Increasing Belonging at Loyola

We are all responsible and accountable for encouraging the belonging of all in our community. Here's how you can do your part.

Individuals who desire greater belonging

Join a club or organization based on an identity you have or a passion that you want to pursue
Work on projects and prepare for exams in a group
Engage in peer mentoring and tutoring
Step out of your bubble and try a new activity
Seek connections with a professor, your R.A., your T.A., or your Messina mentor

Invite someone to join a club or organization where you're a member
Create a shared Google document for classmates to add notes and answer each other's questions
Create a study group to prepare for exams – you're all in this together!
Recognize and express accomplishments/growth
Ask someone to join you for a cup of coffee or tea
Be mindful of the impact that the décor in your room, on your backpack, or on your laptop might have on others

Actively discuss belonging with your students – in and out of the classroom
Cultivate a relationship with students (Get to know students; give them space to discuss their individual needs)
Use a student's preferred pronouns
Foster a sense of community in the classroom by establishing classroom respect
Recognize and express accomplishments/growth
Create opportunities for students to engage with each other through group projects
Be mindful of asking students to talk about their personal experiences related to an aspect of identity versus having them speak for a group of which they are a member
Call Disability Support Services instead of asking students about their accommodations in front of the class
Pay attention to the décor in your office and images/language in your class materials and how it might impact students
Help students get connected to appropriate resources

However you are connected to the Loyola community, there are ways for you to contribute to the sense of belonging within our community.