The Complex Factors That Drive Students’ Sense of Belonging
An expert in student belonging and engagement in the digital environment explains the nuances of belonging, mattering and inclusion as well as how to foster well-being in higher education.
Eve Riskin is on a mission to broaden the definition of diversity. The newly appointed dean of undergraduate education at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey is determined to make sure they are “student ready” in order to support more women, minority groups and students with disabilities through STEM degrees.
She’s also an award-winning mentor, having received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring in 2020, and encourages her colleagues not to confuse confidence with talent. “If you give someone an opportunity, they may take it and run,” she says.