One of the best predictors of student retention and completion is to develop a sense of belonging for students (Supiano). Here's one way to think about that link between success and belonging:
Sense of belonging is related to college students’ cognition, affect, and behaviors (Hurtado & Carter, 1997). In other words, students can think, feel, and act as they belong. For example, a student who thinks (cognition) and feels (affect) that they belong in class is more likely to show up to class (behavior) than a student who does not think and feel that they belong. Sense of belonging is a basic human need and motivation. That is, everyone needs to belong.
(from Iowa State University's "Foster a Sense of Belonging")
Students feel welcomed (or not) in their interactions across SCC: with staff, online processes, faculty, classrooms, the physical campus environment, and more. Those many large-scale interactions impact a student's sense of belonging, as do the small conversations and personal connections. If students disclose important parts of their individual identities and express a desire to connect with others, consider sharing information on the following organizations, resources, and activities. It can make a big difference on a student's connection to SCC to find others like themselves on campus.
For today's activity, you might review the full list below, or you may decide to focus on just one or two of the list to learn more. Check out these highlights from around campus.
The Center for Inclusion and Diversity (CID) provides an inclusive atmosphere for all students, faculty, staff, and community members visiting Spokane Community College (SCC). We have an obligation to ensure that we create a safe space for all students, especially those belonging to systemically marginalized populations. Our office assists students to achieve academic and social success while promoting and celebrating diversity. We offer resources, advocacy, activities, programming and club activities to ensure all students thrive on and off campus.
A unique resource to highlight is our partnership with the College Success Foundation (CSF). CSF is a national nonprofit organization that helps underserved, low-income students achieve their dream of a college education by providing coaching and additional student support via a proven model of success.
The CID is located in Building 6, Room 115. The hours of operation are Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM. If you would like to learn more about SCC Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan please click here.
Q: Does Spokane Community College (SCC) have a designated Veterans area to study and congregate?
A: Yes, the Veterans One-Stop is located in the Lair Student Center, room 6-0112. There are 4 veteran priority computers, a lounge and study area with all new furniture, a Keurig coffee pot, and a refrigerator.
Q: Does SCC have a veteran memorial?
A: Yes, the Veterans Garden and Memorial is located on the north side of building 6. The bronzed boots are Marine issue 1979-84 and donated by a CCS alum. The books are SCC actual textbooks. The dog tags are actually the suicide crisis hotline tags. The bronzing was done by Blue Mountain Fine Art in Baker City, OR. The benches were donated by the SCC VetsClub. The granite monument was engraved and medallions set by Tresko Monument, Inc. in Spokane. The monument was set October 02, 2020. The Veterans Garden was dedicated May 2022.
All VA education benefits, Military tuition assistance (TA), active-duty military spouse benefits (MyCAA), Washington state tuition waiver for dependents of 100% service-connected disabled, tuition waiver for veterans not using VA education benefits, Department of Defense website updates for SCC, are Military Friendly surveys are completed in the Veterans One-Stop. SCC has two scholarship type awards for student veterans. The Fette Family Trust fund and the USMC Scholarship. In 2011, SCC was the first college to distribute American cords for graduation to student veterans. SCC was the first college to establish a Veteran Friendly Contact program. It started with 7 faculty/staff members in 5 buildings. Here are some useful links: Veterans Education and the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA).
SCC has been a nationally recognized and designated a Veteran Friendly campus every year since 2014. And has held a “gold” status for the last 2 years. The primary communication tool for students using VA education benefits at SCC is the Veteran Connection on Canvas.
One way to get students engaged in their education is to get them involved with SCC. Student clubs offer students community and connection, often around shared interests. Joining student clubs or student government can impact their success for the better. Share information about information about student clubsor the Associated Student Government. Or, connect students with the Student Leadership Center in the Lair Student Center (Bldg. 6, Room 102) at 509-533-8900 or studentlife@scc.spokane.edu.
You can also encourage them to download the Bigfoot Student Experience app. With the app, they can:
Links to the download are on the "For Our Students" page, or they can use the QR code on the right.
Equitable access to higher education is central to everything we do here at CCS. Education allows individuals with criminal records to move beyond their convictions and reach their fullest potential. Our Education Reentry Navigator at SCC, Dr. Suzanne Phillips, partners with the Washington Department of Corrections to promote education and changes for individuals with justice-impacted backgrounds.
Why it matters
Thank you, CCS faculty and staff, for your continued support!
For the 2022-2023 academic year, 36.5% of students had dependents, with 21.8% of those being single parents. This is a large number, and students with parenting responsibilities face unique challenges, such as missing class for children's illnesses, finding regular and affordable child care, and carving out uninterrupted time for assignments. Read this article about "The Challenges of Being a Parent in College."
If students disclose that they are parents and need resources, let them know about the SCC Bigfoot Child Care Center, with affordable childcare to the children of SCC students who qualify for Head Start or Early Head Start. There are also many community resources available, and Hannah Reidy, CCS Head Start, and Jenny Wilson, TechEd faculty, have developed this list of resources that you can share with students.
If you would to learn more about TLC resources on the topic of sense of belonging, join the Canvas course and check out info on the 4 Connections and Relationship-Rich Education (both in the Inclusive Class Climate module).
Watch the recording of a recent Chronicle of Higher Education virtual forum, "Belonging, Trust, and the Student Jouney"
Inside Higher Ed article, "Students' Sense of Belonging Varies by Identity, Institution" by Elin Johnson, 2 January 2020.
Iowa State University's tool "Reflect on Your Sense of Belonging Practices" and their connected overview article, "Foster a Sense of Belonging" from their Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching.