Many educators have entered the profession so that they can advocate for their students—particularly those who come to college without the advantages conferred by wealth, parental encouragement, and high-quality K–12 education. Many first-generation students, students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and students who have been marginalized for their differences are especially in need of advocates, and nowhere is this more evident than in the work of vocational exploration and discernment. In the wake of the current backlash against equity and inclusion programming, what strategies and tactics are most successful as we seek to advocate for all our students? How can we ensure that our efforts related to vocation and calling are widely available and accessible to all students, so that they reach beyond those who take it for granted as a part of the college experience? In this interactive session, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on these issues and to develop both personal and institutional strategies for student advocacy.
Geoffrey Bateman, Professor and Chair, Department of Peace and Justice Studies, Regis University (CO); NetVUE Blog Editor
Joanna Gregson, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Pacific Lutheran University (WA)
Richard M. Smith, Professor of Sociology, Associate Vice President for Institutional Mission and Belonging, and College Chaplain, McDaniel College (MD)