Digital Commons Network^™

Play And Higher Education: Incorporating Playfulness In The College Classroom, Alicia Cater

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

No abstract provided.

Together We Rise: Reaching Inclusivity For Student Excellence, Hiedi A. Larson, Rebekah H. Magee, Molly R. Kollross, Menna A. Hendricks, Danielle A. Loera, Ethan M. Homeyer

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

This presentation outlines the BIONIC (Believe It Or Not I Care) Program at Mattoon High School. For the past 10 years, Dr. Larson and a team of counseling interns have partnered with Mattoon High School to implement BIONIC (Believe It Or Not I Care), a school-wide peer mentoring program.

Designing For Diversity: Diversifying Course Content, Michael D. Gillespie Ph.D.

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

Creating an inclusive learning environment includes consideration of the array of voices and perspectives represented in your course materials. Exposure to diverse content can provide a more comprehensive understanding of your subject matter, increase empathy, improve communication and teamwork skills, and validate your learners’ experiences. This presentation will go over guidelines for faculty who are interested in making course content more diverse, equitable, and inclusive and/or diversifying course content.

Belonging In Unashamed Authenticity, Nathan R. Kitchen

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

In 2020, the UCLA School of Law’s Williams Institute reported that 47% of LGBTQ adults were moderately or highly religious. This equates to 5.3 million religious LGBTQ adults in America. We cannot ignore this population.

When making the transition into young adulthood, many religious LGBTQ youth feel they must make a choice between their spiritual well-being or their queerness. As a university community interested in the success of the rising generation, we can provide support for religious queer young adults through understanding:

1. What is happening in this transition and why,

2. The well-being needs of religious queer young adults …

Advocacy From The Start: Understanding Inclusion, Tammy J. Wrobbel, Emily Ropars

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

Understanding and successfully implementing inclusion is something that families and professionals often find to be a challenge. Are you looking to support families and professionals to understand what inclusion is, how it looks and how to advocate for it? Learn about an online resource package equipped with tools that are organized for informal and formal learning for use by (and with) families, service coordinators, practitioners, faculty and administrators to understand and promote inclusion.

Redefining Wellness And Self-Care For Students From Diverse Backgrounds, Angela M. Yoder, Amina Feder, Kelsey Boll

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with unprecedented medical and mental health problems which have disproportionately affected those in young adulthood and those from disenfranchised and underrepresented communities (Tai et al., 2021). Creative expression activities have historically assisted individuals in addressing self-care in a way that provides opportunities for externalization and containment of uncontrollable problems (e.g. trauma, violence, consequences of systemic oppression, abuse) (Thomas & Morris, 2017). Although the promotion of self-care now occurs in many universities, few students have well-developed self-care plans (Stalnaker-Shofner et al, 2021). Creative expression self-care activities that incorporate concepts of self-compassion, emotional regulation, mindfulness, boundaries, …

Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Demanding Excellence In Pedagogical Practices With Universal Design, Elizabeth Tacke, Rachael Ryerson, Camden Burd

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

This presentation asks attendees to consider pedagogies of universal design that support student learning. Drawing on experiences in the classroom, the panelists will discuss various approaches to teaching that address the diverse perspectives and pedagogical needs of students. After briefly introducing theories of universal design for learning, the panelists will provide examples of assignment prompts and instructional approaches, develop questions for the audience to consider, and suggest potential revisions ideas for existing curriculum and projects.

Rising Together Through Freshman Connection, Jessica Meadows

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

This presentation outlines the data-based Freshman Connection program at Eastern Illinois University and its impact on the student leaders who serve as mentors in the program.

The Power Of Healing From Educational Trauma: Transformative Experiences In An Adult Higher Education Degree Completion Cohort Program Through Circles Of Engagement, Participation, Self-Efficacy, And Nurturing, Wytress Richardson, Craig Mealman

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

Many adult students arrive at the doors of higher education institutions with an assortment of prior successes and failures in the educational systems. They have individual and family histories that can be both a strength and a source of trauma. Students report finding a home or place where they confront or challenge prior perceptions about their educational strengths and barriers. When students recognize their potential via successes in an adult-focused cohort learning, they frequently report experiencing a renewal or resurgence of personal power and self-efficacy.

The Transgender Population: Expanding Access To Services, Ruby Amanda Oboro Offerie

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

According to the CDC, 2% (1.3 million) individuals, 0-17 identify as transgender. Individuals that identify as transgender have a higher incidence of mental and physical challenges, face health inequities, share a common need for specific types of support, and lack representation. Yet, there still remains a significant gap in strategies for the provision of services for this cohort. It is based on this note that this presentation is pursued.

