Table 1.

Summary of coding scheme used for belonging explanations. Each code is defined for students who had or lacked the reason described

Code	Reason for belonging	Reason for not belonging
Interpersonal relationships	Feels socially connected with peers and/or faculty members. May share common interests with peers.	Lacks a social connection with peers. Feels socially different, does not fit in.
Science identity	Science is a part of their identity as a person.	Lacks a personal connection to the major or material.
Personal interest	Expresses personal interest in course subject or major.	Explicit lack of interest. May find the material boring or unrelated to their reason for choosing their major.
Competence	Feels like they understand major-related material or receives good grades in major-related courses.	Feels like they do not understand major-related material well or receives poor grades in major-related courses.