Building identity and belonging among students
Blake McKimmie
The University of Queensland
Guidance on rebuilding learning and research communities within universities after the pandemic's disruption
The lockdowns and homeworking forced by Covid-19 interrupted the daily human interactions that feed into the rich life of a university and aid learning and research. The loss of face-to-face connections between academic colleagues and students, left many feeling isolated and disengaged from the broader work of their institution. Much progress has since been made in building communities and social engagement online. But now universities need to look at how to reconnect their diverse communities of students and staff as they move beyond pandemic response mode to shape a future where both in-person and digital communications will be key.