| I am an African American Woman he purpose of this course is to orient future leaders in education for an increasing multicultural society and workforce. Our future depends on positive and successful interaction among various cultural groups. As education professionals, how will you ensure that all students are treated equitably? How will you educate students so that they understand their role in creating a more just society? What will you do to create a “culture” of social justice and inclusion in your own professional practice? Students will prepare an initial paper discussing their current understanding of social justice and inclusion in higher education and the role played by student services professionals in relation to students and as part of the higher education community. These papers are designed to help students focus on and articulate their own attitudes and beliefs concerning social justice and inclusion in the field of student affairs. More specifically, these papers should address the following questions: 1. How do you define social justice? 2. How are your feelings, attitudes, and behaviors shaped by your concept of justice? 3. What is the role and purpose of student affairs professionals in relation to building communities of inclusion for students and what informs your understanding? 4. What is the role of student affairs in relation to building communities of inclusion within the higher education community, and what is the basis for your perceptions? 5. How do you see yourself as an individual functioning in relation to the roles you described in question 3 and question 4? 6. Why is dialogue about social justice and inclusion an important competency for professionals in higher education and student affairs? The paper is meant to be a statement of your thoughts as you enter this course. You are encouraged to write this paper before you begin reading materials in depth. It is not meant to be a research paper, but if you do cite please use the APA style guide. Grading for the paper will take into consideration clarity of expression, complexity of thought, development and support of points of view presented in relation to the questions provided, mechanics, style and grammar. This paper should be between 5-6 pages in length. |
