The foundation behind belonging

There are thousands of colleges in the United States that students can choose from to further their education. For some students, their search depends on distinct programs, campus location or university statistics. While the concept of the “ideal college” is unique for every individual, belonging is one common denominator that most students desire. 

Ensuring that one bonds with the community is important, said Kathy Cavins-Tull, vice chancellor for student affairs.

Finding connection at TCU begins before students come to school, said Cavins-Tull. From normal orientation to Frog Camp, which is an optional "extended-orientation program," these events provide a sense of community before moving in, Cavins-Tull added.

“You start to learn what does TCU really value, what’s important to TCU because it shows in the behavior of our orientation leaders,” she said.

Cavins-Tull also noted that the residential program is another area where students can find help and form relationships.  

“We use this model as an RA (resident assistant), KCE - knowing a student, connecting them and empowering them to make a difference,” said Cavins-Tull.

The student affairs’ thrive model also focuses on helping students spread their wings. This model is represented through a plant that describes the characteristics necessary to thrive.

“The stem of that plant is the ability to belong to something and to matter to people,” said Cavins-Tull.

Annually, the university receives more than 450 transfer students. There is a transfer coordinator who has developed peer leaders, she said. These leaders help facilitate connection for transfers, said Cavins-Tull. 

“Our transfer students are a lot more diverse in terms of their experiences than our first-year students are, but they can teach each other and help each other and all of that,” said Cavins-Tull.

For all students, the office of admissions works to foster belonging before students comes to the university or enroll, said Heath Einstein, dean of admissions. 

Admissions mostly uses the “same language” when recruiting transfers and first-years, Einstein said.

“The messaging we deliver typically ties to themes that appeal to a wide swath of students, language around bold leadership, a supportive environment and a spirited campus,” said Einstein.

Belonging is essential for student identity, Einstein said. Though there might be multiple explanations for what could lead one to transfer or drop out, lacking a form of connection links to many of the reasons, he said. 

Cavins-Tull used an analogy known as “third spaces” to describe TCU.

“Our home is our first place and usually our place of employment, as an adult, is your second place, but that third place you have choice over,” said Cavins-Tull. 

TCU is in ways students' third and first place because they reside on campus, but also make decisions about what they are going to do during their time at the university, said Cavins-Tull. 

“We want you to be involved and committed and make a difference on this campus,” she said. 

Cavins-Tull added that for each incoming class, there are revisions and continued practices that develop the TCU culture.

“There is this culture that we work to build and rebuild and rebuild and recreate with every class of students,” said Cavins-Tull.