ToC Design Team: Foster a Sense of Belonging and Engagement in the Classroom: Home

• LaKisha Barrett, Faculty, Biology & Associate Dean of Belonging & Purpose in Teaching/Learning (Co-Chair)
• Cam Claassen, Process Analyst, Student Affairs (Co-Chair)
• Margarita Decierdo, Adjunct Faculty, Sociology
• Jessica Armenta, Faculty, Biology
• Lynda Infante Huerta, Faculty, Library Services
• Elida Bonet, Success Coach
• Joshua Carrierre,  Employer Relations & Job Development Coordinator
• Jordan Easley, Academic Coach
• Paul Price,  Supplemental Instruction Manager
• Kay Treon, Workforce Projects Coordinator, Corporate Training Solutions
• Chandni Pandey, Business Analyst
• Matthew Mandell, Center for Peace & Conflict Studies Coordinator
• Doralena Yanes, Executive Assistant I, Student Affairs
• Alejandra Polcik, Manager of Student Support Projects ASCENDER
• Margaret Haule, student
• Raghad  Alhussein, student

ACC requires a cohesive system of faculty support and accountability to create inclusive and effective learning environments for all students. Current courses and support systems have gaps in addressing the needs of underrepresented, underserved, adult, and online students, including fostering a culture that honors men of color and supports student parents and adult learners. Building a sense of community among online learners is crucial to promoting equity, inclusion, and success for all students.

1. Detailed plans for a scalable, effective, and inclusive teaching professional development program for all instructors with rationale, resources necessary, procedural or cultural changes necessary with suggestions, and ways to assess program effectiveness;
2. A report describing the identified tools and practices for creating inviting and supportive environments for students and faculty of color with specific recommendations and action steps for the college;
3. A report describing the identified tools, practices, and policies to support caregiving and adult learners with specific recommendations the college, programs, and individual instructors should take and related ACC policy impact;
4. An engagement plan to increase the persistence and completion of online students. This plan should include recommendations for related academic and non-academic services, required resources, procedural or cultural changes, and ways to assess program effectiveness.

Being
The active presence and recognition of oneself in a space, where identity, voice, and agency are acknowledged and valued.
Foundation of authenticity, self-awareness, confidence, and purpose.
Students and Faculty are valued, active contributors.
Belonging
A dynamic, reciprocal connection where individuals feel seen, valued, and integral to the learning community.
A shared responsibility between individuals and institutions.
Cultivates psychological safety, engagement, and motivation.
Classroom
A transformative ‘space’ where knowledge, relationships, and experiences intersect to create meaning and growth.
An ecosystem of learning, care, and innovation.
Fosters inclusivity, curiosity, and collaboration.
Reflection of the culture of the future, with the empathy needed today.

Use the blue tabs or the links below to explore the various team subgroups.