Black Student Persistence – On-Demand Training

Design a Multi-Layered Strategic Approach to Support Their Unique Needs

Black students continue to face challenges as a result of the pandemic. Many have returned to campus and the societal, financial, mental health and cultural impacts are pressing concerns for them. The current political climate and continued debate around Critical Race Theory make Black students feel as though their racial identity is invisible. It is imperative that systemic support and resources are in place to create a warm, welcoming and true sense of belonging on your campus.

Join this critical conversation with your peers so you can best support Black students by implementing a continuum of strategies to utilize as building blocks to address their unique needs without further marginalizing them. Learn how to design a multi-layered strategic approach to include institutional priorities, a commitment of resources, and adequate and culturally competent staff.

Given the ever-changing global and national landscape of race, the work you do has to constantly be modified to meet the need of your Black students. As a result of this training, you’ll be better able to ensure equity and equality are at the center of all decisions, processes and systems in place.

Topics Covered

We will offer crucial, actionable takeaways that will help you:

• Evaluate current policies, processes and procedures that are a hindrance to Black students’ success – design resources that support Black students as they navigate their academic and social experience through inclusive and equitable practices.
• Understand the social construction of race through the contextualization of Blackness – particularly during the pandemic and current social events – create campus structures and systems that advocate and support Black student satisfaction, engagement, and persistence.
• Implement a continuum of strategies to utilize as building blocks to address Black students’ unique needs – ensure there is an appreciation for their cultural lens, experience, and perspective to prevent further marginalization.
• Design a multi-layered strategic approach to address the current political climate and continued debate around Critical Race Theory – ensure institutional policies and practices are authentic and culture-changing, and allow Black students to thrive and cross the stage at graduation.
• Identify and increase personal awareness of your own culture, positionality, and biases – decrease potential harm to Black students by ensuring culturally competent professionals are best able to support, empathize and meet their unique needs.
• Ensure that your diversity, equity, and inclusion work is not done at the expense of your Black students – prevent the risk of potential mental health, physical well-being and academic/social experiences from being negatively impacted.

Presenters

Dr. Bonnie Taylor serves as the Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. The Dean of Students Office oversees Student Conduct, Student Life and Engagement, and Civic Engagement.
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Tamara L. Greenfield King, J.D., serves as Interim Vice Provost for University Life and Senior Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs. Her portfolio includes Career Services, Naval ROTC, Platt Student Performing Arts House, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Office of Student Affairs.
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