Sense of Belonging Among Undergraduate Students of Color at Predominantly White Faith-Based Institutions

• In Event: 75.061 - Roundtable Session 34
  In Roundtable Session: 75.061-3 - Voices of Students and Professionals at Elite, Faith-Based, and International Institutions

Abstract

This study examines how the level and predictors of sense of belonging among students of color at predominantly White faith-based colleges and universities differ from those for their White counterparts. Findings did reveal unique patterns and predictors of sense of belonging among students of color at these institutions. Results showed that White students tend to have higher levels of sense of belonging than students of color. Evaluating the predictors of sense of belonging between the two groups, there are both similarities and differences. The findings indicate that students of color benefit more from cross-racial interaction and satisfaction with racial/ethnic diversity of the student body in terms of improving their sense of belonging on campus than their White peers.

Authors

• David Edens, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona

• Kizzy Jones-Lopez, California State University - Fresno

• Oscar Espinoza-Parra, Touro University - Nevada

• Young K. Kim, Azusa Pacific University