- ‘[…] students who do not feel like they belong rarely stay in college. In fact, students ‘who do not have a sense of belonging complain that their college experience is like ‘stopping by the mall’ to get what they need on the way to somewhere else’ (Jacoby & Garland, 2004-2005, p.65)
- Strayhorn’s definition of belonging: ‘In terms of college, sense of belonging refers to students’ perceived social support on campus, a feeling or sensation of connectedness, and the experience of mattering of feeling cared about, accepted, respected, valued by, and important to the campus community or others on campus such as faculty, staff, and peers.’ (p. 24)
- ‘[…] in essense, sense of belonging is a ‘feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members’ needs will be met through their commitment to be together’ (McMillan and Chavi, 1986, p.9) (Question: Do you think college students today feel like their institutions need them to exist and vice versa?)’ (p.24)
- On the objective importance of ‘belonging’: ‘People will change their style of dress, buy a new car, build a brand-new home, change academic majors, join a fraternity or sorority […], cut their hair or dye their hair blue to gain acceptance, to experience community, or to feel a sense of belonging.’ (p.29).
Strayhorn, T.L. (2020) Belonging in Online Learning Environments [online].
Interrogating Spaces Podcast. [Viewed 15 April 2021]. Available from:
https://interrogatingspaces.buzzsprout.com/683798/4795271-belonging-inonline-learning-environments