Meet The Clubs event at California State University, Northridge in Los Angeles, California, September 13, 2022. (Photo by David J. Hawkins/ CSUN)
Meet The Clubs event at California State University, Northridge in Los Angeles, California, September 13, 2022. (Photo by David J. Hawkins/ CSUN)

This far into the school year, you’re probably all dialed into a routine: take the quickest route to campus from home or work, slide into your preferred parking garage and stop at your favorite coffee or snack spot (with or without squirrels), before heading to class.

So, what’s missing? It might be a sense of belonging on campus — and that’s a crucial element to achieving your goals.

Studies show that a greater sense of belonging and connection on campus can lead to better academic outcomes including higher grades and ultimately, making it to graduation day.

Cultivating a sense of belonging can take place at any point in your academic journey— and there are many ways to go about it at CSUN. Many of the sources quoted in this article are not only staff and faculty members — they’re also alumni. They know what it’s like to show up, on their own, to this large campus. They figured out how to make it a home and now they help the Matadors who have followed them do the same. Read on for their reflections on campus life and what helped them gain a sense of belonging.

First, What Does it Mean to Belong?

Here’s a general definition — belonging is a feeling of being happy or comfortable as part of a particular group, in which you feel welcome and accepted.

Ryan Mason ’11 (Sociology), M.A. ’15 (Education) is the senior coordinator of the Black House and student support services. He defines belonging this way: “It’s creating long-term relationships with individuals that will support you through the good and the bad, and make sure that you can develop in some way — and that can be a peer, that can be faculty or staff,” Mason said.

Debbi Mercado ’09 (Linguistics), M.A. ’12 (Linguistics-TESL) is the program coordinator for the academic first -year experience course and community-based learning programs. These are the “University 100” or “U-100” classes available to freshmen, to help them gain a sense of community on campus.

“Belonging is achieved through shared experiences with one or more people,” said Mercado. “It’s connection, affiliation and the sense that you matter.”

Starting Out — Personal Experiences

It’s more than just about making friends or joining clubs — but those are worthwhile pursuits! Sierra Snodgrass, 21, is from Carson, and moved to campus last year. She’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in psychology. She took Mercado’s U-100 class, where many of the assignments require students to explore the campus and write about those experiences.

“I think I tend to, in most environments, feel like an outsider,” said Snodgrass. “So, I needed a push to get out there,” she said.

Snodgrass ended up exploring “Meet the Clubs,” a huge club fair that’s held on the Library and Sierra quads twice per year, at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. Then, a trip to Alaska with Associated Students’ Outdoor Adventures program inspired her to pursue a job with the organization.

“Now, with Outdoor Adventures, I see a lot more [familiar] people around campus … to say ‘hi’ to people doesn’t feel as uncomfortable,” Snodgrass said.

The Payoff

In a study by Maithreyi Gopalan and Shannon T. Brady, the authors note: “At four-year schools, belonging predicts better persistence, engagement and mental health” among students.

Christopher Aston, 02 (Communication Studies), M.A. ’04, who now oversees New Student Orientation and graduation ceremonies at CSUN, said getting involved builds overall confidence and empowerment.

“You’re doing more, but you’re doing better,” he said. “Not just your well-being, but your classwork is also improved, so everything is kind of tied together.”

Mercado noted that belonging promotes an overall sense of well-being.

“If you belong, it can have an impact on your emotional wellness, your social wellness,” Mercado said. “And all of these things add up to a balance and harmony.”

A Way In (or Many Ways): A (Partial) List of Resources and Ideas

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