Digital Commons Network^™

Interview With Cristina Sayegh (2024-10-17)

Latino Virginia Oral History Project

Cristina Sayegh shared her multicultural background, detailing her mother's Colombian roots and her father's Palestinian roots with an upbringing in Kuwait. She moved frequently during her childhood, living in Florida, Dubai, and Virginia. Cristina attended Langley High School in McLean and is currently studying at VCU, majoring in International Studies with a concentration in Social Justice and a double major in Sculpture. She discussed her religious upbringing, her family's relocation from overseas to Florida, and then Virginia. In addition Cristina reflects on her experiences with the Latin community in NOVA and Richmond. Cristina also discusses her solo trip to Colombia …

Interview With Selena Davila (2024-10-16)

Latino Virginia Oral History Project

Mahima Sosale interviews Selena Davila from Centerville, Virginia, at VCU. Selena shares her family background, including her parents' young ages at her birth and her close-knit family. She discusses her education trajectory, aiming for law school to focus on family or immigration law. Selena highlights her diverse work experiences, from food service to research and mentoring, and her involvement with LSA, which fosters a sense of community for Latinos at VCU. She reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on her family and the Latino community, emphasizing the importance of representation and open-mindedness towards diverse cultures.

Commonwealth Times 2024-10-02

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Commonwealth Times 2024-09-18

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Commonwealth Times 2024-09-04

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Commonwealth Times 2024-08-21

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Vocational Education And Training In Finnish Open Prisons: A Multilevel Approach To Young Incarcerated People’S Barriers To Participation, Jaakko Hyytiä, Paula Alanen

Journal of Prison Education Research

Having relevant skills and education are considered the best indicators of reintegration into society after release from prison, but majority of young, incarcerated people have a lower education level and participate less in education compared to the same age population at large. This article focuses on finding solutions for overcoming the barriers to prison education in Finland. We explored those barriers, asking: What are the perceptions and experiences of barriers to education among prisoner-students, educators, and other professionals engaged in vocational prison education in Finland? The research data consists of 29 interviews of vocational education and training (VET) students (11), …

“Ain’T Nuthin Wrong With Being A Trojan Man”: Discourse On Safe-Sex In Rap Music, 1985-1995, Christopher D. Rounds, Kareem R. Muhammad

Journal of Hip Hop Studies

This essay methodically tracks references to safe-sex in rap music and analyzes their implications. Reviewing over 3,000 songs from 1985 to 1995, the authors found that the tone and messages of these references differed substantially. While many artists celebrated risky and indiscriminate sexual behavior– their work marred by a misogny and homophobia that often stigmatized persons living with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)– many other artists portrayed safe-sex in a positive light, either as a responsible approach to sexual behavior, or as a pragmatic tool of urban survival. These songs normalized the use of condoms, and educated listeners by raising awareness …

Good Mourning: Existing With Loss While Living In The Anxious Now, Jeff Horwat, Geralyn Yu, Vicky J. Grube

Journal of Social Theory in Art Education

Abstract:

Absence and loss are part of what it means to be alive. While common, grief is a difficult and complex aspect of the human psyche, often producing affects that mask themselves in different forms such as anxiety, anger, despair, and isolation. Able to bring into form the unnamable affects of our psychic lives (Irwin & Springgay, 2008), arts-based research methods can be viable means to transform the grief into something generative. In this paper, each author describes a project that uses a different arts-based research approach to explore a personal experience with grief. Drawing from wordless narrative research (Author …

A Critical Discourse On Asian American Stereotypes And Pedagogical Strategies Against Anti-Asian Racism, Ryan Shin, Maria Lim, Oksun Lee, Ahran Koo, Kevin Hsieh, Min Gu, Jaehan Bae

