An ecological approach to creating validating support for low‐income, racially minoritized, and first‐generation college students

Abstract

AbstractDrawing from a longitudinal mixed methods study, this article explores how postsecondary institutions can create a campus‐wide culture of validation that can improve at‐promise student experiences and outcomes. The authors share several strategies that instructors, staff, and administrators can collaboratively enact to build a culture of ecological validation.Practical Takeaways Creating a culture of ecological validation enables postsecondary institutions to move away from siloed approaches that have been ineffective in supporting at‐promise students. Grounded in institutional norms (proactive, identity‐conscious, strengths‐oriented, holistic, developmental, collaborative and reflective), this approach enables educators to reimagine how they approach their work with students.