A Framework to Advance Belonging in Higher Education

This book introduces a dynamic new framework that reveals how social, institutional, academic, and ecological forces intersect to create student belonging. This volume bridges research and practice, offering an evidence-based resource to help institutions better understand and respond to how students experience college. This book introduces a dynamic new framework that reveals how social, institutional, academic, and ecological forces intersect to create student belonging—and why it matters so profoundly for student success. Weaving together cutting-edge research and real-world examples, contributors examine belonging as a multi-layered construct shaped by individual characteristics, relationships, and broader societal conditions. They explore how students forge connections through interpersonal ties, academic communities, campus life, and both physical and digital environments, while also addressing workplace belonging, loneliness, and meaningful assessment approaches. Packed with fresh insights, compelling case studies, and practical tools, this volume bridges research and practice, offering an evidence-based resource to help institutions better understand and respond to how students experience college.