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Schedule

The Global Citizen Forum will feature interactive sessions on a range of topics related to equity and inclusion in higher education. 

Session tracks

Conference sessions have been categorized into these four tracks. Click on the links below to view a list of sessions within that track. Tracks are also listed within the description for each session.

 


 

Conference

All times listed are in Central Standard Time (Des Moines, Iowa).

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Opening Remarks, 7:00-7:50 AM

Erin Lain, Associate Provost for Campus Equity and Inclusion at Drake University and Chair of the Global Citizen Forum Planning Committee, will give brief opening remarks to conference participants. This will be followed by a welcome message from Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, our presenting sponsor.

A home grown approach: Creating a resource to drive cross campus communication, collaboration, and strategic planning, 8:00-9:15 AM

Description

Many universities are seeking strategies for sustaining and institutionalizing diversity and inclusion efforts. This session will discuss UW-Madison’s data driven approach to centralizing organizational structure to advance DEI strategic planning, collaboration, and communication and the lessons learned.

Presented by

Torsheika Maddox, PhD, Director, Office of Strategic Diversity Planning and Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Track

Addressing structures and power relations within higher education institutions

We’ve been taught to understand that we don’t have anything to contribute towards knowledge, 8:00-9:30 AM

Description

We’ve been taught to understand that we don’t have anything to contribute towards knowledge: Exploring academics’ understanding of decolonising curricula in higher education

Presented by

  • Dr. Mlamuli Hlatshwayo, Senior Lecturer, University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Ms. Innocentia Alexander, MED Candidate, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Track

Teaching strategies and the role of research to effect impactful change

Experiences of Equity and Inclusion Development Facilitators with Navigating Racialized Conversations, 9:15-10:30 AM

Description

This phenomenological study examined the experiences of faculty and staff who served as facilitators of book clubs for the book, So You Want to Talk about Race, with navigating racialized dialogue. The program was open to all faculty and staff at the small liberal arts, predominantly white institution in the Midwest. The book club groups sought to initiate dialogue about race across campus through an organized discussion led by the volunteer faculty and staff facilitators. Five themes emerged from the in-depth interviews, including preparation, helps facilitation, fear, and discomfort, mindful of dynamics, vulnerability, and this is not enough. This study also discusses practical implications for how to create a wide-scale development program through a book club format at a PWI, and how to prepare facilitators for the emotional nature of dialogue about race.

Presented by

  • Erin Lain, Associate Provost for Campus Equity and Inclusion, Drake University
  • Anisa Hansen, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Drake University

Tracks

  • Addressing structures and power relations within higher education institutions
  • Teaching strategies and the role of research to effect impactful change

Protecting the Vulnerable: LGBTQ and Suicide, 10:00-11:30 AM

Description

The suicide rate in the LGBTQ community is one of the highest rates in any marginalized population. In this workshop, we’ll explore how the pandemic affected this population. We will also learn our Foundation’s trademarked strategy, ALP, to identifying risk and learning how to save lives.

Presented by

Elena Joy Thurston, Executive Director, Pride and Joy Foundation

Tracks

  • Exploring historical influences of today’s present in higher education
  • The role of activism in transformation of higher education

Roundtable: Teaching Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within a Human Rights Framework, 10:45 AM-12:00 PM

Description

The panelists will discuss different disciplinary lenses and pedagogies in teaching about equity, diversity, and inclusion within a human rights framework. The roundtable format will allow each panelist to share their approach to addressing this issue followed by time for discussion among panelists and attendees at the session.

Panelists

  • Swasti Bhattacharyya, Ph.D., RN is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy & Religion at Buena Vista University
  • Debra DeLaet is the Maxwell Distinguished Professor of International Affairs at Drake University
  • Brian Farrell is a Lecturer in Law and Human Rights at the University of Iowa
  • Yasemin Sari is Assistant Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy and World Religions at the University of Northern Iowa

Track

Teaching strategies and the role of research to effect impactful change

Jazz Performance: Thulile Zama and David Smith, 12:00-12:30 PM

Description

Thulile Zama and David Smith are a duet based in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. They will provide a virtual lunchtime jazz performance for conference attendees.

About the Artists

THULILE ZAMA - Vocalist

Thulile Zama holds a BA (Music) and recently completed her honours in Culture, Communication and Media at UKZN. She is the lead vocalist of the successful all female contemporary jazz band Heels Over Head (best contemporary jazz nominees SAMA - 2011), (Yamaha young Artist winners 2010). She also has done a series of Tributes to Mama Africa (Miriam Makeba) since 2017. This versatile vocalist brings a wide repertoire. She is well known in the jazz circuit and a well-loved vocalist in Durban. Her talents have taken her to Hamburg, and Berlin in Germany and New Orleans USA. Thulile has loads of passion for music and the performing arts.

