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Community Awareness

What is a Socially Just University

Barry Checkoway and Rachel

The course assumes that higher education is a gateway to the resources of society and that there is a need for institutions to become more socially just for all groups, with emphasis on low-income and minority populations that are traditionally underrepresented.

The course includes sessions with institutional leaders about higher education and American society, diversity and inclusion in learning and teaching, professors and students as change agents, socially-just research, and struggles for equity and justice on campus and in communities.

Illustrative modules include: What is a university? What is the role or potential role of universities in making societies more socially just? Do present universities contribute to inequalities and injustices and, if so, how? What changes are needed now?

Sessions will draw upon initiatives at the University of Michigan for starters, and we also will draw upon other educational leaders nationwide

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to CAC: What is a Socially Just University

What is a socially-just university? is a question arising at a time when American society is changing, and challenging many institutions to reconsider some of their most fundamental purposes and practices.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for university leaders looking to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion at their institutions

Examines the role of higher education in promoting social justice and addressing systemic inequalities

Instructors are recognized experts in higher education policy and diversity initiatives

Provides practical insights into institutional change and the implementation of socially just practices

Covers a wide range of topics, from diversity and inclusion to social-justice research and campus activism

Appropriate for advanced-level students and professionals in higher education administration

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Reviews summary

Foundational insights on dei in academia

According to learners, this course offers an excellent overview of how higher education can become more socially just. Students found the discussions thought-provoking, enriched by invaluable insights from guest speakers, particularly those from the University of Michigan. The module on engaging faculty was highlighted for providing practical strategies for institutional change. It serves as a great starting point for anyone interested in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education.

Suitable for those new to DEI in higher education.

"It's a great starting point for anyone interested in DEI in higher education."

"I recommend this course as an excellent introduction for those new to DEI in higher education."

"This course is highly recommended if you're just starting to explore DEI concepts in universities."

Offers actionable strategies for institutional change.

"I particularly appreciated the module on engaging faculty, as it offered practical strategies for institutional change."

"The module on engaging faculty stood out for its practical application of concepts."

"I learned practical strategies that are useful for fostering institutional change."

Features engaging discussions and expert guest speakers.

"The discussions were thought-provoking, and the guest speakers from the University of Michigan offered invaluable insights."

"The course delivered invaluable insights through its guest speakers and stimulating discussions."

"I was particularly impressed by the depth of thought provoked by the course discussions."

Provides a strong conceptual foundation on social justice.

"This course provided an excellent overview of the concept of a socially just university."

"I found it to be a comprehensive introduction to the idea of a socially just university."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Community Awareness: What is a Socially Just University with these activities:

Review of Concepts of Social Justice

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Refresh your knowledge of key concepts and theories related to social justice to build a strong foundation for the course material.

Browse courses on Equity and Inclusion

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Review your notes or textbooks from previous courses or readings on social justice.
Take practice quizzes or review exercises to assess your understanding of the concepts.

Review of Social Justice Movements

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Refresh your knowledge of the history and theoretical foundations of social justice movements to better contextualize the course material.

Browse courses on Social Justice

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Review key social justice theories, such as intersectionality, critical race theory, and feminist theory.
Read about historical and contemporary social justice movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement, the feminist movement, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Compilation of Resources on Social Justice Education

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Gather and organize a collection of resources, such as articles, books, websites, and videos, that can help you deepen your understanding of social justice education.

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Use online resources and search engines to find relevant materials.
Evaluate the credibility and quality of each resource.
Organize the resources into a coherent and accessible format.

Four other activities

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Exploration of Research on Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education

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Expand your knowledge of research on diversity and inclusion in higher education to inform your understanding of the course material.

Browse courses on Educational Equity

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Identify reputable academic journals and databases that publish research on diversity and inclusion.
Conduct a literature search using keywords related to diversity, inclusion, and higher education.
Read and summarize key findings from the research articles you find.
Consider the implications of the research for your own understanding of social justice in higher education.

Collaborative Project on Inclusion in Higher Education

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Engage in a collaborative project with peers to research and develop a plan for promoting inclusion and equity in higher education.

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Form a group with other interested students.
Research best practices for creating inclusive learning environments.
Develop a proposal for a specific initiative or program that could be implemented on your campus to promote inclusion.

Creating a Socially-Just Teaching Plan

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Design a teaching plan that incorporates principles of social justice and inclusivity to enhance your teaching practice.

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Reflect on your own teaching philosophy and identify areas where you can incorporate social justice principles.
Research and identify evidence-based teaching strategies that promote equity and inclusion.
Develop a lesson plan that incorporates at least three social justice principles.

Volunteering with a Social Justice Organization

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Engage in hands-on experience with a social justice organization to apply your knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of real-world issues.

Browse courses on Community Engagement

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Research and identify a social justice organization that aligns with your interests and values.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend training or orientation sessions to learn about the organization's mission and goals.
Participate in volunteer activities that align with your skills and interests.

Career center

Learners who complete Community Awareness: What is a Socially Just University will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Equity and Inclusion Officer

An Equity and Inclusion Officer is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs that promote equity and inclusion within an organization. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of equity and inclusion in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Equity and Inclusion Officer

Activist

An Activist works to bring about social change. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of activism in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Activist

Social Worker

A Social Worker helps people to overcome social problems and improve their lives. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of social work in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Social Justice Advocate

A Social Justice Advocate works to promote social justice and equality for all people. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of social justice in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Justice Advocate

Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager oversees the operations of a nonprofit organization. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of nonprofit management in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Community Organizer

A Community Organizer works to bring people together to address social issues and create positive change. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of community organizing in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Researcher

A Researcher conducts research on a variety of topics, including social justice and equity. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of research on social justice and equity in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst develops and analyzes policies that address social issues. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of policy analysis in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Educator

An Educator teaches students at all levels. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of education in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educator

Counselor

A Counselor provides guidance and support to people who are facing challenges. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of counseling in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

A Diversity and Inclusion Manager is responsible for developing and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives within an organization. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of diversity and inclusion in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Professor

A Professor is responsible for teaching and conducting research at a college or university. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of higher education in the United States. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

Higher Education Administrator

A Higher Education Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a college or university. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of higher education in the United States. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Higher Education Administrator

Lawyer

A Lawyer represents clients in legal matters and advocates for their rights. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of law and social justice in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Journalist

A Journalist reports on news and current events. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it provides an overview of the history and current state of journalism in higher education. The course also explores the role of universities in promoting social justice and equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Community Awareness: What is a Socially Just University .