Creating a sense of belonging is essential for student success, especially in today’s diverse and dynamic college classrooms. This interactive faculty development session explores practical, research-informed strategies to foster belonging and inclusion across disciplines. Participants will examine how course design, classroom climate, and instructor-student interactions influence students’ sense of connection and engagement. Through discussion, reflection, and real-world examples, faculty will leave with tools to:

• Recognize barriers to belonging that students may face
• Integrate inclusive teaching practices that validate diverse identities and experiences
• Build classroom norms that encourage participation, collaboration, and trust
• Reflect on their own positionality and its impact on student learning

Whether you teach in-person, online, or hybrid courses, this session will offer actionable insights to create more welcoming and equitable learning environments for all students.