51ÂÒÂ×

In total, 51ÂÒÂ× received 76 responses to the "Belonging Survey," which was shared with all OHIO faculty, staff and students in early May. What follows is a summary of the input gathered.

1) Ideas for Helping Students Develop Connections at OHIO

Suggestions for increasing connections and sense of belonging included:

• Ensure students have access to informal spaces to gather and network.
• Increase support and space for student organizations.
• Broaden and scale peer mentorship programs and opportunities for alumni networking.
• Expand interactive community-building programming, such as storytelling events, open mic nights, cultural exchanges and student-led workshops
• Consider mental health and wellness spaces, including sensory rooms and decompression zones.
• Continue and expand open University community events on College Green, such as the Presidential Pizza Party.

Student Comments:

“Make sure [all students] know they are accepted and safe here by keeping clubs and organizations concerning diversity and inclusion.�

“Create a welcome and open space to meet and mingle, especially for students who are first-year students who are anxious about the new chapter of their life they are beginning.�

Faculty/staff Comments:

“Increase the number of student affairs staff with expertise in advising student organizations and leadership development. … An expanded network of student activities advisors can broaden the co-curricular sphere's reach to empower students to create and lead their own initiatives.�

“It is time to provide a larger-scale peer mentoring program here. Right now, it is splintered. There are small groups of students who get excellent mentorship and guidance from upper-class students, but there is no coordination of these and no identification of the students who are missed.�

2) Priorities for Baker University Center Space

Recurring themes included:

• Student-centered design: Prioritize lounges, study areas, and flexible spaces for student orgs and informal gatherings.
• Accessibility and inclusion: Many advocated for relocating services like Counseling and Psychological Services and Student Accessibility Services to Baker for better visibility and access.
• Preserving legacy and purpose: Several responses emphasized that any new use of space should honor the legacy of the displaced centers and continue to serve marginalized communities.
• Creative and collaborative zones: Ideas included makerspaces, podcast studios, and community engagement hubs.

Student Comments:

“Students need to have [informal] space within Baker. Significant space is used as administrative space or food venues. .�

“… Create a space where people can go to get information on joining groups like Sorority and Fraternity Life, club sports, etc.�

“Having a welcoming space where students can feel comfortable. Using some rooms for study rooms, meetings, and others for social gatherings. It should be a fun, exciting space for everyone but also have areas that are quiet and private for those who need to study or get work done.�

Faculty/staff Comments:

“Student-facing offices that already have rapport and connection with populations most affected by the changes, and most poised to take on the increase in support and programming (CSEL/SFL).

“The spaces within Baker should be prioritized for student engagement (not office space). Baker lacks the same feel as a Student Union at other universities. I think opening up the centers could be an opportunity to create spaces for students to engage with each other outside of the classroom that is specific to a student org or need to be quiet in the library.�

3) What do you need to develop a "Sense of Belonging" at OHIO?

Key sentiments expressed:

• Authentic support and representation: Students want to feel seen, heard, and supported — especially those from marginalized backgrounds.
• Safe and affirming spaces: Many emphasized the importance of physical spaces where they can be their authentic selves.
• Institutional accountability: Some called for more visible advocacy from leadership.
• Opportunities for dialogue: Suggestions included structured conversations across differences and more inclusive programming.

Student Responses:

“Being around others who look like me; being able to have open conversations about DEI; and to be able to have serious conversations in classroom settings.�

“To be supported by faculty members and to make sure we still have safe spaces.�

“What is important now for me to feel like I belong is to make sure I am safe while attending OHIO. This has not been a certainty as I have faced threats and threatening behavior from other students.�

Staff/Faculty Responses:

“For students feeling abused and marginalized, I think that just feeling there are colleagues on campus who can imagine what it feels like to be the "other" and to be stigmatized, would go a long way toward building bridges.