Fostering Connections: Navigating the Complexities of Cultivating a Sense of Belonging in the Classroom

Fostering sense of belonging among college students is essential for promoting genuine learning and academic success. Belonging is rooted in community and inclusion, yet creating it is inherently complex due to diverse identities, experiences, and institutional structures. In this session we will share strategies to cultivate belonging in and out of the classroom. We will focus on the social, cultural, and pedagogical dimensions required for building inclusive practices that affirm individuality while building a shared purpose. The session concludes by providing attendees recommendations on how to create belonging that is not assumed but intentional, enabling authentic learning and holistic development.