Department of Psychology, School of Humanities, Libyan Academy, Janzour, Libya.

Abstract

This study aims to identify the role of the university in enhancing the sense of belonging and citizenship among university students by analyzing the contribution of three main components within the university environment: the university professor, the academic curriculum, and student activities. The researcher used the descriptive-analytical method for its suitability to the study’s nature. A random sample of 60 male students was selected from the Faculty of Education – University of Bani Walid – during the second semester of the 2023/2024 academic year.

The study relied on a questionnaire consisting of 36 items, validated for reliability using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results indicated that the university’s role in strengthening belonging and citizenship was rated high. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences at the 0.05 level between male and female students regarding their sense of belonging and citizenship.

The findings highlighted that the university professor plays a pivotal role in nurturing values of belonging through student guidance and instilling national spirit, while academic curricula contribute by including educational content emphasizing national and moral values. Additionally, student activities were found to be an effective factor in fostering cooperation, participation, and a sense of belonging to both the educational institution and the homeland.

In light of these results, the researcher recommends the integration of belonging and citizenship values into university curricula and programs, as well as the organization of awareness and cultural activities that strengthen national identity and social cohesion among students—preparing a conscious generation that upholds responsibility toward their country and community.