In total, Ohio University received 76 responses to the "Belonging Survey," which was shared with all OHIO faculty, staff and students in early May. What follows is a summary of the input gathered.
1) Ideas for Helping Students Develop Connections at OHIO
Suggestions for increasing connections and sense of belonging included:
- Ensure students have access to informal spaces to gather and network.
- Increase support and space for student organizations.
- Broaden and scale peer mentorship programs and opportunities for alumni networking.
- Expand interactive community-building programming, such as storytelling events, open mic nights, cultural exchanges and student-led workshops
- Consider mental health and wellness spaces, including sensory rooms and decompression zones.
- Continue and expand open University community events on College Green, such as the Presidential Pizza Party.
Student Comments:
“Make sure [all students] know they are accepted and safe here by keeping clubs and organizations concerning diversity and inclusion.”
“Create a welcome and open space to meet and mingle, especially for students who are first-year students who are anxious about the new chapter of their life they are beginning.”
Faculty/staff Comments:
“Increase the number of student affairs staff with expertise in advising student organizations and leadership development. … An expanded network of student activities advisors can broaden the co-curricular sphere's reach to empower students to create and lead their own initiatives.”
“It is time to provide a larger-scale peer mentoring program here. Right now, it is splintered. There are small groups of students who get excellent mentorship and guidance from upper-class students, but there is no coordination of these and no identification of the students who are missed.”
2) Priorities for Baker University Center Space
Recurring themes included:
- Student-centered design: Prioritize lounges, study areas, and flexible spaces for student orgs and informal gatherings.
- Accessibility and inclusion: Many advocated for relocating services like Counseling and Psychological Services and Student Accessibility Services to Baker for better visibility and access.
- Preserving legacy and purpose: Several responses emphasized that any new use of space should honor the legacy of the displaced centers and continue to serve marginalized communities.
- Creative and collaborative zones: Ideas included makerspaces, podcast studios, and community engagement hubs.
Student Comments:
“Students need to have [informal] space within Baker. Significant space is used as administrative space or food venues. .”
“… Create a space where people can go to get information on joining groups like Sorority and Fraternity Life, club sports, etc.”
“Having a welcoming space where students can feel comfortable. Using some rooms for study rooms, meetings, and others for social gatherings. It should be a fun, exciting space for everyone but also have areas that are quiet and private for those who need to study or get work done.”
Faculty/staff Comments:
“Student-facing offices that already have rapport and connection with populations most affected by the changes, and most poised to take on the increase in support and programming (CSEL/SFL).
“The spaces within Baker should be prioritized for student engagement (not office space). Baker lacks the same feel as a Student Union at other universities. I think opening up the centers could be an opportunity to create spaces for students to engage with each other outside of the classroom that is specific to a student org or need to be quiet in the library.”
3) What do you need to develop a "Sense of Belonging" at OHIO?
Key sentiments expressed:
- Authentic support and representation: Students want to feel seen, heard, and supported — especially those from marginalized backgrounds.
- Safe and affirming spaces: Many emphasized the importance of physical spaces where they can be their authentic selves.
- Institutional accountability: Some called for more visible advocacy from leadership.
- Opportunities for dialogue: Suggestions included structured conversations across differences and more inclusive programming.
Student Responses:
“Being around others who look like me; being able to have open conversations about DEI; and to be able to have serious conversations in classroom settings.”
“To be supported by faculty members and to make sure we still have safe spaces.”
“What is important now for me to feel like I belong is to make sure I am safe while attending OHIO. This has not been a certainty as I have faced threats and threatening behavior from other students.”
Staff/Faculty Responses:
“For students feeling abused and marginalized, I think that just feeling there are colleagues on campus who can imagine what it feels like to be the "other" and to be stigmatized, would go a long way toward building bridges.”