Comment on Allan Skok's post:
Your reflection captures something foundational that the module emphasized throughout — that student success is built on the twin pillars of clear expectations and genuine belonging. The connection you drew between sense of belonging and student success aligns directly with Vincent Tinto's research on social and academic integration as drivers of persistence.
I particularly appreciated your emphasis on a realistic understanding from day one. The module's point about expectation gaps — students arriving with mental images of school that differ from actual realities — resonated with my work as College Director at Central Virginia Community College's Amherst Early College Center. When students enter without realistic expectations, even capable students can become discouraged. Honest orientation is therefore an act of respect, not discouragement.
Your phrase "feel supported throughout" also stood out to me. The module's emphasis on on-going orientation — beyond the introductory session — reinforces that support cannot be a one-time event. Students need different kinds of support at different stages of their journey, and institutions that recognize this tend to see stronger retention and completion outcomes.
How are you thinking about creating opportunities for community-building in your specific context? I find that intentional structures — study groups, peer mentoring, shared experiences — tend to produce stronger belonging than hoping community emerges organically.
Thank you for a thoughtful reflection.
With Benevolence, Shannon
