From Racial Consciousness to Having High Expectations: Exploring the Qualities Desired in Faculty by Graduate Students of Color

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Challenges and Opportunities in Diversity and Equity in Doctoral Education

Abstract

Guided by critical race theory, this qualitative study examines the narratives of graduate students of color, particularly their perceptions and relationships with faculty as viewed by students. The authors engaged in semi-structured interviews with students across disciplines from one predominantly white and research-intensive institution located in an urban city. Data demonstrates that there were various academic and non-academic characteristics that participants desired in faculty. These qualities extended from race consciousness to more personal ways of being. With this study and aligned with this year’s conference theme, we hope that higher education stakeholders take note of students’ needs and experiences on their path to creating more equitable education systems in the 21st century.

Authors

• Oscar Patron, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Osly J. Flores, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign