Overall Satisfaction and Belonging at Union College Through Varying Fitness Environments

Participating in physical activities, whether through varsity sports, club teams, wellness classes, or independent exercise, shapes college students' social well-being (Deelen et al., 2018; Joseph et al., 2013; Kochar et al., 2018). This study examined the relationship between fitness environments and students' sense of belonging and educational satisfaction at Union College. Through a survey, students selected the fitness group they most strongly identify with (i.e., varsity athletes, club athletes, wellness classes, independent exercisers, or non-participating individuals). Varsity student-athletes also completed a team climate scale to assess their team dynamics. Using survey data from 155 students, we compared students' social connectedness, satisfaction with education, and campus climate-hypothesizing that varsity athletes would report a stronger sense of belonging. Findings from the survey partially supported my hypothesis because varsity athletes reported a significant sense of belonging compared to non-varsity athletes through significant independent samples t-tests with the social connectedness scale, education satisfaction scale, and perceived campus climate scale. However, the survey rejected the second half of my hypothesis; that club athletes would report a greater sense of belonging compared to those that attend workout classes or work out independently.