This article reports findings from a constructionist grounded theory study with 51 first-year college students. We explored student definitions and development of a sense of belonging during their first year of college. Belonging for all participants was shaped by 3 themes: environmental perceptions, involvement, and relationships. Yet, there were…

Consistent with predictions derived from the self-expansion model, this 3-year longitudinal study found that participation in more college groups during sophomore year predicted increases in inclusion of the college community in the self at the end of junior year, which further predicted increases in satisfaction with the college experience at the…

Study describes how college students (N=39) constructed their residential experiences during pilot implementation of the Community Standards Model. Identifies three major themes related to democratic living: program purpose and structure; engagement and decision-making; and constructions of community. Proposes conditions to promote…