Date of Award

5-7-2026

Degree Type

Creative Activity

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Department

Public Administration

First Advisor

Dr. Craig Maher

Abstract

This research project looks at the factors influencing students’ sense of belonging at the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO). The researcher looked at belonging as a critical motivator of academic success, retention, and overall well-being. As a university with many commuter, transfer, and international students, UNO faces unique challenges in building a united campus community. Although the university invests in support services, the key motivators of connection for its diverse student population remain unclear.

Using a quantitative design, the study employed a three-domain framework of student experience, environmental factors, and relational factors, grounded in previously recognized theories of belonging and involvement. Data were collected through a Qualtrics survey distributed across campus to identify which factors most strongly influence students’ feelings of being valued, supported, and connected. This study included 136 respondents.

Findings show that relational dynamics are the strongest predictor of belonging, with meaningful interactions with peers, mentors, and instructors being the only statistically significant factor. Use of campus resources was also associated with a higher sense of belonging, whereas demographic factors showed no major differences. Based on these results, UNO should prioritize mentorship and student relationships while increasing awareness and accessibility to campus resources to strengthen student connections.

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