Engagement and Belonging—Building Stronger Student Connections with AI

A student who feels connected is a student who is more likely to stay. Engagement and a sense of belonging are foundational to retention, yet many students feel invisible in large institutions. Artificial Intelligence (AI), when used thoughtfully, can help foster community, amplify student voices, and support deeper engagement across the academic journey.

The Importance of Belonging

Research consistently shows that students who feel like they belong—socially, culturally, and academically—are more likely to persist. Feelings of isolation or disconnect are powerful predictors of dropout, especially for students from underrepresented or marginalized groups.

Belonging is about more than friendships; it includes being seen, heard, and valued within the university environment.

Where Engagement Falls Short

Traditional engagement efforts—clubs, orientations, or student events—may not reach everyone. Some students are commuters, caregivers, or working full-time. Others may struggle with language, mental health, or cultural barriers. In these cases, passive strategies often fail to create meaningful connection.

How AI Can Foster Connection

AI can help in several ways:

• Identifying disengagement early: Patterns such as skipped classes, missed forums, or lack of online participation can signal a loss of connection.

• Personalized outreach: AI can help staff know when and how to reach out to students in a way that feels timely and relevant.

• Community discovery: Based on students’ interests, AI can suggest campus groups, events, or peers they might connect with.

• Feedback loops: AI can collect ongoing input from students to identify what’s working—and what’s not—regarding their sense of inclusion.

  
  

Maintaining Human Connection

While AI can facilitate connections, it should never replace the personal relationships that give learning its meaning. A recommendation engine may suggest a group—but it’s the warm welcome from a fellow student or mentor that builds trust.

When students feel that they matter, they are more likely to stay and succeed. AI can serve as a quiet partner in this effort—listening for disconnection, suggesting avenues for belonging, and helping institutions design more inclusive learning communities. In our final article, we’ll look at the ethical responsibilities of using AI in student retention.