University Student Belonging Scale: Defining and evaluating students' sense of belonging to their university

Abstract

Students’ Sense of Belonging (SoB) to a University is important because high levels of Sense of Belonging have a positive impact on students’ motivation and retention. This mixed methods research design was developed to define Sense of Belonging to the University from the students’ perspective, create a more comprehensive measurement tool for Sense of Belonging to the University, and investigate the impact involvement in Student Affairs programs may have on Sense of Belonging to the University.

The empirical analysis of the first phase of research led to the development of a new definition for Sense of Belonging to the University, and the themes identified within the data informed the development of the University Student Belonging Scale (USBS). Principal components analysis indicated a four-component structure was the best fit for the data: Feelings that Impact Belonging (20 items), School Spirit (13 items), Social Connections at the University (12 items), and Academic Focus & Support (9 items). Scores can be calculated for each component and as an overall score for Sense of Belonging to the University, with the final version of this 54-item measurement instrument.

The results in the evaluation phase indicate the program type (i.e., Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, or other groups) in which a student is involved can make a difference on their level of Sense of Belonging to the University. However, the number of Student Affairs programs in which a student is involved does not have an impact on Sense of Belonging to the University. An investigation into the differences between students who began attending classes prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and students who began attending classes during the Covid-19 pandemic revealed there was only a statistical difference between these groups for Feelings that Impact Belonging.

This research highlights the importance of a more comprehensive, validated instrument to measure Sense of Belonging to the University. The USBS can be used to answer research questions higher education administrators, policymakers, parents, and students want to know the answers to. These answers will inevitably lead to more effective support for university students and higher levels of Sense of Belonging to the University.