Student-Employee Sense of Belonging

This chapter explains research on student employment and sense of belonging. On-campus employment is well positioned to support student-employees’ sense of belonging through financial means, peer engagement, recognition of attributes, and guidance through difficult transitions. The Ohio University retention and graduation committee sought to understand how the division could positively impact the retention and graduation rates of undergraduate students. The division does not house tutoring or academic advising services, nor does it have a purview over student success efforts. Grounded in the literature and survey best practices, a digital survey was created to collect information about student-employee sense of belonging. Staff reviewed literature on the factors influencing student retention and noted conflicting scholarship regarding employment on campus. Survey results revealed that student compensation, along with rewards and recognition, contributed to an employee’s sense of belonging by showing value for the role they serve.