Deciding to pursue higher education is a major commitment, especially for adult learners who often juggle multiple obligations including work and family. Distance education modalities provide flexible avenues to complete a degree while still fulfilling those other social roles. However, online learning is not without its inherent challenges, one of which is feeling connected and having a close academic support system throughout one’s program.
Chamberlain’s Social Determinants of Learning (SDoL) model emphasizes psychosocial health as key to student success (Sanderson et al., 2021; Study (chamberlain.edu)). The demands of a higher degree program require resiliency and dedication, both of which are bolstered by a sense of belonging and connection to one’s peers and institution (Gopalan & Brady, 2020).
