Found my place: The importance of faculty relationships for seniors' sense of belonging

Abstract

The current study sought to explore whether senior students' faculty-related engagement influences their sense of belonging, particularly their feelings of institutional acceptance. This study utilizes data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) to explore these relationships. Results suggest that increased student-faculty interaction, use of effective teaching practices, and participation in research with faculty have a positive impact on feelings of institutional acceptance for seniors. Furthermore, certain student demographics, college experiences, and institutional characteristics also play a role in this aspect of belongingness. Institutions can use this information to increase programming and resources directed at improving student engagement with faculty.