Creating a sense of belonging is
essential for student success, especially in today’s diverse and dynamic
college classrooms. This interactive faculty development session
explores practical, research-informed strategies to foster belonging and
inclusion across disciplines. Participants examined how course
design, classroom climate, and instructor-student interactions influence
students’ sense of connection and engagement. Through discussion,
reflection, and real-world examples, faculty left with tools to:
- Recognize barriers to belonging that students may face
- Integrate inclusive teaching practices that validate diverse identities and experiences
- Build classroom norms that encourage participation, collaboration, and trust
- Reflect on their own positionality and its impact on student learning
Whether you teach in-person, online, or
hybrid courses, this session offered actionable insights to create
more welcoming and equitable learning environments for all students.
