Building a Sense of Belonging on a College Campus
Belonging isn't just a feeling, it's a design challenge. As college campuses face mounting pressure to improve student retention, support staff wellbeing, and serve an increasingly diverse population, the physical environment has emerged as one of the most powerful and underutilized tools available. This presentation based on a shared history working at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. Grounded in student development theory and translated into practical design language, attendees will examine how furniture, fixtures, equipment, and spatial configuration can transform a campus from a place students attend to a place they belong.
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