A student’s sense of belonging on campus is one of the top critical factors in their academic success, retention, and overall engagement. However, fostering belonging can be challenging without a structured approach. Research shows that when students feel connected to their institution, they are more likely to:
- Stay enrolled through graduation
- Engage in academic and extracurricular activities
- Develop meaningful relationships with peers and faculty
Through a review of academic literature and conversations with university leaders, EAB has broken down student belonging in higher education into five core components—each with specific best practices that leaders can implement to achieve higher retention rates and stronger student engagement.
Download our free infographic to discover actionable ways to support students and create a more inclusive campus environment.
