Sense of Belonging of New Members who are First-Generation College Students: A Single-Institution Qualitative Case Study

Authors

Levi J. Harrel-Hallmark, Oklahoma City University
Jason Castles, Maryville University
Pietro A. Sasso, Stephen F. Austin State University

Publication Date

3-18-2022

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25774/437v-yd40

First Page

55

Last Page

74

Abstract

While there is research to suggest that first-generation college students benefit from and have a greater sense of belonging as a result of involvement in student organizations, there is limited research on how first-generation college students develop a sense of belonging specifically through their involvement as new members of a fraternity or sorority. This study, constructed within a single-institution qualitative case study framework, highlighted the unique role that organizational involvement, mentorship, emotional support, and first-generation status and identity can play in the development of sense of belonging for fraternity and sorority new members that are first-generation college students.

Recommended Citation

Harrel-Hallmark, Levi J.; Castles, Jason; and Sasso, Pietro A. (2022) "Sense of Belonging of New Members who are First-Generation College Students: A Single-Institution Qualitative Case Study," Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice: Vol. 16: Iss. 02, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25774/437v-yd40
Available at: https://scholarworks.wm.edu/oracle/vol16/iss02/7