Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education (PhD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods

Advisor/Mentor

Mamiseishvili, Ketevan

Committee Member

Hevel, Michael S.

Second Committee Member

Murry, John W. Jr.

Keywords

Belonging; Hispanic; Hispanic Serving Institution; HSI

Abstract

Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) provide critical access to higher education for Hispanic students, yet their designation is based on enrollment rather than active support for student success. The purpose of the study was to describe and explore the sense of belonging for Hispanic students at a select Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) with a high percentage of Hispanic students. Using photo voice, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews, the study identifies five key themes: (1) agency in belonging, (2) club participation, (3) fostering a sense of value, (4) institution and institutional agents, and (5) scholarship and funding. Findings underscore the need for HSIs to move beyond demographic designation and intentionally foster environments where students can create their own sense of belonging. Implications include strategic policy development, faculty engagement, and resource allocation to enhance Hispanic student success. Future research should explore belonging at institutions with lower Hispanic enrollment, the role of student agency in belonging, and how HSIs can better serve their evolving student populations.

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