Guest Post by Alex Baker, Student Affairs Professional
In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, creating inclusive environments is not just a moral imperative but also a modern necessity. Inclusivity is not just a concept for policymakers and senior leadership; it’s a practice that can and should be implemented at every level. This article aims to explore effective strategies for building inclusive environments within higher education settings and ensuring that every member feels valued, understood, and connected.
Inclusivity in higher education goes beyond the mere promotion of diversity. It involves actively recognizing and appreciating the richness that different backgrounds and perspectives bring to an educational setting. An inclusive environment is one where individuals feel safe, respected, and valued for their unique contributions. Regardless of your role, you are uniquely positioned to influence the immediate environment around you. Whether you’re faculty, staff, or a student, your actions and attitudes play a significant role in shaping the inclusive culture of your institution.
Three Key Strategies for Building Inclusive Environments
1. Cultivating Empathy and Understanding
Education that focuses on cultural competency and empathy training is essential. There are a lot of trainings and education available, but knowing that budgets are often tight, I wanted to provide a few low-cost options. Websites like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy offer courses on cultural competency and related topics. Many of these platforms provide free access to their courses or have minimal fees. You can also turn to the experts on your campus to lead a workshop or training for your team. A final suggestion is partnering with local community organizations or other educational institutions to share resources and co-host training sessions. This can also provide a more diverse range of perspectives and experiences.
2. Creating Brave Spaces
Establish spaces where individuals can share their experiences and express their identities without fear of judgment or backlash. It’s important to note that I oftentimes hear the term “safe space,” and while I believe in the fundamentals of a safe space, no one can guarantee a space is safe. Because of this, I adopted the term “brave space,” as suggested by NASPA (Ali, 2017). While creating brave spaces can seem daunting, and in some cases, it very well may be, I’ve outlined and identified practical, achievable strategies. One way you can consider doing this is by openly communicating your commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all individuals. This can be done through signage, policy statements, and verbal affirmations. Another easy way you can achieve this is by providing resources from other departments or areas that are geared towards diversity and inclusion. You can also consider adding artwork, literature, and decor that represent various cultures and identities.
3. Reading and Discussion Clubs
Establish book clubs or reading circles that focus on literature related to diversity and inclusion. Oftentimes, these can serve as a platform for open discussions and can be run without significant expenses. If you don’t love the idea of everyone reading the same book and discussing it, have each member of your team select a DEI-centered book and present out to the group. There are a lot of effective teaching and learning strategies that can be used for this style of comprehension, so pick the one that makes the most sense for you and your team. A personal favorite that I use both in and out of the classroom is “What, So What, Now What”. If you haven’t used it before, I’ll provide a quick outline here:
- What – In this first stage, the focus is on objectively describing the materials that were covered. The purpose is to establish a clear understanding of the text without any interpretation or judgement.
- So What – The second stage delves into interpreting and making sense of the situation. This stage is about connecting the experience to a broader context, understanding its implications, and identifying the lessons learned. Questions to explore might be: Why is this important? What did I learn from this experience? How did it make me feel? What insights have emerged about myself, others, or the situation?
- Now What – The final stage focuses on future actions. This stage is about applying the insights gained to future situations, planning for action, and considering potential changes or strategies to improve outcomes. Consider questions like: What will I do differently next time? How will this experience inform my future actions? What steps should I take to apply what I’ve learned? What changes or improvements can be made?
While the goal of inclusivity is noble, achieving it is not without challenges. Resistance to change, budget constraints, and deeply ingrained institutional cultures can be significant hurdles. It’s essential to approach these challenges with a commitment to dialogue, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt. Remember that creating inclusive environments in higher education is a journey, not a destination. It requires ongoing effort, commitment, and introspection. By implementing these strategies, individuals can foster a sense of community and belonging, ultimately enriching the educational experience for everyone.
References
Ali, D. (2017). Safe Spaces and Brave Spaces. NASPA Policy and Practice Series, (2). https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/11245.003.0001
