If the engagement fits: Effective educational practices that relate to college students' sense of belonging

Abstract

The current study sought to explore whether first-year and senior students' engagement influences their sense of belonging, particularly their connections with peers (peer belonging) and feelings of acceptance from members of the institution such as faculty, administrators, and student affairs professionals (institutional acceptance). This study utilizes data from the 2014 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) to explore these relationships. Results suggest that certain student demographics, college experiences, institutional characteristics, and many aspects of engagement do impact students' feelings of peer belonging and institutional acceptance. Institutions can use this information to increase programming and resources directed at improving student engagement, knowing that students' peer belonging and institutional acceptance, both of which contribute to a positive collegiate experience, could also increase.