Approaches to Contemporary Issues in Higher Education

My research in this paper on contemporary issues focused on exploring the connection between students’ sense of belonging and their academic outcomes. I investigated how identity factors influence college success or failure and identified potential support programs to aid students from enrollment to graduation. Building on these findings, I recently led a discussion with colleagues about integrating strategies to foster student belonging into their advising roles.

This paper addresses contemporary issues facing higher education by exploring the complex legacies of slavery at Harvard and Columbia universities. It demonstrates the necessity of confronting historical injustices to understand and address current inequities in academia. The detailed examination of these universities' ties to slavery highlights the ethical considerations and responsibilities institutions face regarding reparations, diversity, and inclusion. By contextualizing historical legacies within modern-day trends, the paper underscores the ongoing need for higher education institutions to acknowledge their pasts and commit to fostering more just and inclusive environments.