Ep. 34 Inclusive Excellence with DEI Expert, Dr. Sofia B. Pertuz
On today’s Quadcast, we interview Sofia B. Pertuz, PhD, SHRM-SCP, CPC, on how higher ed can work towards increasing a sense of belonging for students of color and first-generation students and how the workforce can also invite these graduates to thrive at their own companies.
Dr. Sofia B. Pertuz is a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professional with over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, inclusive excellence, and critical incident management in higher education, nonprofit and corporate organizations. Dr. Pertuz currently serves as the Managing Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Billie Jean King Enterprises and a Senior Advisor to the Jed Foundation.
Mental and Behavioral Healthcare
Main Stories
The Chronicle reports on Katie Meyer, the Stanford University’s star soccer captain, who died by suicide. Meyer’s parents told Today that anxiety from potential disciplinary action from the school may have contributed to her death which has brought into question college disciplinary processes. The article also quotes Martha Compton from the Association for Student Conduct Administration who says that Meyer’s death highlights the ongoing mental-health crisis on college campuses and the pressure on students to be perfect.
Other News
Inside Higher Ed reports on mental health kits providing comfort for college students with tea, fuzzy socks, and notes of encouragement.
A new study shows that positive teacher-student relationships can lead to better teaching and student outcomes.
3/09 – 3/15
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Chronicle reports on which types of colleges have the most undergraduate students with disabilities. Based on an analysis of United States Department of Education data, students with disabilities reported one or more of the following conditions: a specific learning disability, a visual impairment, a hearing difficulty or deafness, a speech impairment, an orthopedic impairment, or other health impairment.
Inside Higher Ed reports on a new study that challenges misconceptions about gender bias in letters of recommendation for academic science jobs. “When we looked at female-authored versus male-authored letters written about the exact same female candidates, we did not find evidence of bias against women. Remarkably, we found that women were actually described as ‘brilliant’ three times as often as men were,” said co-author Wendy M. Williams, professor of psychology at Cornell University.
Inside Higher Ed reports on the challenges that remain for formerly imprisoned students who struggle to shed their past. Stigma of incarceration can often complicate admissions, membership in academic organizations and professional licensure, and restrict individuals for years after their release from prison. According to a 2018 report from the Prison Policy Initiative, less than 5% of formerly incarcerated individuals earn a bachelor’s degree.
Inside Higher Ed reports on a new digital platform that will allow HBCU students at different institutions to connect with each other. The United Negro College Fund and Deloitte Digital have partnered to launch an online learning platform for HBCU students, faculty and staff called “HBCUv.” The learning hub will let students take college courses for credit and connect with peers and scholars from HBCUs across the country beginning next year.
Student Success
On Monday night, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to reverse a court-ordered enrollment cap on the University of California, Berkeley’s incoming fall 2022 students. A California environmental protection law cited in a lawsuit against UC Berkeley argues that an influx of new students overwhelms area housing and public services. The Wall Street Journal reports on some students sleeping in dorm lounges, while others slept in hotel rooms as California’s affordable-housing crisis has hit higher education.
Inside Higher Ed reports on University of Virginia’s students voting to reduce the penalty for academic misconduct. Students found guilty of honor code violations would receive two-semester suspensions instead of expulsion, allowing them to return to UVA to finish their degrees. Experts say the change could offer students a second chance and help them learn from their mistakes. “The vote’s historic margin provides a clear mandate moving forward, one that compels UVA to implement more rehabilitative and compassionate educational policy,” said Christopher Benos, a third-year law student and member of the Honor Committee.
GeoPolitics
The Chronicle reports on U.S. colleges debating whether to sever or sustain ties with Russia in protest of its invasion in Ukraine. Inside Higher Ed reports on colleges that have already divested from Russia. The Arizona Board of Regents that voted to sell their Russian assets in demonstration of disapproval towards Putin’s war in Ukraine and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology also announced ending its partnership with the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, which it helped create. Faith-based colleges and universities are also increasing efforts to support the citizens of Ukraine. However, the move raises debate on whether academic boycotts work.
College Affordability
Higher Ed Dive reports on a recent study showing that regional public colleges help build economic resilience in their areas. According to a recent study from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign researchers, research found that regional public colleges helped insulate surrounding counties from economic contractions. Researchers believed that regional colleges are financially steady due to receiving regular state funding and demand for education that is higher during economic downturns.
COVID-19: Safety and Reopening
Inside Higher Ed Reports on the return of Spring Break. Following two years of travel restrictions and recent ease of mask mandates, students are celebrating spring break again, though experts advise staying vigilant. Anita Barkin, co-chair of the American College Health Association’s COVID-19 task force, recommends that colleges and universities require COVID-19 testing once students arrive back on campus and repeat testing after five days.
