Cohort Sistas’ Post

Check out this article by our Project Manager, Dr. Mercy Denedo, published by Times Higher Education on ''How to make universities more inclusive for black academics'' In this article, Dr. Denedo sheds some light on how support networks, mentoring and inter-institutional collaboration could make a big contribution to improving representation. Check out the article here: https://lnkd.in/ecMGKNRr The insights from this article are based on our recent joint report with GatenbySanderson and Higher Education Policy Institute titled ''Unblocking the Pipeline: Supporting the Retention, Progression and Promotion of Black Early-Career Academics''. This report explores the experiences of Black early-career academics (ECAs) in higher education. Based on a survey of nearly 100 Black ECAs and 24 interviews with staff working on initiatives to support them, this report examines the challenges faced by Black ECAs in securing a post and advancing their careers. By evaluating the initiatives currently implemented, this report then investigates how higher education institutions can effectively support Black ECAs. See report here: https://lnkd.in/eQBBTuGG #Universities #Inclusive #Black #Academics #Progression #Promotion

Our Living Black at University Commission Report shares practical tips and resources for improving Black students' accommodation experience: https://lnkd.in/eDzb9U8N The report is a follow on from our first research report - Living Black at University - which looked into Black students’ experience in UK purpose-built student accommodation. This new report shares the insights we've learned and the actions we've taken, with the intention of supporting others in the sector to turn the report’s recommendations into action ✏ Our hope is that it supports others in the sector to implement the recommendations and move closer to race equity within their own organisations, too. ✍ You can read the report here: https://lnkd.in/eDzb9U8N   -----   Thanks to everyone who contributed to this report and everyone on the Unite Students Commission on Living Black at University 👏   1. Thanks to Professor Iyiola Solanke for her capable chairing of the Commission, Jen Steadman for her role as Commissioning Editor on this report, and Sam Kingsley for developing and leading on the recommendations.   2. Thanks to CUBO College and University Business Officers for supporting the Commission in its next phase.   3. Thanks additionally to Dr Nick Cartwright for creating the EDI Data Maturity Framework, Newcastle University for supporting the pilot phase of a Black services directory, and our 10,000 Black Interns for their sterling work on our directory's.   4. As well, 'Teleola Cartwright, Osaro Otobo and Lenny Emanuel – the Black-led research team at Halpin Partnership – for the original Living Black at University report, and the Black students who took part in the research, whose courage in sharing their experiences has been invaluable.   5. Finally, we would like to thank everyone who has downloaded this report with the intention to improve Black students’ accommodation experience, whether by taking action in their own institution or sharing with others in the sector who have the power to take these decisions. #LivingBlackatUniversity #DiversityandInclusion #DandI #Beloning #HigherEducation #University #Students #StudentAccommodation #UniteStudents

 National Council for Black Studies @ SJSU March 6-9, this year's conference focuses on the intersection of Black Studies and BIG TECH. #linkedin #SanJoseState #SiliconValley #bigtech #sanfrancisco #techinclusion #techcommunity #techcompany #techhub #techceo #africatechsummit #blacksintech #blacktechsaturdays

Are you a Black Academic aspiring to become a Professor. See below for an upcoming open forum and panel discussion, as why there are so few Black Professors.

Today is the last day to submit contributions to our survey, which aims to tackle the issues faced by Black academics in Higher Education roles. This project, in collaboration with the Society of Black Academics (SBA) and the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), seeks to shed light on the career pathways of Black academics, and find effective ways to create a more diverse and inclusive environment. We are seeking early career academics and PhD students who identify as Black to complete an anonymous 5-minute survey. With your contribution, we can take best practices and make recommendations for actionable initiatives universities can undertake to improve the retention and progression of Black academics. #HigherEducation #BlackAcademics #Diversity

Why is the arrival of Black Oxford - The Untold Stories of Oxford University's Black Scholars at Oxford's Visitor Information Centre monumental? The Visitor Information Centre in Oxford is a popular tourist hub for people from all over the world. However, the books available there have traditionally been Euro-centric and do not reflect the full diversity of the city's history and culture. That's why the stocking of Black Oxford—The Untold Stories of Oxford University's Black Scholars is such a monumental achievement. It will be the first book in the Centre to focus on the university's Black presence and scholars. This is important because it offers an opportunity for a diverse group of people, including students, tourists, and locals, to learn about the work and accomplishments of Black scholars, helping to promote a better understanding of history, culture, and intellectual contributions. Moreover, the book showcases the achievements of Black scholars, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences in academic discourse. It also challenges stereotypes and biases by presenting counter-narratives to misconceptions about race, intelligence, and educational capabilities. By having this book available at the Visitor Information Centre, people can be inspired and empowered to pursue academic and intellectual endeavours. They can see successful Black scholars celebrated and recognized, which can be a motivation for aspiring academics. Join me for a book signing at the Centre to delve into the fascinating history of Black scholars at Oxford University. Saturday, March 23rd 11.00 am - 3.00 pm. #BlackHistory #BookLaunch #Oxford#OxfordHistory #BlackAcademia#DiverseScholars #BlackExcellence#MeetTheAuthor #BlackOxford#VisitOxford#VisitorInformation Centre

