The purpose of this study was to explore how peer support schemes can be used to facilitate meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging for underrepresented students. Using three case studies, the study explored and compared peer support leaders' narratives about their experiences at three universities: one in the United Kingdom (UK), one in…

One of the responsibilities of high school counselors is to assist students in achieving grade-level promotion leading to graduation. Through building relationships with students experiencing barriers to remaining academically on-track and strengthening communication with these students, their families, and their teachers, school counselors can…

After-school programs are potential contexts that may promote positive youth development (PYD) and reduce problem behaviors among African American children. One way after-school programs may be associated with reduced problem behaviors is by fostering an affirming sense of identity. Prior research on racial-ethnic identity among African American…

Trauma-informed teaching and learning has gained a great deal of prominence in higher education over the past three years. Typical approaches to trauma-informed work often start with a generalized set of ideas and principles that are then applied to very individualized and contexts. In this article, written as a dialogue between two educational…

This mixed-methods study examined the factors contributing to international student sense of belonging on three U.S. campuses, particularly upon their arrival to their campus and during a global pandemic. This three-article dissertation discusses the major findings that were identified in the data. Article 1 highlights the recurring theme of…

This study examined the lived experiences of first generation college students at a women's college and how their social identities contribute to their perceived sense of belonging on campus. Strayhorn's (2012) Model of a Sense of Belonging was used as a theoretical framework for the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven…

This article presents the findings of a qualitative case study on voluntary participation in morning "karakia" (incantation, prayer) and "waiata" (song) sessions, led by a group of teacher educators. This study is informed by a selective review of literature from three relevant sources: the impact of music therapy practices,…

College students who identify on the queer- and trans-spectrum (LGBTQ+) perceive and experience their campuses differently from their cisgender and straight peers. The differing experiences have resulted in LGBTQ+ students reporting a lower sense of belonging to their campuses. Researchers have found positive correlations between sense of…

Academic advising has been identified as a key strategy in helping students to persist and complete their academic goals. This exploratory case study investigated student perceptions of advising, particularly low-income and first-generation students participating in a TRIO Student Support Services program at a midsize midwestern community college.…

Research shows that first-generation college students are less likely to be retained from their first to second year, and struggle with sense of belonging, comfort with faculty, and the establishment of a positive first-generation student identity. This qualitative case study evaluated the effects of a residential living learning community with a…