Creating Cultures of Belonging: A Student Life Work Series (Fall 2026)

This workshop series brings a  renewed focus to cultivating inclusive environments across campus. Participants will explore personal and collective experiences, learn best practices and strategies to foster belonging, and strengthen their ability to serve and support a diverse student population.  Workshop offerings are open to Student Life staff and campus colleagues; attendance is voluntary. All workshops are free to Student Life Professional Staff Members. 


PLEASE NOTE: A fee of $25 or the program’s registration fee (whichever is more) will be charged to the unit shortcode if registrants no show or drop less than 24 hrs prior to the event. 





From Student Stories to Campus Change: Advancing Ecological Validation at U-M

Available Seats 21
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Ruthven 1140
Sara Colts, Pa Houa Xiong

This presentation will share findings from Student Life Research’s qualitative assessment of ecological validation among U-M undergraduate students. Based on structured interviews with 37 students, the study explores how students’ identities, relationships, and campus environments shape their sense of belonging, academic persistence, and overall success. Participants described identities that extend beyond institutional demographic categories, including family roles, first-generation status, sexuality, religion, disability, socioeconomic background, immigrant experiences, and personality traits. Findings highlight the central role of peers, family, student organizations, instructors, advisors, cohort programs, and Student Life staff in affirming, and sometimes limiting, students’ experiences. Attendees will learn how identity- and strengths-based connections foster belonging, while barriers such as bias, unclear navigation, inconsistent support, and siloed campus systems can undermine validation. The session will include recommendations for integrating validating practices that strengthen a campus culture where all students can thrive. Participants will also engage in short activities to consider practical implications for their own roles and units.

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