This blog was written by Anna Jackson, Head of Customer Insights at Pearson Higher Education.
The link between belonging and student success is well established. A sense of belonging was strongly associated with both academic and social engagement at university a decade ago as part of the Higher Education Academy’s What works? Student Retention and Success Programme. In fact, it was stated as the key variable in whether or not students persist with their studies and are successful. This ‘sense of belonging’ while at university can make or break students’ overall experience and success.
The isolating experience of studying throughout COVID-19 has pushed ‘belonging’ back to the forefront for universities, supported by the work of the UPP Foundation Student Futures Commission that has highlighted the importance of helping students regain their sense of ‘belonging’ at their university.
To better understand which areas impact students’ sense of belonging, and support the sector in its efforts to ‘build back’ student experience, Pearson and Wonkhe are undertaking a year-long study of belonging and inclusion.
