By CSU Student Success Network Staff
October 2020
CSU faculty, staff, and administrators are using a range of creative practices to increase student engagement, facilitate equitable remote learning, and broaden access to virtual student supports. In a series of online conversations hosted by the CSU Student Success Network in July and August, over 150 faculty and staff across 21 CSU campuses shared strategies and learned from each other about student-centered online practices. In the spirit of navigating this unique year together, we want to disseminate the ideas, tips, and practical strategies our colleagues shared during the sessions.
The conversation series, called Navigating Uncertainty Together, focused on what we in the CSU learned from our virtual transition last spring, and the actions we can take to advance racial equity for students returning to our virtual classrooms this fall. As one participant noted, “It is very easy right now to get bogged down in the challenges. Good ideas came up … about solution-oriented thinking.” Ideas emerged with regard to ways to create and strengthen connections with students, develop flexible class and support practices, use technology creatively, expand accessibility to services, and leverage the campus community.
According to Terra Thorne, Director of Statewide Initiatives at EdInsights, which runs the CSU Network, “None of us has all the answers, but collectively across our campuses we have the expertise. These dialogues tapped into the sense that we can do this work together, in the service of our students.”
The CSU Student Success Network is facilitated by the Education Insights Center (EdInsights) at Sacramento State University. For more information, email studentsuccessnetwork@edinsightscenter.org. or visit the EdInsights and Sacramento State websites.