Sense of Safety, Belonging and Third Space in ODU Students
College
College of Arts and Letters
Department
Social Science Research Center
Graduate Level
Master’s
Presentation Type
No Preference
Abstract
A sense of safety and belonging is essential for college students undergoing major life transitions, as these factors can impact their decision to remain at or leave an institution. This significance extends to college administrators who strive to foster a supportive environment. The concept of Third Space examines physical environments where individuals can experience belonging outside their home and workplace. We aim to find insights from this concept to broaden the holistic understanding of the factors contributing to a sense of belonging. Our study will use a survey instrument to explore the personal experiences of Old Dominion University (ODU) students concerning these themes.
The purpose of this survey is to explore how comfortable and safe students feel at ODU by identifying specific areas, locations, and aspects of ODU’s campus that contribute to or reduce students’ feelings of inclusiveness, sense of belonging, and safety while on campus. Findings from this survey will contribute to the expansion of common knowledge. Additionally, our hope is that the results of this survey can inform initiatives and other program and policy developments that would support student success and making a meaningful impact on the ODU community during their time here.
Keywords
Sense of belonging, Safety, Third space, College students
Sense of Safety, Belonging and Third Space in ODU Students
A sense of safety and belonging is essential for college students undergoing major life transitions, as these factors can impact their decision to remain at or leave an institution. This significance extends to college administrators who strive to foster a supportive environment. The concept of Third Space examines physical environments where individuals can experience belonging outside their home and workplace. We aim to find insights from this concept to broaden the holistic understanding of the factors contributing to a sense of belonging. Our study will use a survey instrument to explore the personal experiences of Old Dominion University (ODU) students concerning these themes.
The purpose of this survey is to explore how comfortable and safe students feel at ODU by identifying specific areas, locations, and aspects of ODU’s campus that contribute to or reduce students’ feelings of inclusiveness, sense of belonging, and safety while on campus. Findings from this survey will contribute to the expansion of common knowledge. Additionally, our hope is that the results of this survey can inform initiatives and other program and policy developments that would support student success and making a meaningful impact on the ODU community during their time here.