Building Student Belonging in Higher Education: Perspectives on Driving and Developing Change

Drawing on lessons learned regarding student experiences during Covid-19, there has been a wider call within Higher Education to be proactive about initiating developments that foster connections, build a learning community where students feel valued, and their voice heard. This collection of experiences from senior leaders and academics provides real world recommendations and toolkits to operationalise such belonging initiatives. These reflections tackle some of the challenges and tensions that may arise, from both a strategic and localised lens, such as the use of physical and digital space, how educators need to consider the diversity of learners, and initiatives on widening participation, access and participation and internationalisation.

Relevant and timely across all disciplines in Higher Education, Building Student Belonging in Higher Education will be of interest to academics and researchers seeking practical guidance and examples to inform their own practices, to students interested in understanding the concept of belonging and its implications for their educational experiences, to leaders and practitioners looking for effective strategies and tools to implement in their institutions and to stakeholders such as student unions and professional services involved in student support and wellbeing.

Kate Strudwick is Professor of Student Engagement and Dean of Teaching and Learning at the University of Lincoln.

Kirsty A. Miller is Head of the School of Psychology at the University of Lincoln.