Inside this Issue

1. WHY RACE MATTERS
2. COURSE HIGHLIGHT: ISSUES OF ACCESS & OPPORTUNITY
3. HESA UPDATES
4. DU @ ASHE 2015

Upcoming Events

•  HED Lunch & Learn, 1/20 12-1pm
• HED Admissions Day 2/20
• HESA Writing Retreat,2/20 9-4pm

Why Race Matters in the Study of Higher Education

Race matters in the study of higher education and it matters beyond the numbers. While shifting racial and ethnic demographics across the country, dynamic immigration trends, and historic inequalities against communities-of-color are compelling in and of themselves, race matters in the study of higher education for a reason fundamental to its purpose and role in the U.S. As a social institution of democracy, higher education both reflects and produces societal values and ethics. The knowledge imperative of Academe demands that we recognize how inequality is perpetuated through and within higher education – we must contend with the world as it is. Yet the knowledge imperative provides us the opportunity to demonstrate alternative realities; as a social institution, we can build the world as it should be. Rigorous and sophisticated scholarship of research, teaching, and service is required for building such a radical social imaginary. These are precisely the goals and outcomes the Higher Education Department designs to achieve. We are not perfect in our quest for realizing a more equitable social imaginary, but we cannot let our imperfection diminish our resolve. To these ends, HED is responding proactively to student protests across the nation. We are leading college- and campus-wide conversations about race and college racial climates. We are tailoring our curricula to take advantage of the real-world struggles in our midst while honoring (and when appropriate, joining) those who are most directly affected by such struggle. We have developed a resource page for students, staff, and faculty, available here: http://bit.ly/1PjdboQ. Our commitment to inclusive excellence is resolute in this matter. Race matters in the study of higher education.

Course Highlight HED 4246: Issues of Access & Opportunity

Taught by Dr. Judy Marquez Kiyama, this course addresses theories and research on a variety of issues related to college preparation, school structures, and inequalities in college access. The course covers different levels of analyses: theoretical, individual levels (i.e., race, ethnicity, and social class), organizational levels (family, geography, high school context, and outreach), and field levels (i.e., policy, testing, rankings, media, and policy). Special attention is paid to the socio-cultural context, particularly on the role of families. The course is required for first-year masters students and open to all students in the HED department.

Two sections of the course are being offered in the winter quarter, a case study (mini research) section and a service-learning section. Students in the service learning section will have the opportunity to partner with a community organization that focuses on issues of college access, transition, and success with the goal of bridging theory and research with hands on experience. Students will complete approximately 15 hours of service during the winter quarter. The service learning section has evolved in two, new exciting ways. First, students work with their service partners for 20 weeks instead of 10. What this means is that the service experience continues into the Retention & Persistence course offering both students and our community partners continuity in the experience and a more meaningful opportunity to engage in issues of college access and success. Second, in addition to the community partners we have worked with in the past: the Denver Scholarship Foundation, College Track, and RISE Colorado; we are partnering with a new organization, The Bridge Project. The Bridge Project provides a path for youth in Denver’s public housing neighborhoods to graduate from high school and go on to college or a vocation by engaging them in educational opportunities and facilitating the development of life skills and self-sufficiency. We are grateful for the strong partnerships that have been created across the community and look forward to a great winter quarter!

Overview

The 40th Annual ASHE meeting “Inequality &Higher Education” was held in Denver and the Higher Education Department was there to represent. Combined, students and faculty from HED participated in the delivery of 19 sessions. Additionally, HED students and faculty served as chairs, discussants, or committee members of an additional 11 sessions. In terms of attendance, over 30 students and faculty were present.