Rising Together Through The Bionic Program, Jessica Meadows

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

This presentation outlines the BIONIC (Believe It Or Not I Care) Program at Mattoon High School. For the past 10 years, Dr. Larson and a team of counseling interns have partnered with Mattoon High School to implement BIONIC (Believe It Or Not I Care), a school-wide peer mentoring program.

Culturally Responsive Teaching: Inclusive, Engaging, And Effective Instructional Strategies, Alexis Jones, Amy Davis

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

Illinois’ Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards, approved by the Illinois State Board of Education in March 2021, will be part of teacher education programs throughout the state by the end of the 2022-2023 school year. To this end, we want to provide practical strategies for reflecting on teacher preparation coursework and incorporating the CRTLS in our work with preservice teachers. We will provide a quick review of the content within the standards, but most of the time will be spent on specific examples of what teacher education classrooms might look like with the CRTLS embedded.

Embedding Career Development Into Curriculum: A Model For Dei Education, Lisa Malvin

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

Dominican University, a Hispanic Serving Institution located just outside of Chicago, launched its successful career development program in the fall of 2017 in the Brennan School of Business. The program, composed of four required career development courses, a required internship, and built-in mentorship with Executives in Residence, was embedded into the curriculum for all undergraduate business students with faculty, administrative and staff support. Since the launch of the program, graduate outcomes have increased exponentially, with 77% of 2021 Brennan graduates employed or attending graduate programs three months post-graduation. Due to the success of the program, Dominican is currently working to …

Disability In Chicagoland: An Undergraduate General Education Course, Sara Baillie Gorman, Taylor Martin

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

The general education curriculum at liberal arts colleges aim to teach students about a variety of topics to create a well-rounded education. Undergraduate students often come to these general education courses expecting to learn about marginalized populations. However, these conversations often exclude individuals with disabilities. This presentation will discuss one example of how a course about disability was fit into the general education curriculum at a college. An explanation of the course proposal will be reviewed. Then a summary of the course and objectives will be discussed. An undergraduate student that just completed the course will then share their experience …

Black Females, Invisibility, And College Campuses: Disenfranchised And Mental Wellness, R. Patrice Dunn, Valeria Harrison

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

This presentation will draw from the presenters’ personal and professional knowledge and experiences as African American women, Black female college students (past and present), and as college counselors and licensed professional counselors to address the Black female college students’ social development, mental health, and emotional well-being, and the impact of all three on their mental health. The presenters will also share prevention and intervention strategies for working with Black female college students. The workshop will be grounded in real cases and experiences of the presenters and the audience and will provide opportunities and safe spaces for the Black females and …

The Gems Of Multicultural Children's Literature, Amy Davis

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

Multicultural children’s literature offers a lens into different cultural traditions and symbolism that unless otherwise noted, teachers may overlook the opportunity to share with their students. This presentation will feature these cultural “gems” from such ethnic groups as African American, Arabic, Asian, Hispanic, and Indigenous. The featured books include such titles as “Carmela, Full of Wishes,” “Time for Bed, Miyuki,” “My Hair is a Garden,” and many more.

Prior Learning: Diversity And Practice, Nicholas Hayes, Christopher Martinuzzi, Barbara Lewis, Marie Ann Donovan

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

Students bring vital learning from their life experiences to their campus classrooms. This learning is not always recognized in course activities or assignments. When it is, students persist and complete their degrees. These benefits are especially evident for adult and non-traditional students. Our proposed presentation on prior learning has three movements. The first will be an overview of how prior learning is presently recognized in higher education. The second will be a discussion of the promise and limitations of recognizing prior learning to promote traditionally excluded voices. The third will be a discussion of strategies for applying principles of prior …

Empowering Mothers To Pursue Their Educational Dreams: Considering The Challenges Faced By Mothers Going Back To College, Jennifer N. Roberts

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

Women going back to college after having children face unique barriers and struggle through different roles as they work toward a better future for themselves and their children. Societal expectations, systemic barriers, and economic instability in addition to time and energy constraints can make the college experience more difficult for women in these situations. The college experience is especially stressful for single mothers, who are shouldering the responsibility of raising their children alone with limited financial resources. This presentation will consider this underserved population in educational systems, as well as create awareness and discuss the importance of advocacy for women …

Intersectionality And Disability, Jennifer Stringfellow, Sophie N. Jones

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

People with identified disabilities intersect every part of humanity – socioeconomic status, ethnicity, culture, geography, et al. – and are entitled to appropriate accommodations in public spaces. Sometimes, more often than we might expect, the accommodations we provide for individuals are beneficial to a much larger group because of this intersectionality. The presenters will offer research and practical information and will discuss with the audience how different accommodations in public spaces, in our classrooms – kindergarten through higher education – can have a larger impact and provide access and support for all. We will present research-based information and include the …

Exploring Diversity In Booth Library, Madeline Reiher, Dionne Lipscomb, Jacob Mueller, Kirstin Duffin, Ellen Corrigan

