Interrupting Symbolic Violence by Understanding Underrepresented STEM Students' Perception of Campus Climate

• In Event: 45.043 - Improving Campus Climates in Higher Education

Abstract

Perception of a “chilly climate” is one reason underrepresented engineering students leave their programs. Institutions must understand and address symbolic barriers that contribute to chilly climates such as implicit biases, inaccessible facilities, and inadequate support services. Using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, we assessed faculty and student perceptions of belongingness and comfort in a college of engineering that is dedicated to transformational change and reducing symbolic violence. Results indicate that students with a minoritized identity also feel “othered” in their other, non-minoritized identities. Results also indicate that only about half of the faculty surveyed agree they have the skills needed to respond constructively to biased behavior, a skills gap that can contribute to a chilly climate.

Authors

• Stephanie Lezotte, Rowan University

• Beena Sukumaran, Rowan University

• Harriet Hartman, Rowan University

• Tiago Forin, Rowan University

• Stephanie Farrell, Rowan University

• Theresa Bruckerhoff, Curriculum Research and Evaluation