The concept of belonging has been increasingly understood as the missing piece in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education. This book explores the need to recognize and account for institutional-level factors that shape academic belonging, thereby improving student experience and outcomes.

Though recent scholarship has identified several factors that are associated with student belonging in academics, there is little research that addresses what faculty can do in concrete terms to promote belonging, particularly in the domains where they have the most influence. The 12 chapters in this volume introduce readers to an array of collaborative, cutting-edge efforts to develop pedagogies, programs, strategies, and environments that help students develop academic belonging; that is, a sense of connection, competence, and confidence in academic domains.

This book is written for higher education faculty, administrators, and researchers who wish to enhance their students' sense of academic belonging by taking informed, practical measures to make them feel valued and supported.

About the Author

Erendira Rueda is associate professor of sociology and the director of the Latin American and Latinx Studies multidisciplinary program at Vassar College.

Candice Lowe Swift is associate professor of anthropology and serves on the steering committees of Africana Studies and International Studies at Vassar College.

Reviews

"This timely volume rightly charges colleges and universities with responsibility for cultivating belonging among the increasingly diverse students they admit and offers much needed insight and direction related to systemic approaches that foster academic belonging. Every student encounters faculty while in college and thus faculty, with the right tools and approach, can have a major positive influence over students' sense of belonging-this solutions-oriented volume provides instructive guidance and novel ideas for how faculty can do that. On-going challenges to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts underscores the importance of this volume in advancing higher education's duty to ensure diverse students' sense of belonging and success in college."

Joseph Kitchen, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor, University of Southern California

"Academic Belonging in Higher Education is a must-read for anyone who cares about student success in college. This book draws from an array of real-world efforts in various college contexts and provides practical advice and guidance on centering student belonging through intentional institutional-level actions. The authors and editors have offered an informative resource for anyone interested in creating more inclusive and equitable learning environments at colleges and universities."

Michael Steven Williams, Ph.D., University of Missouri

Book Information
ISBN 9781642675290
Author Erendira Rueda
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Inc
Weight(grams) 440g