DAVID SMITH - Keys

David Smith (pianist) always had a passion for music, and started playing gospel at church. In the early 2000's, he studied music at UKZN where he initially met vocalist Thulile Zama. They played duo gigs in different restaurants and the corporate scene. He was a part of a very successful Jazz/Hip Hop band "Big Idea" that made waves throughout the country. More recently David is a part of Tributes to Mama Africa (Miriam Makeba) and Tribute to Sophiatown project and plays music as part of a duet with Thulile Zama since meeting during their undergraduate studies.

Supporting Underrepresented Study Abroad Students: Research and Practices, 12:45-2:00 PM

Description

Diversity practitioners and international educators will lead discussions on both research and practices for collaboration between these two groups of higher education professionals and the potential such collaboration has for increasing underrepresented students’ participation in study abroad.

Presented by

  • Christian Wilwohl, Dean of Global Education at Providence College
  • Emily Gorlewski, Director of Study Abroad at Wesleyan University
  • Quincy A. Bevely, Assistant Vice President/Title VI Coordinator at Providence College
  • Clare Kelly-Barra, Educational Opportunity Program Advisor at the State University of New Paltz
  • Grace Cleary, Assistant Dean of Global Education and adjunct faculty in the Global Education and TESOL Master’s program at Providence College

Tracks

  • Teaching strategies and the role of research to effect impactful change
  • Exploring historical influences of today’s present in higher education

Increasing Equity and Inclusivity in International Students' Career Development, 1:00-1:50 PM

Description

Higher education around the world welcomes international students to study, but challenges can arise when supporting international students’ career development and connecting them with career opportunities post-graduation. In this presentation we will discuss these challenges, ways to reduce obstacles for international students, and share opportunities for further innovation.

Presented by

Jane Sitter, International Career Consultant, University of Minnesota

Track

Addressing structures and power relations within higher education institutions

Why Can’t Peace Be Still?: The Legacy Continues, 2:00-2:50 PM

Description

This presentation seeks to expand the arts-based research into academic and activist sphere, through embodiment of social justice movement #SayHerName through choreography and dance practice. Members will engage in choreographic processes and reflective post-questionnaire to unpack and personify central motifs of existing policies and systemic oppressions against Black women.

Presented by 

Rachel Mariah DeLauder, University of Delaware Exercise Science B.S. and Drexel University Dance/Movement Therapy & Counseling, MA Candidate 2021

Track

The role of activism in transformation of higher education

Exploring teaching and learning perspectives through a global education lens in higher education, 2:00-2:50 PM

Description

In this Learning Lab, the presenters will interconnect the scholarship of teaching and learning, global education pedagogy, and sociological mindfulness as an integrated framework that attempts to address diversity, equity and inclusion. The Learning Lab will take on a discussion format, and participants will apply the concepts within their own contexts.

Presented by 

  • Kelley Haynes-Mendez, PsyD, Associate Professor, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
  • Eliana Mukherjee, PhD, Professor III, Palm Beach State College

Track

Teaching strategies and the role of research to effect impactful change

 

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Bridging the Gap: How Intercultural Learning Can Support Equity & Inclusion Locally and Globally, 7:00-8:15 AM

Description

What is intercultural learning? And, how can integrating intercultural learning into higher education support greater equity and inclusion, locally and globally? Those are the key questions we’ll be exploring during this engaging keynote presentation. Attendees will participate in a mini intercultural activity, designed to serve both as an opportunity to meet a few fellow conference attendees, and as a jumping-off point for a discussion of what transformative intercultural learning entails and how it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The speakers will introduce participants to a framework they use in their own intercultural teaching and training, which can help attendees consider how to further their own intercultural development, as well as support others’ intercultural learning.

Presented by 

  • Tara Harvey, Founder & Chief Intercultural Educator at True North Intercultural LLC
  • Terrence Harewood, Chief Education Officer (CEO) at Synergistic Transformations

Tracks

  • Teaching strategies and the role of research to effect impactful change
  • Addressing structures and power relations within higher education institutions

Deconstruct and Diversify: Service-Learning from a Critical Lens, 8:30-9:20 AM

Description

This session will accentuate the historical foundation of critical service-learning, highlight the implications of lacking diversity within local change and provide those who facilitate, recruit volunteers and organize community-centered events the tools to initiate conversations on power and service.

