S12B Insights from the Henson School of Science Belonging Survey

Presenters

Dr. Kim Quillin, Biological Sciences

Abstract

A student’s sense of belonging is an important predictor of engagement, performance, and retention in college programs. In 2020, an ad hoc DEIB Committee in the Henson School of Sciences collaborated to compile a belonging survey to administer to the Henson STEM community to find out what has helped to foster a sense of belonging, and what could be improved. The finalized survey was first launched to all students enrolled in Henson courses (both majors and non-majors) in mid-November 2022, then again in November 2023 and November 2024.The survey is a compilation of four Likert-scale measures: (1) MEMBERSHIP and (2) ACCEPTANCE in the Henson STEM Community (from Findley-Van Nostrand and Pollenz, 2017); and (3) SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE and (4) VALUED COMPETENCE in specific Henson departments (majors only; from Knekta, Chatzikyriakidou, and McCartney, 2020).

The survey also contains open response questions on factors that contribute to belonging in the STEM community or that could be improved, followed by demographic questions. Overall, the mean item scores indicate that more students have a positive sense of belonging in the STEM community than negative. However, in all measures there was wide variation among students and some students felt a very low sense of belonging. These students were disproportionately from minoritized populations, revealing both a challenge and an opportunity. The results of the survey have inspired increased awareness and new efforts/programs in the Henson School that have begun to show progress. In this presentation, we will leverage our community wealth to discuss the results, limitations, best practices, and implications to our larger SU community moving forward.

Session Recording

Per the request of the presenters, this session was not recorded. Please contact presenters for more information about this session topic.