Framework to Advance Belonging in Higher Education

This book introduces a dynamic new framework that reveals how social, institutional, academic, and ecological forces intersect to create student belonging—and why it matters so profoundly for student success.Weaving together cutting-edge research and real-world examples, contributors examine belonging as a multi-layered construct shaped by individual characteristics, relationships, and broader societal conditions. They explore how students forge connection through interpersonal ties, academic communities, campus life, and both physical and digital environments, while also addressing workplace belonging, loneliness, and meaningful assessment approaches. Packed with fresh insights, compelling case studies, and practical tools, this volume bridges research and practice, offering an evidence-based resource to help institutions better understand and respond to how students experience college.

Gavin W. Henning is Professor of Higher Education and Director of the Doctor of Education and Master of Science in Higher Education Administration programs at New England College, where he also directs the Center for Innovation in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship. He is an award-winning scholar who writes, speaks, and consults on college student belonging and higher education assessment.Erin M. Bentrim is Senior Director of Customer Success at Insights by eLumen, where she supports colleges and universities in using outcomes-based assessment to strengthen planning and evidence-informed decision-making. Her work is informed by more than 20 years of campus-based higher education leadership experience in assessment, institutional effectiveness, and strategic planning.