Student Communities: Making the Most of Those First Few Weeks

Tips to Create a Sense of Belonging Right From the Start

The first interactions students have in college can heavily impact their sense of belonging and, in turn, their likelihood to succeed. While some students show up eager to join the conversation, others really have to step out of their comfort zone to make these connections. Digital communities however, offer a great solution to help connect even the most reserved students to the voices and experiences of peers, faculty, and support teams so they can build the relationships that will help them get ahead.

In a recent webinar hosted by InScribe, we were fortunate to hear from Dr. Omid Fotuhi, a Research Associate at the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC) at the University of Pittsburgh and Director for Learning and Innovation at WGU Labs, as well as Dr. Kevin Kelly, who has held numerous technology leadership roles at San Francisco State and serves as Lecturer in Education at the school. Both experts spoke about the importance of community, and why those first interactions are so critical.

According to Dr. Kelly, within the first weeks of joining a community students decide whether or not they belong. Dr. Fotuhi added that when students start college they ask important questions that will shape their path: 1) Do I belong? 2) Can I do it? 3) Does it matter? Both of these insights point to the importance of that sense of inclusion from the beginning of the student journey. We know that almost a third of students don’t make it beyond their first year. How would those numbers be different if they had a way to feel part of something from day one?

The webinar was full of speaker insights and audience observations about ways to build community, engage students, and create a sense of belonging right from the start. Consistent among the ideas put forward was the power of digital spaces to meet the needs of a diverse student population and have the positive impact on belonging that institutions seek.

When implementing a digital community, some practical tips that were discussed include:

  • Make it easy to access. One advantage of digital communities is that they aren’t limited by space or time. Take advantage of this by providing many pathways to access and participate. Also, be overly inclusive - encouraging not just students, but faculty, administrators, and support teams to actively engage.

  • Interact frequently. Strong digital communities are built on two-way conversations. Don’t wait for students to come to you, but post regular check-ins that encourage students and remind them that they do belong and that they have a champion in their corner.

  • Make the experience personal. Digital communities come in all sizes. The more open and diverse they are, the more likely students are to see themselves and find relevant connections. Allow students to create and self-identify into smaller groups to build an experience that feels personal for every member.

  • Leverage other students. Existing students and alumni are a great resource to help your prospective and incoming students find their feet This is especially true for individuals who are nervous or reluctant to engage. Include these community leaders and give them the ability to share experiences, ideas, and interests to increase the value of the community for all.

  • Keep your ears to the ground. Be attentive and listen to what students are saying. Digital communities provide amazing insights that can help you improve how you engage and support students in other areas of campus life.

Digital communities are all about asking questions, finding answers, and connecting individuals so every student can thrive. When students can answer "yes, I belong - yes, I can do it - and yes, it does matter" then they feel valued and find value in their learning journey. The earlier these answers can be established, the more likely your students are to persist and succeed.

Missed out on the live webinar but don't want to miss out on the great discussion and take-aways? View part 1 of our webinar series here and register for part 2: Solutions to Support Students & Build Community when Learning Online here.