Published: Sept. 12, 2023

Geoffrey Cohen, professor of psychology at Stanford University and an expert on the sense of belonging in society, will deliver a keynote address at CU Boulder's sixth annual Health & Wellness Summit. Cohen was an associate professor at CU Boulder from 2006 to 2009. 

Don’t miss the Health & Wellness Summit

Employee Wellness Fair
Sept. 13 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m. | UMC Ballroom

Student Wellness Experience
Sept. 13 | 2–4 p.m. | Rec Center

Presentations
Sept. 14 | 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. | UMC and hybrid

Deep connections with other people are foundational to a happy and healthy life. As Cohen explores in his book, “Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides,” achieving a sense of belonging isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.

Cohen's talk will discuss the processes that shape people's sense of belonging and self-concept and the implications these processes have for social problems. He will focus on the big and small threats to belonging and the strategies that people and organizations can use to create more inclusive spaces, which support community safety and individual well-being (e.g., health, success). 

Tiffany Ito, professor of social psychology and neuroscience at CU Boulder, will moderate the discussion and questions from the audience. 

The session is being supported by a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Safety on identity-based violence prevention, which was awarded to CU Boulder's police department, Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence and Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.