"Belonging is a key predictor in student success; students who are engaged in campus activities and feel they belong to a community within their college are more likely to retain and graduate. Recently published data from the educational consulting group EAB shows that first-year students at two-year colleges want help connecting with peers on campus; nearly half reported dissatisfaction with their social lives since starting college. The report outlines ways to create engagement and other priorities for community college students."
"The data: When asked to name the most disappointing elements of their college experience so far, students indicated they felt disconnected from the campus community. Forty-two percent of respondents said their social life was a top disappointment, followed by not making friends or meeting new people. An additional 35 percent of students said they felt as though they didn't belong."
First- to second-year retention is the strongest predictor of completion for students in two-year degree programs. Approximately two in five undergraduates attend community colleges, where 32 percent of first-time, full-time students leave before the second year. Community college populations are highly diverse and include more working adults, parents, and first-generation learners than four-year peers. EAB survey data finds many first-year community college students feel socially disconnected: 42 percent named their social life as a top disappointment and 35 percent said they did not belong. Low social belonging mirrors other surveys showing only 20 percent of two-year students rate belonging above average. Creating peer connections and campus engagement is a key priority to improve retention and completion.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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