Widening Participation: 20 Questions for Higher Education Professionals to Ask on Delivery
As institutions of higher education strive to foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment, widening participation remains a critical focus. This involves proactively addressing the barriers that hinder access to and success for students from underrepresented groups, such as those from low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, ethnic minority students, and those with disabilities.
Effective widening participation strategies require a comprehensive approach that encompasses various aspects of the higher education experience. Here are 20 questions that higher education professionals can ask themselves to critically evaluate their delivery and identify areas for improvement:
Access and Admissions
1. How accessible is our admissions process for underrepresented students? Do we employ fair and transparent admissions criteria that are free from implicit bias?
2. What financial aid options are available to support underrepresented students? Do we offer a diverse range of financial aid options, such as grants, scholarships, and loans, to mitigate financial barriers?
3. Do we actively engage with underrepresented students through outreach programs? Do we have targeted outreach initiatives that connect with underrepresented students in their communities and encourage them to consider higher education?
Curriculum and Instruction
4. Does our curriculum reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of underrepresented students? Do we incorporate diverse perspectives and cultural contexts into our curriculum to promote inclusivity and cultural understanding?
5. Do we offer courses that address the specific needs and interests of underrepresented students? Do we have courses that prepare underrepresented students for success in their chosen fields while also addressing their unique needs and interests?
6. Are we actively working to decolonise our curriculum? Do we critically examine the Eurocentric bias inherent in our curriculum and take steps to incorporate indigenous and non-Western perspectives?
Pedagogy and Assessment
7. Do our teaching methods and approaches cater to the diverse learning styles of underrepresented students? Do we employ a variety of teaching methods, such as active learning, collaborative learning, and technology-enhanced learning, to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed?
8. How do we address cultural differences and potential biases in our classrooms? Do we create a classroom environment that is inclusive and welcoming to students from all backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and respect?
9. Do we provide adequate support for underrepresented students who are struggling academically? Do we offer tutoring, supplemental instruction, and other forms of academic support to help underrepresented students succeed in their coursework?
10. Are our assessment methods fair and equitable for all students, including underrepresented groups? Do we use a variety of assessment methods that are appropriate for the course content and do not disadvantage underrepresented students?
Student Support and Well-being
11. What comprehensive student support services are available to underrepresented students? Do we provide mental health counseling, career counseling, academic advising, and other support services to meet the diverse needs of our student body?
12. Do we foster a strong sense of community among underrepresented students on our campus? Do we encourage student organisations, mentorship programs, and social events to create a sense of belonging and community among underrepresented students?
13. How do we address the unique challenges faced by underrepresented students, such as financial hardship, food insecurity, and mental health issues? Do we have programs and resources in place to address these challenges and ensure the overall well-being of underrepresented students?
Staff and Faculty Diversity and Development
14. Does our staff and faculty reflect the diversity of our student body? Do we actively recruit and hire diverse staff and faculty who can relate to the experiences of underrepresented students and provide culturally competent support?
15. Are our staff and faculty adequately trained to work effectively with underrepresented students? Do we provide professional development opportunities for staff and faculty to enhance their understanding of cultural diversity, inclusive practices, and unconscious bias?
16. What opportunities are available for our staff and faculty to deepen their knowledge of widening participation? Do we encourage and support staff and faculty in engaging in research, reading, and discussions on widening participation to develop their expertise?
Institutional Leadership and Commitment
17. Is widening participation a clear priority in our institutional mission and values? Do our mission statement, strategic plan, and institutional policies explicitly reflect a commitment to widening participation?
18. Do we have clear and transparent policies and procedures in place to support widening participation initiatives? Are these policies regularly reviewed and updated to ensure their effectiveness?
19. How do we collect, analyse, and use data to track our progress on widening participation? Do we have a robust data collection and analysis system to monitor our progress and identify areas for improvement?
20. Do we actively engage with community partners to support widening participation efforts? Do we collaborate with local organisations, schools, and community leaders to enhance our outreach
The Latest Innovations in Widening Participation
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