Abstract
Social integration (i.e., feeling a sense of belonging, involvement, support, or connectedness) is an important factor in university student retention, especially among students of color from underrepresented groups. Despite theoretical models and correlational evidence pointing to the relevance of these social experiences, few studies have attempted to experimentally increase social integration and, subsequently, retention. In this randomized experimental study, we used a brief, structured closeness-induction task to promote peer connections among undergraduate students and found that the closeness-induction task, compared to a small-talk task, was effective in boosting retention, especially among students of color. This research suggests that structured interactions could be an effective strategy for universities to encourage retention of students from underrepresented groups.
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