Take the Belonging Survey Before Finals Start May 9

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A survey is available for the campus community to share their thoughts and experiences regarding belonging at the U of A. The 15-minute survey is designed to gauge how current students, faculty and staff perceive their own belonging on our campus. 

"We understand that this is a very busy time," said Lori Lander, co-chair of the belonging committee and assistant vice chancellor for campus life. "But we really want to know what you think about belonging at the U of A before you leave for the summer. We hope you will take some time between now and Reading Day on May 6 to fill out this survey."

This past summer, at the request of Charles Robinson, interim chancellor, the Division of Student Affairs formed a committee to explore the concept of belonging on the U of A campus. This survey tool came out of those meetings, and the information the campus community provides is being used to help create an action plan for strengthening the culture of belonging on campus.

The committee, made of staff, students and faculty, has been meeting regularly and has formed a working definition for belonging as it relates to the U of A:

"Belonging is defined by each of us and connects us all as Razorbacks. From showing up to engagement to responsibility.

When belonging happens, you feel…

• Part of something that is greater than yourself, 
• Empowered to explore self and community, 
• Your voice matters to the community and
• Encouraged to learn from diverse experiences."

A few weeks ago, the belonging website, belonging.uark.edu, went live, and it is where the survey can be found. The website also showcases stories of belonging from our campus community and provides a place for others to share their stories. 

"We hope you will take a few minutes and fill out the survey," said Anthony DiNicola, coordinator of cultural communities in the Multicultural Center and co-chair of the belonging committee. "Your sense of belonging on this campus matters, and we want to do all we can to find those areas where people feel that sense of belonging."

The belonging committee invites you to get on the website to take the survey, explore and tell us your story. To find out more information about the belonging efforts on campus, please send an email to UABelong@uark.edu, or contact Lander at llander@uark.edu or DiNicola at anthonyd@uark.edu.