One of the most significant predictors of a student's success at university is their sense of belonging on campus (O’Keeffe 2013; Strayhorn 2018). Further, Wilson et al. (2015) linked peer support and student retention. But how are universities fostering inclusivity and belonging after COVID-19 decimated the student events scene, and who is responsible for creating and contributing to this sense of belonging? My most recent degree was my third attempt at study, previously not making it past a Semester. However, when I started this degree, things felt different. I felt like I belonged this time, which came from the feeling that I was part of the student body. So, whose responsibility is it to create a sense of belonging on campus?
My student governance experience and a deep sense of duty are centred around passing on that sense of belonging to others. However, the nurturing and pastoral care that creates this supportive culture, including running and managing student clubs, is often underappreciated, and overwhelmingly built on the unpaid labour of students. In this paper, I will investigate effective ways to foster a sense of belonging through inclusive event design, empathetic governance, and peer-to-peer student advocacy.