Modeling sense of belonging in higher education
Breakout room #2
Dr Sarah Walker, Australian National University
For almost 30 years, sense of belonging has been a focus in higher education researching in support of improved student experience and outcomes. Due to the extensive research that has been undertaken, we understand it contributes to student persistence, wellbeing and academic performance. However, when you compare the concept of sense of belonging to other higher education concepts, such as student retention, the ability to understand the influences and impacts through a model of belonging appears to be less advanced. Modelling is a useful tool in research and practice to understand the relationship between factors of the concept and practically where levers can be pulled and what interventions can focus on.
Grounded in literature reviews undertaken for the presenter’s recent thesis and an upcoming publication, this presentation examines the various models related to sense of belonging in higher education. These reviews encompass an examination of research on sense of belonging in higher education that has occurred between 2000 – 2025. One finding from the reviews is that when specifically examining sense of belonging in higher education, the model of College Students Sense of Belonging is based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need and is potentially not the most appropriate model to understand the influences of and impacts on sense of belonging. Models related to sense of belonging were also examined in these reviews, including ones on social identity change and student retention. These associated models include additional factors that can be drawn from and examined in relation to sense of belonging and the relationship between belonging and student outcomes.
This presentation will highlight the value of various models including the College Students Sense of Belonging, models of student persistence and departure, and social identity change, considering the importance of different models, how they are used, and where they can be improved.