Belonging in a Community
Learning Resources Belonging in a Community
"A sense of belonging is defined as being accepted, valued, included, and encouraged by others (teachers and peers) in the academic classroom and of feeling oneself to be an important part of the life and activity of the class. Students' sense of belonging has been identified as a potential lever to promote success, engagement, and well-being in college." - Carol Goodenow
Belonging at BYU: Our Commitment to Community
At Brigham Young University, we believe that a sense of belonging is crucial for the success and well-being of our students. This belief is rooted in our understanding that each individual is a valued child of God and an integral part of our university family. Our commitment to fostering a nurturing environment is reflected in the BYU Mission Statement and is a guiding principle in all that we do.
What Does Belonging Mean?
Belonging means being accepted, valued, included, and encouraged by others in the academic setting. It’s about feeling connected and integral to the classroom and campus life. Research has shown that when students feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to succeed academically and experience greater engagement and well-being.
Our Statement of Belonging
"We are united by our common primary identity as children of God (Acts 17:29; Psalm 82:6) and our commitment to the truths of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ (BYU Mission Statement). We strive to create a community of belonging composed of students, faculty, and staff whose hearts are knit together in love (Mosiah 18:21) where:
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All relationships reflect devout love of God and a loving, genuine concern for the welfare of our neighbor (BYU Mission Statement);
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We value and embrace the variety of individual characteristics, life experiences and circumstances, perspectives, talents, and gifts of each member of the community and the richness and strength they bring to our community (1 Corinthians 12:12–27);
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Our interactions create and support an environment of belonging (Ephesians 2:19); and
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The full realization of each student's divine potential is our central focus (BYU Mission Statement)."
You Belong
Belonging influences how students think, feel, and act. A student who feels a sense of belonging is more engaged and likely to participate actively in class. While the need to belong is universal, individual experiences of belonging can vary. We recognize that identity and past experiences shape these perceptions, and we are committed to ensuring that all students feel they are an essential part of the BYU community.
Jacqueline Duong as she shares her insightful perspective on belonging and communication in her engaging talk, “It’s Not Them, It’s You: Belonging as an Ability.” Tune in to be inspired and learn how to find your place in any setting.
Belonging and Academic Success
A sense of belonging is related to students' cognition, affect, and behaviors (Hurtado & Carter, 1997). In other words, students often think, feel, and act by their sense of belonging. For example, a student who thinks (cognition) and feels (affect) that they belong in class is more likely to show up to class (behavior) than a student who does not think and feel that they belong. A sense of belonging is a basic human need and motivation. Everyone needs to belong.
Students’ sense of belonging can be affected by their academic performance and preparation. However, understanding that academic challenges are a normal part of the learning process can help students feel more connected and improve their educational outcomes. At BYU, we encourage students to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Cultivating a Culture of DEIB
In today’s organizations, embracing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is not just a strategic advantage but a moral imperative. It’s our responsibility to ensure that every individual feels valued and heard, creating an environment where diverse perspectives thrive and contribute to innovation and success. Equity must be at the core of our practices, providing fair opportunities and resources for all, regardless of background. Inclusion goes beyond mere presence; it’s about actively engaging every member, respecting their uniqueness, and fostering a sense of community and support. Ultimately, cultivating a sense of belonging where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work is the hallmark of a truly inclusive organization. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging At Work: A 2024 Guide - AIHR Links to an external site.