Abstract

Racism, underrepresentation, and anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) movements are current, ongoing battles on college campuses across the nation, specifically at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) and universities. This study will examine the influence of race and other relevant factors on undergraduate students’ sense of belonging on their college campuses by understanding how students define and use race to shape and change their lives. The researcher created and distributed an original survey to undergraduate students at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), collecting a total of 466 responses. The study found that race, divided by white and nonwhite categorizations, did not have a statistically significant relationship with sense of belonging. Due to the nature of the study, the reason behind this is unknown, and nonwhite students may possess a sense of belonging to their campus from counterspaces, mentorships, or meaningful interactions and relationships around campus. Furthermore, there are other critical factors that may have a negative influence of sense of belonging, such as experiences with microaggressions and other acts of racism and overall satisfaction with the campus climate at EKU. The study concludes with recommendations at the macro, meso, and micro level, to create more welcoming, inclusive, diverse spaces for all students to feel connected and a part of their college campus environment.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 2024

Mentor

Alison Buck

Mentor Department Affiliation

Language and Cultural Studies, Anthropology, and Sociology

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

Language and Cultural Studies, Anthropology, and Sociology

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

005605

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