An annual guide for educators to support students with marginalized identities

Abstract

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 75% of post-secondary full-time faculty members were white in comparison to the 55% of students who identify with a marginalized positionality. This creative research project will serve as a guide for faculty and Student Affairs professionals and faculty to tailor the support they provide marginalized students. This resource will take shape in the form of an academic calendar with various cultural events, holidays, and celebrations that align with Ball State Students and their identities. This resource will serve as a bridge for cultural awareness in higher education. With the current administration’s abolishment of diversity training, educators within higher education run the risk of being culturally incompetent and ignorant towards the differences in the students they teach and have influence over. The creation of this calendar will hopefully serve as a resource for student affairs professionals and faculty in order to remain cognizant of the events that are important in the lives of their students as well as combat against stereotyping and racism. In hopes of this resource being deemed functional and beneficial in higher education, this information will be shared in various formats such as an informative website, a downloadable app, and a physical calendar.