Exploring the experiences of LGBTQ undergraduate social work students and their perceived sense of belonging at a public university / by Heather Strohman.

Many studies show the importance of positive belonging for college students. What is not as well explored is sense of belonging within specific majors and marginalized groups. This study provides an overview of how LBTQ undergraduate social work students rate and perceive their belonging at a public university using a mixed method design with descriptive statistics and a phenomenological qualitative process. They study analyzed the data through the lens of Meyer’s (2003) Minority Stress Theory and Strayhorn’s (2019) Framework for Belonging to explicate the findings and translate them into opportunities for enhancement of the implicit and explicit curriculum. Participants shared their definition of belonging and the need to feel affirmed and welcomed. Largely, there was interest from participants to increase LGBTQ content and visibility through curriculum adjustments, campus offerings, and affirming policies. The study concludes with a discussion of identified themes and implications for practice.