Belonging, the feeling of being connected to and valued by a community – whether that’s a course, an institution or academia as a whole – can be the difference between a student flourishing, missing out on key parts of the university experience or dropping out altogether. Yet belonging is difficult to quantify. One way is to see it as the emotional complement to inclusion, existing in the space between EDI, participation and “fitting in”. As such, it requires nurturing across the spectrum of university activities – from creating an inclusive campus to listening to the student voice to pronouncing names correctly. This collection gathers case studies, practical advice and top-level initiatives to ensure university is a place where all feel welcome.
Working with students to build belonging
Students, particularly those from Generation Z, seek out learning environments where they can be authentic, feel they are valued and that their presence, voice and actions matter. Co-creation and open dialogue have a role in fostering a sense of belonging across diverse cohorts. Here’s how to make them count.
Fostering belonging when students are learning remotely or in person
The rise of online learning, even post-pandemic, has made social cohesion and identity even more important in supporting students’ academic motivation, success and well-being. These resources offer educators, whether teaching remotely or in person, ways to help learners find connection with their teachers and each other. Intentional activities, like the ones described here, are an opportunity to bring marginalised groups into the fold.
Creating a university community where everyone feels welcome
Maslow put belonging ahead of esteem and self-actualisation in his pyramid of needs, and even motivations such as achievement and power can be linked to belonging, according to psychologists Baumeister and Leary. Based on trust, stability and community, true belonging requires a culture of inclusivity and participation across university activities, whether that’s an institutional framework or a targeted extracurricular programme.
Where EDI meets belonging
Sometimes, despite a university’s comprehensive equity, diversity and inclusion efforts, individuals may still struggle with the voice that whispers: “You don’t fit in here.” That is where work to foster belonging is at its most powerful. Social connections are part of the fabric of university life, and belonging is a two-way process that requires allies at all levels – from leadership to students – as these resources explain.
