Session 12: Criminology students and their sense of community: a student-driven assessment of community-building

Abstract

Criminology as a discipline recruits very large numbers of students. We might assume that large numbers mean a fertile ground for the growth of a discipline-based student community fostering identity and belongingness. However large numbers can also precipitate student anonymity and higher levels of loneliness and isolation. Student interns have undertaken a survey and virtual focus groups with Criminology students to explore the ways in which they experience their academic community and to explore the following key questions:

• What does the term ‘community’ mean to our students in 2024?
• Where and under what circumstances do students get a sense of belonging and build connections (e.g., WhatsApp groups, group project work, PT tutorial modules at level 4)?
• What role does or might the legacy of the covid pandemic play in any efforts to re-ignite criminology social events?
• The high levels of student mental health problems is well documented – to what extent is mental health and the ongoing cost of living crisis impacting upon the motivations for social events/activities and the format of these connections?
• What do our students really want by way of social events, if at all, that bring Criminology students from across the levels together?
• Is there any appetite among the students for a mentoring system or buddying scheme around the themes of student engagement, belonging and identity?

The presentation will reflect on the findings of this research to highlight the ways in which staff-student partnerships can be taken forward to foster a sense of identity, community and belonging, and what mechanisms can be put in place to ensure their sustainability and growth as a collective responsibility. The student voice will be key here in shaping recommendations and action plans to enhance the student experience beyond the curriculum and to support and sustain the Criminology community.

Criminology students and their sense of community: a student-driven assessment of community-building PowerPoint.  Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource.