Sense of belonging among undergraduate college students improves the likelihood of retention and graduation, along with the overall association with positive mental health and well-being. College students build a sense of belonging with their peers through various forms of involvement opportunities, including informal campus recreation activities.…

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the social construct of masculinity on the fraternity members' experiences with accountability. This study focused on the methods fraternities used to hold their members accountable, how the members' behavior changes, and the impact masculinity had on accountability methods. This study is…

At institutions of higher education, with fewer traditional college-bound students and declining enrollment, retention of enrolled students is more important than ever. Institutions are more likely to retain students who have a sense of belonging. One avenue proven to help students develop a sense of belonging is involvement on campus. On-campus…

Although FFA affiliation has been piloted and in practice for several years, there is limited formal research on the program and strategies for best practice. We used a descriptive case study design to examine and describe the experiences of nine teachers in three states who had expertise related to FFA affiliation. We conducted semi-structured…

Women are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in higher education institutions and the technology field and vulnerable to attrition. The reviewed literature suggests that the impact of other factors, beyond students' academic performance, leading to well-being and success and affecting female students' retention…

Career Development Events (CDEs) have been part of the National FFA Organization since its beginning and are still an integral component of school-based agricultural education (SBAE) programs. A priority of the organization is to "Expand equitable opportunities for all students to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal…

This study explored sense of belonging among undergraduate international students participating in an honors program at a predominantly white, public research institution in the Midwest. Twelve students participated in semi-structured interviews lasting up to one hour that covered a range of topics, including their academic and co-curricular…

The purpose of this study was to illuminate the experiences of undergraduate students who participated in academic community-engaged learning, specifically as those experiences related to student mental health and wellness. The data for this qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was collected through semistructured interviews…

This phenomenological study explored the perceptions and experiences of Black men who participated in the MOCI. The study uncovered insights into what aspects of the program were effective and where improvements could be made according to the student participants. Employing a phenomenological design, the research identified commonalities among the…

Higher education biology (HEB), a discipline where women undergraduates are numerically overrepresented in most Western universities, has been given little attention in exploring norms of scientific practice from a student perspective. This study brings into focus how biology students negotiate identities in relation to figured worlds of HEB.…

Despite numerous benefits, students do not always respond positively and engage in active learning in STEM courses. Understanding the factors that influence how students' respond to active learning is important to devising interventions that support their learning, especially for students from historically underrepresented groups. This study…

As the number of international students increases worldwide, it is crucial to explore what makes international students feel welcomed at university campuses. The study investigates whether higher rates of participation in extracurricular activities and higher frequencies of contact with ethnically diverse students strengthen the sense of belonging…

The problem this study addressed is low participation from African Americans in science occupations. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to identify strategies that encourage participation from African Americans in science. The expectancy-value and critical race theories were the theoretical frameworks for this study.…

The application of educational equity has increasingly become a topic of discussion in the American higher education systems; thus, affecting so many of our key stakeholders and institutions. Educational research has addressed the need for educational equity in a plethora of ways. An in-depth analysis of strategies, and methodologies may prove…

This paper investigates the perceptions and experiences of graduated African American students regarding the effects of campus gospel choir involvement on their persistence at Michigan State University (MSU). Drawing upon the frameworks of Astin's Input-Output-Environment (IOE) model, Tinto's Theory of Belonging, and Kuh's High-Impact Practices…