March 22, 2020

By David Campos

Attending college is one of the most stressful transitions for young adults. Being away from home brings anxiety, nostalgia, and sometimes depression. Therefore, feeling comfortable with the college environment is crucial for a student’s success.

However, some college students feel like they don’t belong at their college/university. As a result, they end up leaving after their first year.

Loyola University Maryland conducted a Climate Survey during the 2018-2019 academic year to find out how students felt in the college campus. A lack sense of belonging was the main reason why students would want to leave Loyola.

As a response to their students, Loyola initiated The Belonging Campaign to show that everyone is a valued member of the Loyola community.

What is The Belonging Campaign?

It seeks to dispel the idea that creating a sense of belonging is an individual effort. In fact, a sense of belonging requires the investment of all members of a group or community.

Goals:

• To increase awareness of a collective responsibility in building a sense of belonging for all.
• To give students, faculty, and staff concrete actions they can take to increase belonging.
• To create a community where members are appreciated, acknowledged, and accepted.

Two Loyola seniors were asked about their sense of belonging on campus and the university’s initiative with this campaign.

Zakia Williams said:

"As a student of color at Loyola, I feel like I found my own little friend group quickly in which I feel comfortable with. It makes me belong at Loyola."

About the Belonging Campaign, she said:

"I think it’s a good initiative to bring everyone in and value them as part of the college community."

Raphael Ayres said:

"The friendships and connections I’ve made helped me feel comfortable and part of the Loyola community."

His opinion on the campaign was:

"I think this is a good first step to make more people feel like they belong at Loyola."

Despite race, gender, or skin color everyone is part of the same college community and should be treated equal. And support each other to create a stronger community.

One way to increase the sense of belonging is by getting involved on campus. Whether it is through clubs, work-study jobs, or leadership positions; it will create new friendships that will bring comfort.

Everyone belongs and everyone is part of the Loyola community. Embrace the community and make people feel comfortable of their surroundings. Loyola is your safe place!