Journal of Social Theory in Art Education

In this article, we address the three derogatory stereotypes and tropes of anti-Asian racism: model minority, perpetual foreigner, and yellow peril. We problematize how each of the three stereotypes was formed and has been sustained, affecting our art classroom and professional practices. After that, we offer the novel and futuristic conception of Asian American inclusivity as a critical project in our society. Lastly, in challenging the three Asian stereotypes and embracing Asian American inclusivity, we offer S-R-C teaching strategies (Sense of Belonging, Resist, and Coalition Building) to confront anti-Asian racism and violence. The strategies are designed to help art educators …

Decolonizing Queer Epistemology: Boys Love And Cultural Imaginary From The Global Majority, Roland Sintos Coloma

Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education

This article aims to decolonize queer epistemology in order to challenge the hegemony of white/eurocentric LGBTQ histories, cultures, and representations as the universal and normalized standard of queer and trans life and sociality. Toward this objective, it analyzes whitestream queer epistemology, and notes its limits that do not account for its inclusions and exclusions, especially in relation to race, geography, and methodological (homo)nationalism. It draws attention to the works of queer and trans theorists, researchers, and educators from the global majority, especially the growing scholarship on LGBTQ education outside of the United States, to point out a significant gap in …

Curiosity, Passion, & Proximity: Motivations For Attending Safe Zone Trainings, D Chase J. Catalano, Daniel Tillapaugh, Rachel Wagner, Kari Dockendorff, Nina Tissi-Gassoway

Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education

LGBTQ+ social justice educational interventions (SJEIs), usually named Safe Zone or Ally Training, offer opportunities for knowledge acquisition and reflection. Ideally, they provide components necessary to cultivate allyship through the development of a liberatory consciousness (Love, 2018) through increasing awareness, engaging in analysis, considering actions, and reflecting on accountability. In this instrumental case study (Stake, 2000) focused on 17 graduate students, faculty, and staff at a large, public university in the Mid-Atlantic, we used liberatory consciousness as a conceptual framework to examine motivation for attendance. Three findings emerged: (1) curiosity, (2) passion, and (3) proximity. Implications of these specific factors …

Oppressive Pushout: Examining Differences In Discipline And “Dropout” By Race, Gender, And Sexual Orientation, Danielle N. Aguilar, Taylor Lewis, Jude Paul Matias Dizon, Pearl Lo, Ángel González, Jason C. Garvey, Mario I. Suárez

Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education

Drawing on well-established insights, our study adds nuance to the discussion regarding school pushout practices by centering race, sexual orientation and gender beyond the binary. By way of descriptive and inferential statistics using the High School Longitudinal Study (HSLS:09), our article seeks to disrupt the cisheteronormative discussion regarding exclusionary school discipline and institutionally inflicted pushout that impacts the educational trajectories and opportunities of queer and trans Black, Indigenous, students of color (QT BIPOC). Results from our chi-square analyses revealed significant differences in rates of cutting/skipping class, in-school suspension, suspension or expulsion, and dropping out across our four groups: QT BIPOC …

Placing Student Success And Well-Being At The Center Of The Educational Process: How The Magic City Acceptance Academy Promotes An Ethical And Caring School Culture, D. Keith Gurley, Dwayne White, Matthew Fifolt Dr.

Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education

Schools and school leaders are well-positioned to create school cultures that are supportive of all students, including students who identify as LGBTQ and those who are perceived as other due to status of race, class, or ability. The purpose of this phenomenological case study was to explore how faculty and staff at the Magic City Acceptance Academy (MCAA) promote an ethical and caring school culture. To guide our thinking and interpretation of research findings, our team relied on two conceptual frameworks, including queer theory and the ethical educational leadership framework ethic of care. Based on inductive coding of focus …

Scoping Review On The Use And Meaning Of Sport In Prison And After Detention, Marie-Lou Libbrecht, Pascal Delheye, Rosie Meek, Rudi Roose

Journal of Prison Education Research

The aim of this study was to provide knowledge on existing literature and research regarding the use and meaning of sports during and after incarceration. To achieve this, a scoping review was conducted, entering one hundred and seventeen combinations of search terms related to sports and incarceration into Google Scholar and Web of Science, focusing on titles and/or key terms. Ultimately, one hundred and fifty-two publications were included in the scoping review. The identified literature and research on 'the meaning of sports during and after detention' discuss the outcomes related to physical and mental health, behaviour, and the rehabilitation of …

