Department of Mental Health Law and Policy (MHLP) Assistant Professor and Director of the STigma Action Research Lab Kristin Kosyluk, PhD joined university leaders in the Special Enlightenment Series conversation titled, “You Belong Here: Fostering a Sense of Belonging in Higher Education.” The group discussed creating a sense of belonging and promoting students' success and offered strategies to attendees on promoting inclusive excellence. Speakers included Kyonna Henry, director of the Office of Student Life and Engagement, and Deborah McCarthy, director of Student Accessibility Services.
Kosyluk discussed how a sense of belonging on campus is predictive of improved physical and mental health and other positive outcomes, including greater campus engagement, participation, and persistence. Her presentation also covered ways to increase a sense of belonging, such as including pronouns in introductions, remembering student names, actively engaging with students and colleagues, and addressing bias and discrimination.