Improving a student’s sense of belonging and connectedness is a powerful force for good—and measurably improves enrollment, inclusion, and retention. A higher sense of belonging improves students’ excitement, confidence, and commitment related to college. 

The first year experience begins with the admissions and application process, before the first year even truly begins. Many of us will soon be facing early and priority admissions deadlines for next fall. Now is the perfect time to take a strategic approach to student success through creating a space for building intentional connections. This episode explores the creative ways CSUN is working towards increasing student yield and ultimately student success through community building. Listen to a case-study of how to build a student-driven sense of belonging using the Near Peer peer-to-peer engagement platform. Near Pear is a virtual peer network that reinforces a sense of belonging and community throughout the student lifecycle, resulting in increased yield, reduced melt, and improved persistence.

Host: 
Stephanie Krusemark, Vice President of Enrollment Management 
Illif School of Theology 

Guests: 
Dustin Manocha, Founder and CEO 
Near Peer 

Aaron Lindberg, Director of Admissions
California State University-Northridge