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

The first sentence in the mission statement for Eastern Illinois University’s Booth Library states “Our mission is to collaboratively empower the intellectual and creative growth of our diverse campus and community.” This commitment to the promotion of diversity has led the librarians and their DEI committee to ask an important question, are students of diverse backgrounds comfortable using our facilities? This research used a mixed-methods study to survey and interview numerous African American undergraduate EIU students to learn more about their experiences with Booth Library, specifically how it is used, when it is used, and changes they would like to …

Coping In The Aftermath Of Covid 19 Pandemic: How To Navigate Mental And Emotional Challenges, Aretha Marbley, Melissa Galica, Keegan Trussell, Brian Hicks

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

This workshop will discuss strategies to help recognize and manage the mental, emotional, and physical health challenges of students, staff, and faculty may also encounter after the pandemic. It will delineate symptoms and suggest resources and coping strategies It will discuss health and wellness and their importance in self-care. Audience participation is encouraged.

Beyond Outdated Magazines And Motivational Posters: How To Make Offices Safer And More Assessable, Danessa A. Carter, Kelsey Boll, Amina Feder

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

Office spaces are the first in-person introduction for individuals to access services. However, these spaces are frequently, even if unintentionally, biased against marginalized and underserved populations. Cuthbert and Taylor (2019) noted the importance of inclusive language and heightened awareness of physical requirements for spaces as ways to impact a sense of connectedness to an environment. Hartal (2018) encourages open communication among staff regarding issues related to diversity and celebrating individual differences. These discussions and trainings can help dismantle microaggressions and empower employees to address othering behavior in an assertive and meaningful way (Fox & Ore, 2010). This presentation will address …

Culturally Responsive Teaching, Amy D. Davis, Alexis Jones

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

In December of 2020, The Illinois State Board of Education approved the Culturally Responsive Teaching Standards to promote a more sensitive approach to matters of race, gender, and sexual orientation in the school curriculum. This presentation will highlight the key components of the newly adopted standards and prepare future educators to teach in classrooms with diverse populations. Participants will understand cultural and community diversity, systems of oppression, examine their own belief systems, and learn how to incorporate students’ experiences, cultures, and community resources into their instruction.

Nurturing Culture In The Classroom For Success Of Indigenous And Pacific Islander Students, Sarah Aten

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

Poverty, substance abuse, and high incarceration rates are rampant among Native American/First Nation populations; these problems appear in many colonized cultures. However, some areas, such as Hawaii, seem to have overcome those issues with a respectful embrace of the indigenous culture and practices of the indigenous population of the area. As demonstrated in literary works from other related cultures, specifically the Maori and Native Americans, having representation and an understanding of one’s culture lowers the incarceration rates and lays a foundation for indigenous peoples to rise out of poverty. This presentation will equip teachers with tools and resources for raising …

Latina Lift Off: How Inclusive Innovation Helps Latina Undergraduate Students Rise, Kate Jackson

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

In this workshop, we will discuss how Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Lake Forest College is supporting and encouraging the academic success of our Latina, first-generation students. Our approach includes an Inclusive Innovation class, a rich entrepreneurial mindset curriculum, and real-world, high-impact projects. Year over year, our center has seen an increase in Latinx students choosing our program, rising to nearly 1/5 of total students.

We believe Inclusive Innovation meets the aims of a liberal arts education. And we believe other small liberal arts colleges can replicate our efforts in a way that benefits both their students and their local community. …

Identifying Diversity And Committing To Inclusivity In The Online Classroom, Holly Farley, Jacy Ghast

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

In a traditional classroom, diversity can be considered an asset if the instructor recognizes the value in the varied backgrounds of students, and leverage this through intentional pedagogies that improve success for all. Can traditional pedagogies be transferred to the online classroom? Creating a community in the online classroom can be challenging, especially with online courses moving to accelerated 5-8 week formats and eliminating synchronous activities. Often it is a struggle to facilitate a face-to-face classroom with an open culture that fosters exchange of ideas and different perspectives. In a face-to-face classroom faculty can directly ask questions and attempt to …

The Nexstem Program: A Community Assets Program That Fosters The Next Generation Of Stem Leaders, Maggie Evans, Sheri L. Glowinski, Pennie Gray, Rebecca Roesner

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

Underrepresentation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by individuals with low socioeconomic status (SES) is a long-standing concern. Funded in late 2018, the NexSTEM Program (the “Program”) is a National Science Foundation multi-institution consortia S-STEM grant-funded program at Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU), Illinois State University (ISU), and Heartland Community College (HCC) with the goal of reducing barriers for low SES students from Central Illinois enrolling in and completing STEM degree programs at the three institutions and identifying effective, and sustainable, programmatic components. To help address barriers, the Program awards 2- and 4-year scholarships to academically successful students with …