The Importance of Cultural Competency and Climate: Understanding the Impact of Institutional Policies and Practices

Session Type: Invited Session

Abstract

The premise of cultural competence is the attainment of knowledge and skills as well as an understanding of individuals and groups from other cultures for improved outcomes. During this session, scholars from various divisions will discuss and present the case for the role of structural (and curricular) diversity and how each leads to cultural competence; ultimately, increasing graduation rates in education. Additionally, panelist will discuss the impact of institutional policies and practices on cultural competency as well as address the hidden and salient meanings of cultural identities, the notions of power and disadvantage that are attached, and how policies and practices reinforce ascribed meanings and inequitable relationships. Lastly, the session will highlight exemplary cultural competency cases/research that impact the education pipeline (and pathways) of students.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chairs

• Eugene L. Anderson, American Dental Education Association

• Mark A. Lopez, American Dental Education Association

Papers

• Enhancing Educational Achievement With Black Males - Joseph White, University of California - Irvine

• Do Racially Identifiable Problems Demand Racially Identifiable Solutions? - Hardin L.K. Coleman, Boston University

• The Role of Faculty in Promoting Cultural Competence - Kimberly Griffin, University of Maryland

• The Importance of Cultural Competency and Climate: Understanding the Impact of Institutional Policies and Practices - Kris D. Gutiérrez, University of California - Berkeley

• Exploring the Cultural Evolution: Cultural Competency in Health Professions Education - Lawrence "Hy" Doyle, David Geffen School of Medicine

Discussant

• Carol Camp Yeakey, Washington University in St. Louis