Presented by 

  • Jazlin Coley, Service Coordinator for Equity and Inclusion / AmeriCorps Member, Drake University
  • Sydnei Washington, Vice President of Neighborhood Relations / Equity and Inclusion Service Learning Ambassador, Drake University

Tracks

  • The role of activism in transformation of higher education
  • Exploring historical influences of today’s present in higher education

Mind, body, soul: Racial justice and mental health, 9:30-11:00 AM

Description

If racial injustice is a pandemic, the centering of marginal voices can be considered a powerful immunization. We investigate the role of radical self-care as one form of treatment in the pursuit of racial justice and explore the beneficial side-effect of collective healing for those engaged in this work. 

Presented by 

  • Earl E. Lee, Director of Training Initiatives, Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Arizona
  • Naomi J. Olson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Director, Study Abroad, Regis University

Track

The role of activism in transformation of higher education

Co-learning and creating within the participatory paradigm: Pedagogies from the semi-periphery, 9:30-11:00 AM

Description

Based on a number of co-creating and participatory projects developed with students, and international team of scholars, we present and propose a discussion on a specific research based pedagogical methodology, based on participatory action research, towards a plural design of for learning and teaching.

Presented by 

  • Dr. Nita Luci, Assistant Professor, University of Prishtina
  • Dr. Linda Gusia, Lecturer, University of Prishtina

Track

Teaching strategies and the role of research to effect impactful change

The Eve of the Storm, 11:15 AM-12:30 PM

Description

On Saturday, February 29, 2020 a group of graduate students and alumni from a leadership program traveled to Morocco for a week-long short-term study abroad experience. Three of the participants were interviewed about their experience travelling abroad before COVID-19. This case study shares their experiences.

Presented by

  • Cris Wildermuth, Associate Professor, Drake University
  • Kayli Burnside, Funds Management Coordinator at Iowa State University and Ph.D student at Drake University
  • Maggie Wildermuth, Drake University student

Track

Teaching strategies and the role of research to effect impactful change

Food insecurity on college campuses: How have campus food pantries helped diverse student populations in higher education? 1:00-2:30 PM

Description

When standard campus food pantries are partially or entirely devoid of needed food products, students begin encountering various barriers to accessing their individual food needs.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about local-to-global connections in the food system, food and nutrient security, and food important to international student populations.

Presented by 

Sonya Sharififard, Research Associate, Pepperdine University

Track

The role of activism in transformation of higher education

Ensuring the wellbeing and positive life experience of black women in higher education, 1:00-2:30 PM

Ensuring the wellbeing and positive life experience of black women in higher education: how to create "whole" higher education systems through heart centered transformation

Description

Higher education systematically strips black women of their worth, value, dignity, and sense of self. Many experience negative health outcomes, lack financial security, resources, and support systems. How can we create “whole” higher-education systems through heart-centered transformation to ensure the wellbeing and positive life experience of black women in higher-education.

Presented by 

Dr. Leslie A. Saulsberry, CEO of Safia, LLC

Track

Addressing structures and power relations within higher education institutions

International Education and the Global Economy, 2:30-3:20 PM

Description

International education must be an equitable experience, not simply built upon benefits toward the United States. For the United States, policy equity must be considered central to the international education enterprise.  With universities having roots in international exchange, contemporary emphasis on globalization has potential to lead higher education out of nationalistic paradigms and back to its origins.

Presented by 

Brett Mitchell, Assistant Dean of Students, Trinity International University

Track

Addressing structures and power relations within higher education institutions

Presentation by Jody Swilky, 2020 Global Citizenship Award Winner, 3:30-4:00 PM

Description

Jody Swilky is Ellis and Nelle Levitt distinguished professor of English at Drake University. For over a decade, he has contributed to the internationalization of Drake University’s curriculum and to strengthening our relationship with a partner institution by designing team-taught courses; facilitating workshops at a partner institution; hosting residencies across campuses; and creating multiple travel seminars. 

Presented by

Jody Swilky, Ellis and Nelle Levitt distinguished professor of English at Drake University

Global Citizenship Award 2021, 4:00-4:30 PM

Description

The Principal Global Citizenship Award is awarded annually to a Drake University faculty or staff member, recognizing outstanding contributions to global engagement and internationalization of the campus and curriculum.

