By: Brian Kayser, Equity Solutions Specialist

We’re excited to launch our new webinar series Creating Belonging for All Students. The goal of this series is to amplify diverse student voices, shining a light on their unique experiences to improve campus communities and create more inclusive environments for all. The series focuses on aspects of college students’ sense of belonging as it relates to historically underrepresented and resilient identities and explores why creating a sense of belonging is integral to both student and faculty success. Through the valuable student perspective, participants will leave with actionable steps they can implement immediately to increase their students’ sense of belonging.

We define belonging as each learner feeling that they matter by being encouraged, respected, and validated for their individual contributions. When learners feel that they belong, they can share ownership and accountability in the learning process. Far too often, we don’t seek students’ input on their experiences. Hearing from students is important because they are truly the experts when it comes to sharing what makes them feel that they belong.  

The Belonging webinar series features student panelists who will share their lived experiences and ideas on how faculty can create a sense of belonging for their students, especially those who come from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Each webinar will be one hour and will include a discussion followed by time for questions. Our goal is for participants to leave each session with valuable insights as well as strategies to implement in their work with students.

To commemorate Black History Month, our first webinar takes place on February 23, 2022, at 1 PM EST. The webinar, Shining a Light on Identity and Belonging for Black College Students, features a panel of Black students who will discuss Black identity, belonging in the campus community, when they have felt a strong sense of belonging within the campus community, and what can be done to increase Black students’ sense of belonging in the classroom and within the campus community. It is important to note that while our first webinar centers on Black students’ voices, as an organization we recognize that the assets and excellence of the Black student experience are infused in our other Belonging webinars as well.

Upcoming webinars include Belonging Across Cultures: Honoring Immigrant Identity  (March 30), “Normal” Doesn’t Exist: Neurodivergence and Belonging (April 27), and Belonging for LGBTQIA+ Students (May 25). Register for our upcoming webinars.

To engage in more in-depth work in Belonging, we recommend you explore Lumen Circles, which are professional development experiences in which faculty connect with peers in virtual communities of practice to help them hone their expertise as teachers supporting student success. The Belonging & Inclusive Teaching Fundamentals Circle specifically invites faculty to explore evidence-based teaching practices that support student engagement and success by shaping the learning environment to recognize and build on the diverse experiences and strengths of all students. Lumen Circles work well for any faculty member, in any discipline, and at any stage of career.