Today's Update: Tuesday, March 2

March 2, 2021

Dear Student Life Team, Student Life team members provide insightful presentations every year at the major student affairs conferences, but very few of us get to actually hear those insights.  

This year, the Commitment and Action Planning Team (CAPT) is providing a way for everyone to get the benefit of these presentations. They've arranged for Student Life colleagues to share their programs from NASPA, ACPA etc. in a weekly Lunch and Learn virtual format. Register in advance, then feel free to have your lunch while you enjoy and learn from these sessions.  

If you have an educational program that you would like to share, please email Kim Monteaux De Freitas (.12) or Todd Suddeth (.1). Your program can be from any educational conference or even from a class.   

Friday, March 12  

Noon-1 p.m. 

Understanding and Implementing Decolonization: An Introduction  

Melissa Jacob, MA 

For those struggling to understand the definition of decolonization, this session will examine cultural, theoretical and historical concepts behind the practice and process of dismantling the structure of colonization. Additionally, this session will explore the role and purpose of decolonization within ACPA’s Strategic Imperative for Racial Justice and Decolonization and will provide suggestions on methods and practices to implement within the work of higher education and student affairs.   

Friday, March 19 

Noon-1 p.m. 

More Than Just the Price Tag, Supporting First-generation and Low-income Students Attending College 

Xavier De Freitas, EdD 

Despite a college degree’s importance, the access to higher education is a challenge for first generation and low-income students. For the past three decades, college continues to rise in cost faster than family income. Cost is not only an inhibitor for students. The complexities of navigating the financial systems of higher education to acquire aid in order to make college obtainable is also an issue for students. In order to successfully navigate these systems, first generation and low-income student’s habitus, cultural capital and social capital greatly influence their decisions about applying to college and being able to successfully graduate once accepted. 

Friday, March 26 

Noon-1 p.m. 

Asian International Students on U.S. College Campuses: Mattering or Marginalization?   

Pasha Sergeev 
Jonathan Adams 

The number of international students in U.S. colleges is higher than ever. Adjusting to college and a foreign culture, Asian-identifying international students often struggle to build strong connections on campus, which negatively impacts their sense of mattering to the community. In this session, the attendees will be provided with key findings from relevant research and practical suggestions geared toward promoting a campus environment that is inclusive and fosters a sense of mattering amongst international students.  


These programs are a Scarlet and Great way to learn more about trends, best and emerging practices and new ideas, and what how we and our colleagues can make a difference.  

Melissa