 

Friday, March 5, 2021

Future of Global Higher Education: Disruption, Innovation, and Transformation, 7:00-8:15 AM

Description

Senior leaders in higher education from across the globe will reflect on the future of higher education and will share interventions needed to transform our institutions now and post COVID-19 to be more prepared for disruptive moments.  Strategies for creating cross institutional/ sector partnerships to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, innovation, and research will be shared.

Panelists

  • Lisa Coleman, Ph.D, Senior Vice President for Global Inclusion and Strategic Innovation at New York University
  • Teboho Moja, Ph.D, Clinical Professor of Higher Education at New York University & Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Pretoria, South Africa
  • Tawana Kupe, Ph.D, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, South Africa

Presented by

Monroe France, Associate Vice President for Global Engagement & Inclusive Leadership/ Adjunct Professor, New York University

Track

Addressing structures and power relations within higher education institutions 

Glocal Justice: Towards a Post-Corona Transnational Equity Imperative in Higher Education, 8:30-10:00 AM

Description

This session will make the case that Higher Education can no longer afford the divide between the work of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and International/Global Education in the wake of a pandemic that is the ultimate case study for the interrelationship between domestic (local) and global issues of inequity.

Presented by

Amer F. Ahmed, Ed.D., Chief Diversity Officer, Dickinson College

Track

Addressing structures and power relations within higher education institutions

Intercultural Development through a DEI Lens, 10:15-11:45 AM

Description

In this interactive presentation, participants will learn about interculturality, its importance to DEI, and collaboratively study proven principles for developing a DEI intercultural toolset.

Presented by 

Adán De La Paz, International Student Services Coordinator and Inclusion and Intercultural Engagement Advisor, The College of Idaho

Tracks

  • Teaching strategies and the role of research to effect impactful change
  • Addressing structures and power relations within higher education institutions

Just the FACTS by FACTUALITY, 10:15 AM-11:45 AM

Description

FACTUALITY is a facilitated dialogue, crash course, and interactive experience, that simulates structural inequality, in America. Participants assume the identities of the characters above, encountering a series of fact based advantages & limitations based on the intersection of their race, class, gender, faith, sexual orientation, age, and ability.

Presented by 

Natalie Gillard, Founder & Facilitator, FACTUALITY

Track

Addressing structures and power relations within higher education institutions 

 

Please note: Recording of this session is prohibited, so it will not be available on-demand after the live session has taken place.

Bitmoji Classrooms: Using tech to teach wellness, 12:00-12:50 PM

Description

Recent challenges created by the global pandemic have caused traditional educators to embrace technology more than ever before. This project explains how to create and use a Bitmoji Classroom to assist students with their health and wellness needs while being sensitive to the diversity, equity, and inclusion goals of the classroom.

Presented by 

  • Dr. Rachel Allen-McHugh, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, Drake University
  • Branden Christensen, CBIS, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Student, Drake University

Track

Teaching strategies and the role of research to effect impactful change

Teaching Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within a Global Migration Framework, 1:00-2:15 PM

Description

The panelists will discuss different disciplinary lenses and pedagogies in teaching about equity, diversity, and inclusion within a global migration framework. The roundtable format will allow each panelist to share their approach to addressing this issue followed by time for discussion among panelists and attendees at the session.

Presented by 

  • Debra DeLaet, Maxwell Distinguished Professor of International Affairs at Drake University

  • Arturo Marquez, Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology at Drake University

  • Inbal Mazar, Assistant Professor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures at Drake University

  • Mary McCarthy, Professor of Political Science at Drake University

  • Abigail Stepnitz, PhD candidate in Jurisprudence & Social Policy at UC Berkeley

Track

Teaching strategies and the role of research to effect impactful change

Closing Reflection, 2:15-3:00 PM

Details coming soon

Catalyst Fund: Blues by Kevin Burt, 7:00 PM

The Catalyst Fund invites conference participants to an evening of blues by Kevin Burt, Friday, March 5, at 7 pm. This virtual event will take place on Facebook Live. Suggested donation for the concert is $20. Donate Now.
 
The Catalyst Fund was created by a group of faculty committed to advancing the goals of equity and inclusion at Drake University. Catalyst Scholarships are awarded to students who are part of an historically and/or currently underrepresented group. Examples of underrepresented groups include domestic students of color, undocumented immigrants, refugees, and first generation college students.
 
Kevin Burt is a self-taught musician with smooth, warm vocals in a welcome mixture of serious music and infectious humor. Audiences of all ages enjoy Kevin. He is the 2018 International Blues Challenge winner in three categories, and a 2019 Blues Foundation nominee. He is a member of the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame.
University News
October 4, 2024