Exploring Higher Education Part-time Students’ Sense of Belonging: The Case of an Institution in Lesotho

A sense of belonging is one of the fundamental human needs, which occurs when a person feels supported, accepted, and included in a variety of social situations. A university has a duty to create an atmosphere that encourages students to feel more a part of the campus community. That would enhance students’ success, achievement, motivation, and retention, as well as their wellness and mental health. The study explored the sense of belonging of part-time students enrolled in part-time programmes in higher education. A qualitative case study was conducted, and group interviews with first-year, second-year, and third-year students conveniently sampled produced the data to gain in-depth knowledge of part-time students’ sense of belonging. It was found that both full-time students and non-academic staff did not treat part-time students fairly during their stay on campus. Again, the study revealed that part-time students had no access to library facilities like full-time students do. On the other hand, students appreciated the support they received from their lecturers. It is recommended that higher institutions of learning improve students’ well-being and create a conducive environment for part-time students to feel accepted, respected and cared for.