Communication Centers as Uniquely Positioned Sites to Strategize “Belonging”

Oct 15, 2026

Explores how university communication centers can intentionally cultivate “belonging” among consultants and, by extension, improve consultant effectiveness in supporting students. Grounds the argument in the emotional and psychological need for acceptance, assistance, and encouragement, drawing on Maslow’s framework and Haidt’s concept of “vital engagement.” Illustrates practices that strengthen group cohesion through both in-center support and purposeful community involvement, and shows how strong social identities—shaped by shared projects and feedback—reinforce confidence, creativity, and collaboration.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Strategic “Belonging” in Communication Centers

“Vital Engagement” as Active Belonging in the Center

Purposeful Group Cohesion for Consultant Success

Forming Strong Social Identities Inside and Outside of the Center

Communication Center Journal 118 Vol. 7, No. 1, 2021 Communication Centers as Uniquely Positioned Sites to Strategize “Belonging” Jacques Gann University of North Carolina-Greensboro To belong matters to me. Merriam-Webster states that belongingness entails“close or intimate relationships, and a sense of belonging.”Humans have an emotional need to be an accepted member of a group. This desire is so universal that the need to belong is found across all cultures. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs lists (love and) belonging in level 3 of the 6 levels of the hierarchy of need, meaning that belonging is one of the basic needs of human existence. In terms of a university setting, Gleiman (2015), states “Ultimately, engagement through the sense of belonging can be one of the most powerful tools institutions of higher education can employ to ensure student success.” Likewise, communication centers are one of the few spaces on a university campus wherein people and relationships are valued over all else (Cuny, 2018) . Additionally, Vizzier (2006) points out that communication centers’organizational culture fosters a community of practice, and I would argue belonging is an active practice that communication centers need to embrace in order to utilize their unique character within the university to encourage student success. For the purposes of this article, I will focus on how communication center consultants can foster belongingness with one another inside and outside of the center, thus strengthening the efficacy of the center as a whole. I will detail below the elements of Haidt’s “vital engagement”(acceptance, assistance, and encouragement), ways to achieve active group cohesion, and the importance of forming strong social identities among consultants. “Vital Engagement” as Active Belonging in the Center Strategic moments of practicing belonging are what Johnathan Haidt (2006) calls in The Happy Hypothesis“vital engagement.”An initial key aspect of vital engagement is acceptance. In the spring of 2021, I was recruited to take my university’s communication center theory and practice course. I was the only male student, the only non-traditional adult student, and the oldest. From the start, I was hoping that the class would accept me, and they did so with open arms while also practicing another facet of vital engagement: assistance. Everyone always volunteered to help me with the technical issues that I had during our online synchronous class meetings. These displays of care always made me feel very comfortable. I was shown compassion when I didn't have the right answers, and the empathy that was shared with me let me know that I belonged. Also, [according to Rendon et. al](according to Rendon et. al) (2000)“nontraditional students do not perceive involvement as them taking the initiative. They perceive it when someone takes an active role in assisting them” (pp. 127–156) . I can attest to this assertion personally. When we are consulting with students, the technical aspects can be challenging for me; however, when another member of our team assists Communication Center Journal 119 Vol. 7, No. 1, 2021 me, I can focus on what I need to do in the moment (feedback) . We bond as a unit and accomplish our center's goal. Lastly, encouragement is crucial for a strong center. For example, when we do a consultation and I’m giving feedback, my fellow consultants tell me how good my feedback was. These instances of others going out of their way to encourage me helps me feel important and contributes to my selfesteem, which in turn helps me add to the success of the entire group or organization. Purposeful Group Cohesion for Consultant Success I also believe another role communication centers can play toward belonging is for consultants to have times when everyone focuses on connectedness with our groups or communities outside of the center. Our communication center has committees we are assigned and can volunteer for

FAQs

How does the article define belonging in a human and university context?

Belonging is described as a need tied to close relationships and acceptance, present across cultures and included as a basic need in Maslow’s hierarchy. In a university setting, communication centers are highlighted as spaces where relationships are valued as much as tasks.

What are the three elements of “vital engagement” used to explain belonging?

The article uses Haidt’s “vital engagement,” focusing on acceptance, assistance, and encouragement as practical ways consultants can experience and reinforce belonging.

How do outside-of-center activities support belonging and effectiveness inside the center?

By creating time for connectedness through committees, social events, and community efforts, consultants build trust and shared history. The document argues these relationships make support for students stronger when consultants return to center work.

Oct 15, 2026

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