First Inclusive and IDEAL Innovation Grants Awarded

Grants encourage faculty to find innovative ways to enhance equity and inclusion in class and on campus

by Tony Moore

In the wake of a spring 2024 announcement, Dickinson is pleased to announce the first group of recipients of the newly established Inclusive Pedagogy and IDEAL Innovation mini-grants, new initiatives introduced by Tony Boston, Dickinson’s vice president and chief diversity officer. These grants—designed to promote equity, inclusion, belonging and access—are part of the college's ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

“I'm thrilled to announce the recipients of the Inclusive Pedagogy and the IDEAL Innovation grants," says Boston, adding that the initiatives are close to his heart, as they embody Dickinson's shared commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment. "The innovative projects our recipients are pursuing not only enhance our educational practices but also reflect the diverse voices within our community."

The Nature of the Grants

The Inclusive Pedagogy Grant aims to encourage faculty in their efforts to enhance equity in the classroom. The grant supports projects that focus on:

Creating a learning environment: Challenging, affirming, and engaging all learners, with particular attention to those most vulnerable to exclusion.
Improving learning outcomes: By removing barriers to belonging and inclusion through course design and high-impact practices.
Assessments: Evaluating student success and equitable outcomes within courses or departments.
Universal design: Making content more accessible using universal design principles.

The IDEAL Innovation Grant targets staff initiatives to cultivate a more inclusive campus culture:

Promoting staff engagement: Encouraging staff to engage in projects that enhance the sense of community and belonging.
Enhancing belonging and community: Developing innovative ways to strengthen campus culture.
Collaboration: Encouraging collaborative projects within or across departments.
Alignment with strategic plans: Ensuring projects align with Dickinson's Inclusivity Strategic Plan and IDEAL principles.

Both grants offer $500 each to recipients, with the aim of using these funds to implement projects that support Dickinson’s strategic priorities.

First Cohort of Recipients Named

Now, we’re happy to announce the first group of recipients and provide a look at their grants:

Trauma-Informed Practice in the College Classroom | Kirk Anderson, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies. This project focuses on integrating trauma-informed teaching practices to create a safe learning environment for all students.
Enhancing Equity & Inclusion in Data Mining Education | Mohammad Naderi Dehkordi, assistant professor of & computer science). This initiative seeks to revise data mining curriculum to ensure inclusivity and accessibility, particularly for underrepresented students.
Bookmarking Inclusive Voices Beyond English | Lucile Duperron, associate professor of , and Sara Galli, visiting international scholar. A collaborative project to highlight and integrate non-English language literature into the curriculum, fostering a more diverse learning experience.
Investigating Undergraduate Student Dyads' Posed Problems, Performance, and Perceptions of a Calculus Exam Review Intervention | Tony Mixell, assistant professor of mathematics & computer science. This project aims to assess student engagement and success through a novel approach to calculus exam review.
Conversations Towards Inclusivity | Karen Kirkham, professor of theatre. A series of workshops and conversations to discuss inclusivity in the performing arts.
Together at the Table | Lauren Strunk, executive director of the Wellness Center. A program to bring together diverse members of the campus community to foster dialogue and understanding.
Public Intellectualism & Social Justice Scholarship: Writing for a Public Audience in Traditional & Social Media Channels | Mary Moll, academic department coordinator, and Katie Oliviero, associate professor of women’s, gender & sexuality studies. This initiative supports the development of public scholarship in social justice, engaging a broader audience.
Fostering Inclusivity & Advancement in STEM: A Professional Development Series to Empower Underrepresented Scholars | Crystal Reynaga, assistant professor of biology; Allysa Decker, assistant professor of environmental studies; and Wande Benka-Coker, assistant professor of environmental studies. A series of workshops aimed at supporting underrepresented students in STEM fields.
Incentives & Learning Outcomes | Ye Jiang, assistant professor of economics. This project examines how incentives can be used to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
Fostering Community in STEM(+) | Tracy McKay, lecturer in mathematics, and Jackie Campbell, director of the QR Center. A collaborative effort to build community and support within STEM-related disciplines.

These projects reflect Dickinson's commitment to creating an educational environment where all members of the community can thrive. By providing these grants, the college not only supports individual initiatives but also fosters a broader culture of inclusivity and equity.

"I commend these faculty and staff for seeking out ways to authentically weave inclusive practices into their respective departments," Boston says. "Together, we are not just imagining a more inclusive future; we are actively building it, and I couldn't be prouder of the work being done."

TAKE THE NEXT STEPS

Published December 13, 2024

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