Understanding The Challenges Of Perspective Transformation In Prison: Biographical Narratives Of Foreign National Students Of A Second Chance School In Greece, Antigoni K. Efstratoglou, George A. Koulaouzides

Journal of Prison Education Research

Education has borne the burden of prisoners’ reform since the early days of modern prison. Several studies attest to its transformative potential, taking a short-term perspective. Rarely the experience of being a student, while incarcerated, is examined in the context of the wider biography. This paper uses perspective transformation theory as a point of departure to study how imprisonment influences adult learning. Building on biographical narratives of ten foreign national students of a Second Chance School at the largest Greek remand establishment, and participant observation of relevant class discussions, we argue that imprisonment impedes perspective transformation, strengthening structural inequalities and …

The Changing Nature Of Education In Youth Justice Centres In New South Wales (Australia), Laura Metcalfe, Cathy Little Dr, Garner Clancey Dr, David Evans Dr

Journal of Prison Education Research

Education is an important protective factor in preventing involvement in crime. For those young people that enter the youth justice system, and especially youth justice centres, education is a critical, but infrequently explored part of their time in custody following generally disrupted schooling experiences. There are currently six youth justice centres in New South Wales, Australia. Each of these centres have an Education and Training Unit which are schools funded by and staffed with Department of Education personnel. There is evidence that young people accessing these schools regard them very positively. However, this article, drawing on publicly available information, raises …

Commonwealth Times 2024-02-28

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

An Evidence-Based Approach To Prison Library Provision: Aligning Policy And Practice, Jayne Finlay, Susannah Hanlon, Jessica Bates

Journal of Prison Education Research

The aim of this paper is to enable a better understanding of the possibilities of prison library services and offer evidence that can help to support efforts to align policy and practice in prison library provision. Alongside an examination of existing policies, guidelines and literature, the paper presents findings that emerged from interviews with six prison library experts, undertaken as part of a recent national review of prison library services in Ireland. Following a discussion of these findings, a set of ten principles for prison library provision in Ireland is presented which holds relevance for global prison library policy and …

"In Some Ways They’Re The People Who Need It The Most": Mobilizing Queer Joy With Sex Ed Teachers In New Brunswick, Canada, Casey Burkholder, Melissa Keehn

Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education

Teaching about sexuality can be messy. What does it mean to incite queer joy as an educational language in sex education? In this article, we explore how queer joy can be used by teachers as a language to confront this messy work of sex education and teach in more pleasurable, joyful, and inclusive ways. In our analysis, we draw upon the conversations and visual data we created alongside 43 teacher-participants from New Brunswick, Canada in a series of participatory media-making workshops and describe how queer joy informs the artful praxis that transpired in these spaces. In these workshops, we observed …

Graying Incarcerated Persons And Education Programs In Nigerian Correctional Centre, Ijeoma B. Uche Phd, Agnes E. Okafor Phd, Okala A. Uche Phd *Corresponding Author

Journal of Prison Education Research

Correctional education programs are rehabilitation programs designed for incarcerated persons in Nigerian correctional institutions. However, getting the graying incarcerated persons to participate in education programs becomes quite challenging. This study investigates graying incarcerated persons and education programs in one correctional centre. Data were collected qualitatively from fifteen (15) incarcerated individuals aged 60 years and above using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed in analyzing the data generated for the study. Findings show that there are no available education programs for graying incarcerated individuals. The study also revealed that designing education programs in such a way that it will accommodate the …

Autobiographical Statement [Corliss Freda Johnson], Corliss Freda Johnson

Historic Fulton Oral History Project

Autobiographical statement by Corliss Freda Johnson aka "Honey," Fulton Oral History Project Coordinator. Corliss Freda Johnson, the Fulton Oral History Project Coordinator, discusses her background growing up in the Historic Fulton neighborhood of Richmond, Va.; her family members and friends; school activities; her first marriage and children; her second marriage; her career with the United States Postal Service; her radio show; happy memories growing up; industry and organizational affiliations; and the importance of the oral history project and participation in the Legacy Meetings.

