Basic needs security is a key factor in determining a student’s likelihood of finishing college, but there is more to our humanity than food and shelter: relationships, especially those developed in college, can meaningfully influence a student’s success as well. This is particularly true when it comes to student-faculty relationships. Unfortunately, little research exists exploring how faculty can more effectively play a role in their students’ lives. But a new study, “My Professor Cares: Experimental Evidence on the Role of Faculty Engagement,” sheds some light on the effect even a minimal increase in faculty engagement can have on a student’s academic future, especially for minoritized students just starting college.
For College, Community, and Justice
