Familismo and Community Cultural Wealth: Enhancing Sense of Belonging for Latine Students Through Custodian Interactions in Residence Halls

Custodians can serve as important connections in fostering a sense of belonging for Latine students in residence halls by supporting them with ties to familismo and community cultural wealth. This critical qualitative study focuses on their interactions with non-academic staff, particularly custodians, whose contributions to their support are often overlooked. This study employs a pláticas methodology—a culturally rooted approach emphasizing informal conversations—to gather insights about the residential experiences of Latine students at a large public university in California. Key themes include the cultural value of familismo, which emphasizes strong familial ties and communal support, and various forms of community cultural wealth, such as linguistic, familial, and social capital. Findings reveal that custodians act as cultural connectors and surrogate family members, providing emotional and practical support that significantly impacts students’ sense of belonging and academic success. This study highlights the importance of recognizing and integrating custodians into residential life programs and promoting linguistic inclusivity to enhance student experiences. Recommendations include formal recognition of custodians’ contributions and a commitment to fostering environments where multiple languages are valued.