Often overwhelmed on big campuses, rural college students push for support

On this particular day, most students in the California State University, Chico library are silently poring over books or computers, but one group is tucked into a corner, peppering university president Stephen Perez with questions. This mostly lighthearted mixer has a serious purpose: getting university leaders to see and support rural students. It’s part of a small but growing effort on some campuses to create a stronger sense of belonging for rural students, who drop out at higher rates than their suburban counterparts.