College Students' Sense of Belonging: A Key to Educational Success for All Students

by Terrell L. Strayhorn

Belonging with peers, in the classroom, or on campus is a crucial part of the college experience. It can affect a student 's degree of academic achievement, or even whether they stay in school. Although much is known about the causes and impact of sense of belonging in students, little is known about how belonging differs based on students social identities, such as race, gender, or sexual orientation, or the conditions they encounter on campus.

College Students Sense of Belonging addresses these student sub-populations and campus environments. It offers readers practical guidelines, underpinned by theory and research, for helping students belong and thrive. Sense of belonging can come from peers, teachers or faculty, family members, social and academic groups, and living and learning environments. The book offers:

a review and critique of current literature on sense of belonging in light of new and emerging theory

a new conceptual model of belonging which helps the reader expand an understanding of sense of belonging

new and recent research findings from quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies conducted by the author

practical recommendations for improving educational environments, practices, policies, and programs to facilitate students sense of belonging on campus.

Genres: Teaching, Academic, Education, Nonfiction

210 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2012

Reviews

[Katie Martelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Strayhorn writes in gross oversimplifications that are particularly offensive to women, although his incorrect assertion that “people who have good lives will never struggle with mental health” is also dangerous and outrageous. His ethos is further harmed by the fact that he was fired from his position as a professor due to an inappropriate relationship with a graduate student, which others in that student’s cohort reported constant favoritism towards that student in question, as well as the rest of the cohort feeling unsafe in their own office. Strayhorn spends the whole book preaching about professors needing to make students feel as if they belong, but then abused his position of power with a student, and the hypocrisy there is more than I could overcome. Do not read this book.

[Joseph martensen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sorry but this is a terrible book. To be fair it is hard to write a book on a proposition that’s literally everyone already agrees with. College students benefit from a sense of belonging. Who knew? The book also takes on an almost satirical nature when you learn Strayhorn resigned from his position at Ohio State under allegations of not properly confirming to university protocol regarding paid speaking engagements. Perhaps Strayhorn doesn’t value students as much as this book makes an effort to show he does. Strayhorn also seemed to be on a bit of an ego trip while writing some sections. He starts one of the chapters with his own “quote” that he dedicates to himself in his own book! (it was a simply an uninspired addition to Descartes “I think therefore I am”).

But, let’s set ad hominem aside and discuss the book.

It’s terrible, and that’s all there really is to say. It is the single most repetitive and verbose thing I have ever read. If it was reduced to two pages the message would carry more weight, but instead it gives the impression of a lazy highschooler trying to pull nothing out of nothing in pursuit of a word count, or in this case a profitable publication.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strayhorn argues that, since a sense of belonging is a fundamental human need, college students' sense of belonging affects their well-being and academic success. He focuses mainly on students whose social identities place them on the margins.

Strayhorn organizes the book in standard social-science fashion. He begins each chapter begins with an introduction and review of previous studies and then moves on to a summary of his findings, a discussion of their implications, and a conclusion. I'm not a social scientist, so I'm not excited by this kind of format. But the examples and the testimonies of his subjects made the book worth reading for me.

What I learned: in general, factors that engender a sense of belonging include representation, positive interaction with diverse peers, successful adaptation to college/university culture (for example, academic success), the ability to balance academic and family obligations, no more than 20 hours per week spent working a job, involvement in campus organizations, and positive relationships with faculty and staff.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very interested in the topic of college student belonging, and this book did a good job of applying theory to practice. However it is VERY repetitive, to the point where I was getting annoyed. I feel like it could have been 50 pages shorter and still gotten the same points across.

[Erin Whitteck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great review of the literature concerning sense of belonging and many different populations of college students. Figures are great, and loads of practical recommendations for educators, staff, and students.

[Joshua Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not the audience for this book. It’s for faculty and administrators who have no student affairs background. Although the research is thorough there is nothing earth-shattering in the findings if you’ve been in orientation, housing or student activities for any length of time.

[Bradley Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good and provided some very good understanding on the connection of sense of belonging and how it is cultivated and maintained, including tips and views on how to continue to measure and implement new opportunities.

[janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Strayhorn's work, and believe it's important, but I did find the later chapters to be a little repetitive

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presents theory in a way that is accessible by anyone. A little repetitive overall.