Sense of Belonging: An Equity Imperative for Higher Education

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College students’ sense of belonging is a basic human need that all students are motivated to fulfill in social contexts. Research suggests that satisfaction of this need is critical for optimal learning, development, and student success. Yet, racist and oppressive institutional structures and practices, particularly at predominantly White institutions, coalesce in the othering and unbelonging that so many minoritized students consistently report. In this talk, Dr. Johnson will present a socio-ecological framework, emphasizing the importance of multi-level interventions and strategies that improve belonging and address oppressive institutional structures, policies and practices.