Fostering Belonging Through Academic Affairs: Advancing Policy and Practice

ABSTRACT Belonging has become a central focus in higher education, shaping institutional policies, programs, and pedagogical practices. While traditionally associated with student affairs, academic affairs plays a critical yet often overlooked role in fostering belonging. This special issue examines how academic affairs—through curriculum design, pedagogy, advising, and institutional policies—can cultivate environments where all students, particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds, feel valued and supported. Contributions explore innovative strategies, evidence‐based practices, and policy implications that position belonging as an academic imperative. By bridging research, policy, and practice, this issue underscores the transformative potential of academic affairs in advancing student success and institutional equity.