Enhancing Inclusivity from Spaces to Belonging: LSAMP Students' Community Experiences at a Predominantly White Institution

• In Event: Researching the Experiences of Diverse Student Bodies

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of physical and social campus spaces on the community perceptions and inclusivity experiences of LSAMP students at the University of Kentucky. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that integrates survey data with personal narratives, the research highlights the critical role of supportive environments in fostering educational equity for underrepresented STEM students at predominantly white institutions (PWIs). The findings reveal significant disparities in how different campus areas are perceived, with LSAMP-designated spaces providing essential support. This study not only enriches the discourse on diversity and inclusion in higher education but also informs public education policies aimed at enhancing the inclusivity of campus environments. By examining the interactions between minority students and their physical surroundings, the research underscores the necessity of strategic institutional enhancements to create a more equitable educational landscape.

Authors

• Kelly D Bradley, University of Kentucky

• Trevor Tierney, University of Kentucky

• Jaylene Patterson, University of Kentucky

• Molly Tuck, University of Kentucky