Freshmen students' sense of belonging after participating in a college of agriculture living learning program: A convergent mixed methods study

This mixed-methods research study investigates freshmen students’ sense of belonging after participating in a college of agriculture living learning program (LLP) utilizing the University Student Belonging Scale (USBS) across three constructs: (a) feelings that impact belonging, (b) school spirit, and (c) social connections at the university. This study aims to fill a gap in existing research utilizing the Need to Belong Theory (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). This study aims to compare Freshmen in Transition (FIT) LLP participants with non-FIT LLP participants utilizing the USBS. Quantitative objectives include describing how FIT and non-FIT participants perceive their sense of belonging during their freshman year and comparing these participants’ sense of belonging. Additionally, qualitative data was collected from the FIT participants so I could gain an insight to the students’ lives during their current experiences within the program. Qualitative research questions involve how students describe their sense of belonging on campus through their experiences within the FIT LLP, how participating in FIT influence the students’ sense of belonging, and how the FIT LLP could be adapted to provide students with a higher sense of belonging during their freshman year. Limitations of this study revolve around focusing solely on the FIT LLP, my experiences with the FIT LLP, Ferguson College of Agriculture, and Oklahoma State University, and not utilizing all constructs of the USBS. Despite these limitations, the findings within this research will provide insights on how to increase students’ sense of belonging and how LLPs affect students’ sense of belonging.