Perceptions of First Year Students: How to be Better Advocates

Abstract

Have you ever heard a colleague perpetuate negative stereotypes about first year students? Referring to students as “lazy” or “clueless”? There have been several high profile cases of higher education professionals crossing the line from privately venting to publicly shaming students online. These types of conversations are steeped in harmful assumptions that have their roots in white supremacist, classist, and sexist thinking. This panel will discuss strategies to constructively challenge these comments and mindsets. Attendees will leave with an understanding of how to manage conflict and how to apply a growth mindset towards first year students