Haley Lipman
Pronouns: She/her
Research Mentor(s): Daicia Price
Research Mentor School/College/Department: MI University of Michigan / Social Work
Program:
Authors: Haley Lipman, Daicia Price, Ronda Halsey
Session: Session 2: 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Poster: 12
Abstract
The project touches on topics of equity, classroom engagement, belongingness, and inclusive spaces. The project is being performed so that we can assess how underrepresented minority students are feeling regarding their sense of belongingness to the school and institution. Our main conclusions will be drawn through a Qualtrics study that will be distributed to the student population, as well as a focus group with an existing affinity-like group. In the Qualtrics survey, we asked for attitudes toward the school community and received valuable data about how students interact with their school environment. We are specifically looking at how affinity spaces play a role in students’ attitudes, as well as the ways that students could benefit from having affinity spaces included in the school environment. There is minimal research in this area of affinity spaces, which we are classifying as minority-centered spaces that encourage individuals to gather and explore their diverse identities, as well as identify how their identities can apply to their education/professional careers. At the end of the day, we are using this research to inform the School of Social Work administration on gauged interest in this type of installment, better understand the value that affinity groups can bring, and foster goals laid out in the school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 2.0 Strategic Plan.
