Student Success Equity Intensive
Closing the equity gaps of our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and low-income students is the goal of SSEI, a project of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).
SUNY Brockport’s participation in SSEI is fueling its efforts to adapt and evolve to meet the unique needs of current and future students. It is sure to contribute to equity in student success by creating an optimal experience for all students – regardless of socio-economic status or race.
The initiative receives funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Provost Martin Abraham serves as the initiative’s campus lead and Sara Kelly (Vice President for Enrollment ) and Damita Davis (Chief Diversity Officer) serve as co-leads.
Equity Mindedness
SUNY Brockport defines equity as providing equal opportunity and access to resources necessary for full participation and growth, including the elimination of social and structural barriers. Equity-mindedness means actively identifying and addressing the policies and procedures that create barriers to equal opportunities for the success of students, faculty, and staff.
SSEI Leadership/Transformation Team
Tasks Ahead
A bachelor’s degree promotes social mobility. However, nearly 7 in 10 Black and 8 in 10 Hispanic Americans ages 25 and older do not have a bachelor’s degree. Many more aspire to a bachelor’s degree and start their studies, but more Black and Hispanic Americans than White Americans do not finish their studies. Achieving equity in student success would profoundly impact SUNY Brockport, its surrounding community, and the world.
Seek answers to the following questions:
- How will the university gather ideas from new majority learners and transform its practices to ensure equity in student success?
- How will the university create a culture of inclusive excellence through shared leadership and vision?
And simultaneously:
- Work with and learn from other institutions of higher education across the nation that share a commitment to equity in student success.
- Deepen understanding of how to provide experiences to each student, regardless of race and income, that will lead to success in studies and rewarding careers thereafter.
New Majority Learners
Enrollment in colleges and universities and population trends indicate the dawn of new majority learners, including:
- Persons of color, specifically Black, Indigenous, or Latinx
- Individuals from low-income backgrounds who are experiencing basic needs (housing, food)
- Persons who are the first in their families to attend a college or university
Cultivating the capacity of new majority learners for intellectual, physical, and creative accomplishment is none too soon.
Student Input
SUNY Brockport has created a cross-divisional leadership team to work on these tasks. This team is committed to listening to and amplifying the voices of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and low-income students in a variety of ways. More information will be shared on ways students can contribute.
