Diversity is a term that is often tossed around in higher education and it is said to be important… Or is it?  What is intentional being done to support issues of diversity and inclusion? As these topics continue to be discussed, presenters will address the importance of promoting equal learning opportunities for under-represented students and discuss strategies of how to best support students for retention and student success.  This roundtable discussion will embrace different viewpoints and allow participants to engage in open and authentic dialogue.  The purpose of this workshop is to address some of the challenges and risks marginalized students face while attending college and also discuss best practices to collaboratively create ground-breaking solutions to spark positive change at other higher education institutions.

We will be focusing on the framework of Jack Mezirow’s Transformative Learning theory to emphasize self-examination, sense of alienation and building confidence in new ways.  Linking transformative learning theory to our discussion will allow participants to gain a better understanding of experiences marginalized students face in college.  In our discussion, we will open up by sharing student experiences to bring awareness to a wide array of issues these students face while in college. Participants will have the opportunity to have an open dialogue of best practices and suggest creative ways to better serve marginalized student populations to increase retention and promote student success.

Mezirow, Jack. (1997). Transformative Learning: Theory to Practice. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, (74), 5-12.

30-Minute Roundtable Session

Critically Reflecting in Transformative Learning