First-Generation Students' Sense of Belonging at University: One Size Does Not Fit All (Poster 3)

• In Event: Promoting Student Success in Higher Education

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify latent profiles representing student-institution fit, student-peer fit, and demands-abilities fit and to model differences between these profiles in sense of belonging at university amongst first-generation students. Two hundred and twenty-one first-generation students reported their perceived fit with the educational institute, their peers, and the demands of their educational program and sense of belonging. Latent profile analysis revealed four distinct profiles: low student-learning environment fit, moderate external learning environment fit, low student-institution fit, and low student-peer fit. Additionally, results showed that membership of profiles with low perceived student-institution fit was indicative of low levels of sense of belonging. This study provides practical information regarding the prevalence and potential outcomes of student’s fit profiles

Authors

• Lisenne Giel, Erasmus University Rotterdam

• Gera Noordzij, Erasmus University

• Semiha Denktas, Erasmus Rotterdam University