“We are learning the hybrid communication culture”: curating atmospheres of social connection for university students

Purpose New ways of thinking are required to address gaps in managing student experiences at university within more digitally orientated approaches. The shift towards digitally orientated learning, accelerated by COVID-19, is transforming student experiences. Relations through and with technology are often intangible but important to user experiences. Technologies growing role raises concerns over the negative impact on student experiences with social connection (indicated by socialising, social support and a sense of belonging). The purpose of this study is to bring new ways of thinking through the concept of affective atmospheres to identify processual relations between students (people), the university (place) and hybrid learning (technology). Design/methodology/approach Based on people–place–technology relations, this paper explores how different users and experts interpret four proposed dimensions of affect: temporality, materiality, adjustability and cultural/social norms. Two online focus groups are conducted with lecturers, researchers, program leaders and decision-makers across universities in Switzerland, Finland and Norway. These sessions aim to categorise social connection in digitally orientated learning environments and integrate these insights within management solutions. Findings The results of this study indicate disconnect between the four dimensions of affect and their influence on supporting social connection. Whilst participants indicate the need for an atmosphere or culture of connection across multiple user levels in hybrid-style learning environments, the relationship between social connection and spatial aspects remains unclear. Hybrid-style space requires a different understanding, with online space acting as elastic extensions of the physical campus. Originality/value This paper demonstrates the value of affective atmospheres to acknowledge the intangible qualities of student experiences. This study offers a novel approach for universities to guide and curate atmospheres that shape student experiences for social connection.