2018 WRTF Symposium Sessions
Morning Session Titles and Abstracts (10:10am-11:45am)
1) Tangible Tactics for Advising Across Difference
(Randall Phyall, University of Maryland College Park)
Given the myriad social, cultural, and academic factors that often challenge college students, developing a practical framework to facilitate their persistence toward graduation is paramount (Drake, 2011). As theory suggests, students (particularly underrepresented students) seem to benefit from meaningful relationships with faculty members and staff when deliberate efforts to involve students in learning are made (Tinto, 2007). This presentation will provide strategies and tactics for integrating concepts of identity, intersection, and inclusion into academic advising practice.
2) YANA: You Are Not Alone
(Tirrany Thurmond, Mt. Saint Mary's University)
Diversity and inclusion work is challenging for all who commit themselves to it. It’s even more challenging when you are the subject and the object. As women of color consistently lead the way for more just and inclusive campuses, they are also more likely to combat racial battle fatigue, the myth of Superwoman, and all the “Emotional Taxes” of being a WOC working. During this session, we will engage in reflective dialogue on not only the challenges, but the rewards of the work we do, in addition to making a plan for self-care using the Happy Black Woman’s Guide.
3) Whiteness: Hegemony, Invisibility and Fragility
(John M. Lawton, Community College of Baltimore County-Essex)
This interactive session will examine how whiteness, a racial category, has been deliberately socially constructed as the cultural norm, the universal standard, and an unquestionable system of power. It is designed to assist educators who endeavor to understand, connect with, and engage diverse student bodies. By examining the role of ‘White Fragility’ and ‘White Invisibility’ in our curricula, teaching practices and general consciousness, participants will have the opportunity to reevaluate common assumptions about pedagogy and what it means to be white.
4) Preparation and Navigation for Falling Down to Achieve Success
(Dr. John T. Wolfe, Jr., Avant-Garde Educational Services & Solutions Inc. and former Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Academic Leadership Development for the University System of Maryland)
This session offers a perspective on two essential elements for achieving success in one’s career pursuits. First is PORTFOLIO PREPARATION---the acquisition of knowledge, skills, qualifications, and versatility. Critical to this element is developing an ever-evolving understanding of how to navigate life particularly interpersonal and organizational relationships. Second is the necessity, the inevitability of FALLING DOWN. No success (however defined) is achieve without the life lessons of stumbling and falling down. SUCCESS is achieved when one recognizes the inextricable interdependence of preparation, navigation, and falling down, but is able to get up!
Afternoon Session Titles and Abstracts (1-2:30pm)
1) A Healthcare Perspective: Demonstrating Dignity & Respect for Transgender Patients
(Paula M. Neira JD, MSN, RN, CEN, Johns Hopkins University)
This presentation provides foundational information about the causes of stereotypical beliefs about transgender people and discusses unconscious bias. These myths and stereotypes directly lead to recognized health disparities facing the community. Additionally, the presentation provides an overview of the societal challenges the community is facing that are affecting the ability of the community to access medical care. While this presentation is grounded in healthcare practices, the language and environmental actions that reflect dignity and respect towards transgender people apply across all professions. Higher education professionals can apply this foundational information to improve the environment for transgender students and can help educate the broader student body about the transgender community.
2) They’re Speaking, We’re Listening, but What Are We Really Doing?
Confronting the Institutionalized –isms
(Brandon Davis & Sodah Minty, Johns Hopkins University Counseling Center)
Many of our students are wounded by their experiences in higher ed. –Isms are keeping them from being able to live up to their full potential. Therapists hear the uncensored narratives of their fight with institutional –ism. Higher Ed professionals have the power to help heal or prevent these wounds from occurring.
3) Challenging Bias and Inequity While Maintaining Emotional Health
(Dr. Roxanna Harlow, Carroll Community College)
Faculty, staff, and administrators who professionally engage with issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, are familiar with the emotional strain of this work. Over the past year, however, the intensity of an already difficult job has increased, as overt expressions of prejudice, discrimination and bigotry have become more commonplace. This session will explore the types of challenges participants have experienced in this climate of pervasive prejudice. We’ll then discuss solutions for facilitating productive dialog while maintaining our emotional health.
4) What is your resistance story?:Using storytelling to talk about racism on college/university campuses
(Joyell Arvella, J.D. and Zara Cadoux, M.A., Cadoux Consulting)
During this workshop, the facilitators will guide the participants through a series of restorative justice techniques, discussions, and self-reflection exercises to strengthen their understanding of racial justice in the United States. Using a storytelling model, participants will think critically about the way their world has been constructed and how that affects their individual experiences. Finally, participants will craft their resistance story.
5) Self-Care & Healing When We're Too Tired to Move
(Sinclair Ceasar, Loyola University)
This interactive session will provide participants with a brave space to unpack the some of the effects of Racial Battle Fatigue. In addition, participants will be led through a thoughtful discussion regarding the complexity of healing, and the presenter will share salient moments from their personal journey, as well as practical self-care tips, resources and best practices.
