The importance of interpersonal relationships in creating a sense of student belonging and an inclusive student experience

Student engagement (e.g. Kuh et al. 2005) and more recently belonging (e.g. Thomas et al. 2017) are recognised as important concepts in building an inclusive student experience. Based on institutional research into the experiences of British Asian and Black students at a predominately white institution (PWI), this talk discusses the importance of staff - student relationships and student – student academic relationships (i.e. through group work) in creating a sense of student belonging to build an inclusive student experience.

The talk will firstly discuss different conceptualisations of belonging in higher education. Drawing on this research and from literature on student engagement and belonging I will present a practical model of belonging using sense of fit and interpersonal relationships (contact). This model is designed to help university colleagues to think about how they can support students’ sense of belonging to create inclusive learning environments.

Often in higher education, creating a sense of belonging is associated with student – student social relationships and extra- and co-curricular activity. However, this research identified that staff - student relationships and group work were the crucial ingredients for creating a sense of belonging. For many British Asian and Black students, what happens in the classroom and with academic staff is key. I will discuss this finding and in the facilitated discussion participants can explore the model and practical actions that can be taken to create a sense of belonging and build an inclusive student experience.