Naomi Alormele is a doctoral researcher with Loughborough University (UK) on the project titled “Elevating the voices of Black women working within the Black Diaspora: exploring experiences of violence, safety and joy working in university roles". You are invited to attend group conversations taking place Thursday 2nd May - Tuesday 7th May (various times available). There are options to engage in these conversations either in person or online. After reading the below questions if you are interested in expressing an interest in engaging in the study, please complete this MS form:  https://lnkd.in/gNQVGSH9 Study purpose?  To analyse the perceptions, experiences, and identities of Black women staff in relation to their working environments in universities across the Black Diaspora. Previously research has taken place within the United Kingdom and will now be continuing in the Ontario province of Canada.  Who is doing this research and why? This study is part of my PhD research project supported by Loughborough University (UK). The ethical approval code for this study is: 2023-11092-14004  The study will be undertaken by myself (Naomi Alormele) and supervised by Dr Catherine Armstrong, Dr Jessica Robles and Dr Jenny Prendergast. The purpose of this research is to explore the nuanced nature of oppression Black women experience working within universities. This project also aims to explore factors that contribute to Black women’s sense of empowerment and belonging in their employed roles. How is this study being conducted and what will my contribution be if I wish to be involved? This study is being conducted through group conversations at the beginning of May 2024. If you choose to take part in person this will be in the North York and Waterloo areas of Ontario (exact location TBC).  The conversations will take place in small groups, lasting no longer than 2 hours. How can I get in touch if I would like more information prior to filling in the MS form? Please email me directly at: n.alormele@lboro.ac.uk  

Some thoughts on #EDI in UK academia - Rhetoric or Reality? ⭐ Last year, I was part of a panel discussion focused on career advancement for #Black (British, African, and Caribbean) researchers in UK academia. I addressed several issues, including the skewed system and reasons why Black academics often work thrice as hard to get somewhere...or anywhere. ⭐ Recently, a well-known UK funder awarded several small grants to early-career researchers. Some of my Black mentees shared their disappointing experiences. They were notified that their applications met all quality thresholds but were not awarded due to a randomization process...ironically, the same process saw several of their non-minority counterparts receive awards. ⭐ On one hand, grant capture remains a big part of getting promoted in UK higher education. But in some way, the system limits their chances of progress...as success in securing smaller grants is a requirement for obtaining larger ones. ⭐ Is it any surprise, then, that there are fewer Black academics in senior positions within UK academia?

We recently published a new report in partnership with the Society of Black Academics (SBA) and Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) which highlights some of the issues Black academics face and our recommendations on how institutions can support them. The research conducted is a step forward to support the retention, progression, and promotion of Black Early-Career Academics. You can access the full report free on HEPI's website: https://lnkd.in/eQBBTuGG Dr Becca Franssen, PhD, Partner in our Education Practice and lead author of the report, says of our findings, "This report seeks to understand why, regardless of initiatives to address it, Black academics continue to be critically underrepresented at all levels in higher education. By understanding what universities are already doing, and building on their successes, we have been able to make a series of low-cost, easy-to-implement recommendations to help facilitate the progression and retention of Black academics." #DiversityAndInclusion #BlackAcademics #HigherEducation #HELeaders

We couldn't agree more! We were invited to offer our own assessment/review, as part of a pitch for services for the OU (who are hiring for a senior EDI role). We used our expertise, and experience, to offer insights - which support this insight from Prof. Arday - unfortunately, they chose to go with a more well known recruiter (who lacks our EDI expertise, and deeper knowledge of systemic issues in the sector). The result may be that a black academic is found for that role, in the short-term, but how will their approach create longer-term and more widespread sector/institutional change..? Our approach, as seen in our slides from our pitch (see comments below), would have resulted in institutional change (and eventually sector change)...🤷