Open AccessDeveloping, Implementing, and Learning From a Student-Led Initiative to Support Minority Students in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Author(s) -
Teresa Girolamo,
Samantha Ghali
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
perspectives of the asha special interest groups
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2381-473X
DOI - 10.1044/2021_persp-20-00299
Subject(s) - workgroup , mentorship , excellence , inclusion (mineral) , public relations , equity (law) , political science , pedagogy , medical education , sociology , psychology , medicine , gender studies , computer network , computer science , law
The Student Equity and Inclusion Workgroup is a student-led initiative at the University of Kansas that aims to advance equity and inclusion. Within this structure, the workgroup is entirely student-led and independent of any institutional initiatives. It has developed three themes - recognizing minority student leadership, ensuring equitable access to opportunities, and meaningfully supporting students - and used those themes to develop comprehensive programming in the way of research, institutional advocacy, mentorship, and fellowship. Research initiatives included creating research opportunities for minority students by developing independent research projects. Institutional advocacy initiatives focused on policy change and developing a uniquely situated network of allies at and beyond the university. Mentorship centered student-to-student transmission of knowledge, skills, and support. Fellowship entailed creating opportunities for community-building and recognition of minority student excellence.