upsetting you. \nThis isn't easy to do. It takes a willingness to share unflattering parts of yourself. It takes being able to ask for what you need. It takes good interpersonal skills. It takes a willingness to receive support from others and an understanding of how to give support in return. \nIf you can learn how to do some of these things in college, then you are on your way to a happier life after graduation. \nThe staff at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) understands the importance of developing these relationship skills while you are still in college. That is why we have recently begun to make group counseling more available to IU students. For many students, group counseling is actually more effective than individual counseling because it can create opportunities to develop the kinds of interpersonal skills that will improve your relationships and enhance your emotional well-being. \nTypically, group counseling involves six to eight students who meet together weekly with one or two trained group counselors. Group members usually discuss concerns, offer and receive support, give one another feedback and assist one another in achieving their interpersonal goals for counseling. \nIn short, group counseling is a valuable resource in helping you achieve the social and emotional growth that will make your time in Bloomington and your post-college years more enjoyable. If you would like more information about group counseling, call CAPS at 855-5711 or visit our Web site at \nhttp:// healthcenter.indiana.edu/caps/groupssum.shtml.