A students' sense of belonging can be a significant factor in their college success. A sense of belonging diminishes the impact of barriers, sustaining students during the inevitable struggles and stresses of higher education. In addition to a growing body of evidence, there is national interest in the topic.
Surgeon General report
In 2023 the U.S. Surgeon General released a report on loneliness and isolation. It highlights the prevalence (half of US adults report experiencing loneliness with higher rates among young adults) and health effects of social isolation. It also provides a framework for how all parts of society can contribute to advancing social connection.
NSSE added question
In 2020, the National Survey of Student Engagement asked questions about students' sense of belonging at 4-year institutions:
I feel comfortable being myself at this institution.
I feel valued by this institution.
I feel like part of the community of this institution.
They found a high correlation between a strong sense of belonging and persistence.
Gallup poll
A 2023 Gallop Poll found that while loneliness is decreasing from pandemic levels, 17% of American adults (44 million) experience loneliness. Rates are higher for young adults, lower income adults, and single adults.
Another 2023 Gallup Poll surveying college students found high levels of loneliness, sadness, stress, and worry.
The College's 2017 CCSSE results found that almost 22% of respondents felt the College did "very little" to "provide the support you need to thrive socially." (39% reported the College did "some", 23% reported "quite a bit" and 16% reported "very much".)
Campus Conversation results
From the December 2023 Campus Conversation, "Fostering Student Belonging" received the most votes as a potential focus for the College's HLC Qualitive Initiative.