Equity and Cultural-Linguistic Diversity

2055V - ALIGN: A Multidimensional Program Designed to Enhance the Success of BIPOC Graduate Students in CSD

ON-DEMAND

Format: 1-Hour Seminar (Virtual)

Keywords: BIPOC graduate students, equity, academic and professional skills, peer and professional mentoring, diversity

Presenting Author(s)

Stephanie McMillen

Syracuse University

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Soren Lowell

Syracuse University
Ellyn Riley

Syracuse University
Jamie Desjardins

Syracuse University
Anita Lightburn

Syracuse University

ALIGN implements a multifaceted approach toward facilitating the success of CSD BIPOC graduate students through the integration of academic and professional skill building, peer networking, and professional mentorship into MS SLP and AuD program curriculum. This study described the rationale and development of the ALIGN program and reported quantitative and qualitative survey results to determine the effects of this program for two cohorts of CSD graduate students in the ALIGN program. Overall, results demonstrated that ALIGN had a significant, positive impact on academic skills relative to study habits, understanding difficult course concepts, and general learning, and provided crucial support and connection opportunities with fellow BIPOC students and mentors.

Learning Objectives:

Identify The participant will be able to identify specific barriers that limit the number of underrepresented minority students who matriculate in and graduate from speech-language pathology (SLP) and audiology (AuD) graduate programs
Summarize The participant will be able to summarize several evidence-based approaches regarding culturally aware mentoring practices and learning strategies
Apply The participant will be able to apply concepts from the four pillars of ALIGN to their CSD graduate programs