Filling The Gap: Enhancing The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem For Black And Hispanic Entrepreneurs, Research Institute For Social Equity Rise

Research Institute for Social Equity

This white paper examines current research, identifies best practices within the United States, and formulates recommendations to further equity in access, process, quality, and outcomes to inform thought leaders, policymakers, practitioners, community influencers, and entrepreneurs on how to translate research into actions that benefit Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs within the entrepreneurial ecosystem from the greater Richmond community.

Effect Of Psilocybin On Empathy And Moral Decision-Making, Sky Evans

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

Empathy is the ability for human beings, as well as all other mammals, to understand the mental state of another person on an emotional level. It allows us to feel compassion and promote the well-being of those around us. Impaired empathic abilities lead to severe negative social consequences and influence the development and treatment of several psychiatric disorders, specifically in disorders such as antisocial personality disorder. Furthermore, empathy has been shown to play a crucial role in moral and prosocial behavior. In neuroscience and psychiatry research, the serotonin system has been shown to be involved in modulating empathy and moral …

Virginia Commonwealth University Professional Program Bulletin (2024), Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU Bulletins

Professional programs bulletin for Virginia Commonwealth University for the academic year 2024-2025. It includes information on academic regulations, degree requirements, course offerings, faculty, academic calendar, and tuition and expenses.

Virginia Commonwealth University Graduate Bulletin (2024), Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU Bulletins

Listing of courses for the 2024-2025 year.

Annum Arcanum (2024)

Annum Arcanum, 2024-

Annum Arcanum is "an atelier and annual anthology archiving arcane works." The organization of the same name was founded at VCU in the fall of 2023, and published its first collection in the spring of 2024. From the Letter from our Founder in vol. 0: "First, we seek to create spaces specifically catered to the showcasing of works that are experimental, niche, or otherwise outside of the mainstream in other words, the arcane...Beyond that, we strive to be a resource for students to develop their skills as artists."

Not All Staying Is The Same: Unpacking Retention And Turnover In Academic Libraries, Samantha Guss, Jennifer Stout, Sojourna Cunningham

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

Although the academic libraries profession recognizes that retention is a complex and important issue, especially for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and supporting BIPOC librarians, the library literature largely avoids defining or providing a measurement for retention at all. In this paper we propose an original nuanced definition of retention. We draw from existing research on workplace dynamics and library culture and our qualitative exploration of academic librarians who have left jobs before they intended. Our research investigated what it was like for them to stay at those jobs after they realized they didn’t want to stay long-term. …

Enhancing Public Safety At Virginia Commonwealth University, Rigby Bendele, Les Harrison, Oswaldo Moreno, Chernoh Wurie, Carolina Yaber

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Publications

The authors of this report will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of safety and security measures on both Virginia Commonwealth University campuses (VCU) in comparison to those of similar urban research institutions (N=10). This evaluation will provide campus leaders with recommendations for proactive strategies, community partnerships, and ongoing evaluation through which VCU can increase both actual and perceived safety for members of VCU and neighboring communities.

Relationship Building Advice For Liaison Librarians: Putting It Into Practice And Troubleshooting, Bettina Peacemaker, Kelsey Cheshire, Janet M. Reid, Carla-Mae Crookendale, Julie Arendt, Sergio Chaparro, John Glover, Stephani Rodgers, Erin Carrillo

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

Liaison librarians depend on communication and cooperation to be successful, so professional publications about liaison librarianship regularly include discussions of relationship building methods. As a department of experienced liaison librarians, we identified the relationship-building ideas from previous publications that were proactive in nature and had worked for us. Even though the advice has been helpful, we faced challenges or heard about challenges from other librarians when we discussed implementing the ideas. To improve on the published ideas, we have added tips for putting them into practice and answered troubleshooting questions based on our experiences. Adapting to and working around challenges …