Course Description
Exploration of concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion in
student affairs scholarship and practice. Exploring power,
privilege, and oppression associated with socially constructed
identities, we will approach inclusion from a framework that
emphasizes individual, organizational, and systemic strategies
with a specific focus on student affairs practice and
scholarship.
Athena Title
Diversity in Student Affairs
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ECHD 9930E
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- As a result of this course, students will understand theories and scholarship highlighting individual, organizational, and systemic barriers to inclusion and equity in student affairs practice.
- As a result of this course, students will be able to critically explore their own socially constructed identities (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation, class, religion, ability) in the context of their student affairs scholarship and practice.
- As a result of this course, students will be able to develop strategies for becoming a culturally competent student affairs scholar and practitioner.
- As a result of this course, students will be able to identify and articulate their scholarly philosophy related to equity, diversity, and inclusion in student affairs scholarship and practice.
Topical Outline
- This course will be broken into four major units, each highlighting specific scholarship and strategies related to equity, diversity, and inclusion in student affairs. Each unit will highlight scholarship about a variety of social identities, including, but not limited to, race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, class, ability, age, and religion.
- UNIT 1: Individual attitudes, behaviors, and skills
a.) Cycles of socialization and liberation
b.) Microaggressions
- UNIT 2: Organizational barriers and strategies
a.) Multicultural Organizational Development Theory
b.) Organizational culture in student affairs (e.g., stated and unstated norms and expectations)
- UNIT 3: Systemic barriers and strategies
a.) College/university and student affairs structures and practices (e.g., hiring and promotion practices, organizational charts)
b.) Laws, policies, and procedures influencing diversity and equity in student affairs (e.g., Title IX, affirmative action)
- UNIT 4: Cultural influences
a.) Contextual and societal beliefs and practices
b.) News and media influences
c.) National laws and policies external to higher education
