Institutions of Higher Education face diversity, equity, and inclusion issues globally with unique challenges and creative solutions.

The 2021 Global Citizen Forum brought together educators, students, policy makers and citizens from around the world to explore the struggles, strategies, and solutions for creating a more equitable and inclusive higher education field. 

Topics discussed at the conference were divided into the following tracks: a) exploring historical influences of today’s present, b) the role of activism in transformation, c) teaching strategies and the role of research to effect impactful change, d) addressing structures and power relations within institutions. The conference presenters may have an opportunity to submit their research for publication or collaborate on future research.

Conference Objectives

1. Engage in critical dialogue to expand participants’ understanding of global issues of the driving forces and restraining forces surrounding equity and inclusion within higher education:

• Struggles of historical and present injustices that impede equitable education for all
• Practices which have degraded equity in higher education around the world
• Strategies to address inequity on university campuses

2. Participate in collaborative, hands-on sessions to develop relationships with international partners in order to:

• Collect data and stories around equity and inclusion in higher education in a global context
• Create and implement equity and inclusion strategies that work
• Produce cutting edge research in the area of equity and inclusion within higher education

3. Explore future opportunities for continued collaboration surrounding equity and inclusion work in higher education

Planning Committee

Thank you to our planning committee members from Drake University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal!

Drake University

• Chinatsu Bachmann, College of Arts & Sciences
• Leah Berte, Professional & Career Development Services
• Robyn Cooper, School of Education
• Kelley Ellis, College of Business & Public Administration
• Bengu Erguner-Tekinalp, School of Education
• Sally Haack, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
• Jeff Kappen, College of Business & Public Administration
• Timothy Knepper, College of Arts & Sciences
• Erin Lain, Campus Equity & Inclusion
• Heidi Mannetter, College of Business & Public Administration
• Hannah Sappenfield, Global Engagement
• Renee Sedlacek Lee, Community Engaged Learning
• Jimmy Senteza, College of Business & Public Administration
• David Skidmore, College of Arts & Sciences
• Melissa Sturm-Smith, Academic Excellence & Student Success
• Jenny Tran-Johnson, Registrar
• Mary Wohlford, Sponsored Programs Administration & Research

University of KwaZulu-Natal

• Kesh Govinder, School of Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science
• Relebohile Moletsane, School of Education
• Tasmeera Singh, International Relations