Recently, Inside Higher Ed reported on a report from Qualtrics and Buro Happold, who surveyed over 1,000 college students this past spring. Students from a variety of backgrounds, and at different stages of their college journeys, were surveyed on what they perceived about the value they were receiving from their college experience. Among other interesting data was the finding that particular populations — Pell Grant recipients, students with disabilities, commuters and transfer students — reported lower value of college overall. 

Difficulty in building a sense of belonging and connecting to community, often a challenge for these populations, is a significant factor dampening value. Pell Grant recipients may battle doubt that they belong in college. Transfer students must push through increased friction as they learn to navigate a new school with its unfamiliar people, structures, and platforms. Students with disabilities may feel "othered" and find it onerous to take all the required steps to receive accommodations. Commuters often lack time on campus outside of class meetings, especially if they manage jobs and/or families in addition to pursuing a degree, and may not engage with community-building activities geared toward students who live on campus.

What students value, they are more likely to use, but first they have to know what they want and what is available to them. Coaches have an opportunity to help students examine what's in the center of the Venn diagram between needs and resources, especially for populations that may face a heavier lift. We can:

• Notice, and even ask about, how students value college overall, or what aspects of college they value more (or less).
• Invite reflection on what more they want: "What is missing in your college experience that you would value?" and generate conversation about who and what at the school exists to provide that missing piece.
• Pay attention to aspects of our students' identities and experiences that may make them less likely to build a sense of belonging, and keeping that information in mind, invite them to engage in resources built to connect them to the college and increase their value of the experience. 

Increase the value of your own engagement with students as you build your skills and competence through LifeBound's offerings.

• 3-Day Virtual Coaching: Next Class November 6, 13, 20 
• Self-Paced Coaching: Choose Your Own Dates!
• Coaching Certification: Fall Cohort in Session. Spring Cohort Begins Jan 26.



To learn more or explore which option is right for you, visit lifebound.com.