Preconference

Let’s Make Our Own: Designing Culturally Inclusive Spaces at a Predominately White Institution

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Abstract

Academic learning communities and clubs at a Predominately White Institution (PWI) offer meaningful opportunities for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students to engage with the university, revealing the hidden curriculum often associated with pursuing higher education. This work is essential yet should not overtake the need for culturally sustaining practices, pedagogies, and places. Learning environments which acknowledge the cultural and embodied knowledge of BIPOC students and cultivate connection between students’ prior knowledge and their new major specific knowledge helps increase belonging and persistence. Let’s make our own, details our BUILD (Building Up Inclusive Leadership in Design) learning community’s prioritization of students’ cultural knowledge and creative building practices we utilize to build community and cultural connection to the disciplines in the College of Design. Participants will learn about the strategies we use and modify the practices for their own spaces.