Undocumented Latinx College Students’ Perceptions of Campus Climate

Abstract

This qualitative study explored 16 undocumented Latinx college students’ perceptions of campus climate through the lens of sense of belonging. Barriers to belonging include: (a) experiencing racism and hostility from majoritized students, (b) limited visibility of other Latinx and/or undocumented students, and (c) blocked social opportunities. Pathways to belonging include identity-based student organization involvement. A discussion of the culturally engaging campus environment model explores promoting sense of belonging, followed by recommendations for future research.