Closing the Gap: Addressing the Absence of Black Faculty in Higher Education | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

This session discusses the lack of support and mentoring for black faculty in higher education and highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in academia.

Key Insights

• 🖤 The lack of support and mentoring for black faculty in higher education is a significant issue that needs to be addressed.
• 👍 Informal mentoring often proves to be more effective than formal mentoring, providing flexibility and individualized support.
• 🖤 Non-black faculty can play a pivotal role in mentoring and supporting black faculty members and contributing to diversity and inclusion efforts.
• 🤗 Institutions should prioritize diversity and ensure clear policies, mentoring programs, and open communication to support all members of their academic community.

Transcript

[Applause] hi good day welcome everyone I hope you are enjoying the summit so far my name is Allison and I'm a product designer at course hero and I'm very excited to welcome you to the session closing the Gap addressing the absence of black faculty in higher education which will be led by Dr Crystal white assistant professor of teaching at the Uni... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the current level of support and mentoring for black faculty in higher education?

The poll conducted at the beginning of the session revealed that the majority rates the level of support and mentoring for black faculty as low, indicating a need for improvement.

Q: Can non-black faculty effectively mentor and support black faculty members?

Yes, non-black faculty can play a crucial role in mentoring and supporting black faculty members. It requires openness, knowledge, and a willingness to learn about the unique challenges faced by black faculty in academia.

Q: What are some strategies for increasing diversity and inclusion in higher education?

Institutions should ensure clear and transparent policies and procedures, provide mentoring and coaching programs for all academic roles, and foster open communication and collaboration among faculty members.

Q: How can individuals seek out mentoring and support in higher education?

Individuals can start by reaching out to potential mentors within their institution or beyond, attending networking events, and joining mentorship programs or organizations focused on diversity and inclusion in academia.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The session begins with an interactive poll about the level of support and mentoring for black faculty, revealing a low rating.

• The presenters share their personal experiences with recruitment, retention, and mentoring, highlighting the challenges faced by black faculty.

• Different types of mentoring models are discussed, emphasizing the effectiveness of informal mentoring.

• The session concludes with a discussion about the role of non-black faculty in mentoring and supporting black faculty members.