What Helps Create a Sense of Belonging in Oregon College and Training Programs?

Introduction collapse

Welcome!

Would you please answer some questions about what would help you and others in your community feel like you belong in college and training programs?

Your input will help decision-makers decide what to focus on to help people in Oregon feel like they belong in college and training programs.

Right now, many people are talking about learning after high school and what the future of that looks like in Oregon. Decision-makers are trying to better understand what kind of learning settings work best for current and future students. Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is one of the decision-makers that are part of these talks. 

We know that after high school, most students are more likely to continue their education if they feel like they belong in places of learning. 

We invite you and others to share your opinions about: 

  • What helps people feel like they belong in college and training programs?
  • What can decision-makers as well as colleges and training programs do to help students feel more like they belong?

Please share your voice by filling out this survey. You can fill it out through May 27, 2026.

If you need help filling it out, please contact Oregon’s Kitchen Table at 503-725-5248 or info@oregonskitchentable.org.

  • Introduction
  • Section 1
  • Section 2
  • Section 3
  • Section 4
  • Complete

What is Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC)?

HECC is the agency that coordinates statewide policy and funding for college and training programs across Oregon. 

College and training programs are:

  • Community colleges
  • Universities and colleges
  • Training programs
  • Career and trade schools 

How can I help? 

Please fill out this survey! And invite other people you know to respond, too.  

Your input will help the HECC and partners make decisions based on what people in Oregon think would most help students feel like they belong in college and training programs.
People can also give input in other ways.  

OKT will be:

  • Hosting community conversations,
  • Talking with people at community events,
  • And working with leaders to gather input from people in their communities. 

Are you interested in hosting a conversation about belonging in college and training programs? If you want to lead one, please download our Kitchen Table Conversation guide.

If you would like support to give input, you can contact us at info@oregonskitchentable.org.  

Will my answers on this survey be private? 

Yes. Your answers will not be tied or linked to your email or other contact information, if you choose to share that with us.

How will my input be used?

HECC and other decision-makers will get a report. It will be based on the answers from this survey.  It will also be based on what people share in interviews and conversations that OKT is having with people this spring through the fall. 

HECC will use your input to identify ways that will help people in Oregon feel like they belong in college and training programs.