Developing Diverse Inclusive Classrooms and Educational Environments in Higher Education Graduate Programs

Abstract

This chapter focuses on challenges in higher education, including faculty leadership's role in elevating intentional practice in graduate programs, concentrating on developing inclusive higher education educational environments. It offers various perspectives on the changes in United States demographics and examines dialogue as a sustained opportunity for diverse groups of students to learn together. Although this chapter is dedicated to looking at the specifics of graduate programs, the discussions and recommendations are relevant to graduate and undergraduate students and programs. This chapter also looks at institutional change efforts from the level of the individual faculty member, the department or college, to university-wide leadership to ensure diversity in graduate programs in higher education. Lastly, this chapter offers instructive guidance to create campus climates that welcome all students and suggests a path forward for faculty development that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion of underrepresented ethnic minority students.