Students' sense of belonging at a South African university during COVID-19

The research on students’ sense of belonging in higher education has evolved into a prominent theme worldwide. Institutional focuses the institution understanding itself and helps leaders to rethink improvement initiatives. Moreover, COVID-19 pandemic required institutions revise student support programmes approaches maintain strong belonging. theories by Strayhorn (2012) Dumford et al. (2019) were adopted analyse responses. aim study was understand how university responded challenges presented ensure Data generated through in-depth interviews with 45 undergraduate students from all seven faculties. findings highlight notable prevention measures intended limit spread virus campus form devices data. post-lockdown changes included return face-to-face mental health support, drafting catchup plans for first year orientation 2020 2021 cohorts, improving voice. Finally, principles responding future crisis are highlighted. These initiatives contributed towards establishing maintaining