Build Belonging Through Structure:�Not Extra Labor
Laura O’Hara
Communication Studies
The heart of the problem. . .
Belonging matters
Bandwidth Is limited
Good ideas often stall
What if we tried something practical?
Centralize follow-through
Use what already exists
Make engagement happen through coursework
COMM 380 Events/Initiatives
Alum Return-to-campus Events (classroom raids, alum lounge)
One Ball State Day Fund-raising
Big Talk (think “Ted Talk”) highlighting our department
Communication Awards Gala
Be a COMM Major Party
Robotics Presentation Coaching
Best Valentine’s Party Ever
J-Day/CCIM Day + Communication workshops
Social Media Team
The hub & spoke model
Students implement
Faculty directs and guides
Existing needs become curriculum
Why this builds belonging
People feel useful
People feel trusted
People are part of something ongoing
A Departmental Engagement Inventory
Use the checklist to identify how your department could create at least ONE sustainable, student-driven engagement event/initiative using existing resources.