Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Granting Department

Leadership, Policy, and Lifelong Learning

Major Professor

Martin Tadlock, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Michelle Bombaugh, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Amber Dumford, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Jennifer Wolgemuth, Ph.D.

Keywords

Rituals, Second-Year Students, Sense of Belonging, Symbols, Traditions

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the impact of campus symbols on the sense of belonging among second-year students at a public, four-year institution in Florida. This topic is relevant as there is a lack of research about positive or neutral campus symbols. Using sense of belonging and symbolic interactionism as theoretical frameworks, this study investigates how students interpret and emotionally connect with university symbols, including campus mascots, monuments, personnel, and campus traditions and rituals. Using photo-elicitation and photovoice interviews, participants engaged with photographs of official university symbols and captured images representing their campus experience. Using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, the data revealed that campus symbols serve as emotional anchors, enhancing feelings of community, institutional pride, and connectedness among students. The study raises additional questions for future research on higher education campus symbols and sense of belonging.

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