Students Sense of Campus Community: What it Means, and What to do About It

     Cheung's findings (2004) indicated that students sense of community is closely related to feelings of being cared about, treated in a caring manner, valued as and individual, and accepted as part of the community on campus.  Students feelings of loneliness on campus is the most negative influence on community.  Students who have a quality social life on campus are said to have a better sense of community.  College campuses today are comprised of diverse student bodies.  A sense of community requires student affairs professionals to to design programs that will enhance a multicultural campus climate.  Administrators, faculty, staff, and students must work collaboratively to establish and maintain an environment where individuals are respected and beliefs can be freely expressed.  Student activity groups do not foster a sense of community on their own.  Programming must be intentional. 

Cheng, D. X. (2004). Students’ sense of campus community: What it means, and what to do about it. NASPA Journal, 41, 216-234.