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Equity in Higher Education: Moving from Discussion to Action

Recent disruptions in the educational domain have continued to reshape the higher education landscape, accentuating racial and socioeconomic disparities. These inequities have exacerbated the digital divide and affected student persistence rates. The growing diversity within higher education institutions encompasses various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, each with distinct intersectional needs and aspirations shaped by cultural experiences and identities. A primary mission for higher education institutions is to deliver a high-quality, affordable education accessible to all students, ensuring they are well-prepared for lifelong learning. This mission requires a critical evaluation of systemic barriers that hinder the success of marginalized and underrepresented populations, rather than focusing on perceived deficits of these groups.

Access to Education and Economic Prosperity

Access to education and completion rates are closely tied to economic prosperity. Achieving college completion can help bridge equity gaps in society by leading to higher-paying job opportunities for graduates, which subsequently benefits families and governments through increased tax contributions and reduced dependency on public assistance. Degree attainment also encourages civic engagement. Closing equity gaps necessitates not only enhancing opportunities for under-resourced individuals but also implementing intentional actions to reduce disparities between privileged and underprivileged groups. To achieve this, higher education leaders must prioritize inclusion and adopt an equity-focused mindset in their institutional decision-making processes.

Understanding Student Success

Defining student success is a crucial step in fostering it within higher education. An understanding of what student success entails, how institutions can effectively promote it, and how it can be measured impacts policies, practices, and ultimately, student outcomes. A comprehensive and inclusive perspective on student success that advocates for marginalized groups is essential for researchers and educators.

Indicators of Student Success

Common indicators of student success include retention rates, educational attainment, academic achievement, and the development of emotional, social, and ethical competencies. Research suggests that many students leave college for reasons beyond academic failure, highlighting the importance of a holistic definition of student success that encompasses various aspects of personal and academic growth.

Equity Work in Educational Institutions

In addressing equitable student success, educational institutions must undertake equity work involving adaptive challenges that necessitate a transformed organizational mindset. Institutions must recognize the diverse needs of their student populations and equip faculty with the tools and resources necessary for inclusive pedagogies. Clear articulation of strategies is required to enable actionable outcomes, with a significant emphasis on leveraging data for continuous improvement.

Transforming Higher Education for Equity

Higher education can advance its mission by centering on principles that ensure all students are acknowledged and respected, thereby driving transformation and equity in education. The movement towards a more equitable education system demands commitment from all stakeholders to innovate and adapt while ensuring inclusivity remains a priority.

Source: TC Press Blog, “Transforming the Equity Equation”

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