Student Voice in Guided Pathways Implementation
Student Engagement as Equity in Practice
To use guided pathways to holistically redesign student-centered colleges, it is imperative that student and institutional equity be the central focus of implementation of guided pathways. Student voice must be present during implementation as colleges examine actions taken to ensure outcomes are consistent with intentions and that there are no adverse unintended consequences. During implementation, colleges must be responsive to quantitative and qualitative data, particularly student input. Involving and engaging students helps colleges address questions and challenges as they arise and keeps the college efforts to close institutional equity gaps and improves student performances and success the central tenet for guided pathways work.
Ayo Alabi, J. and M. Cruz. Guided Pathways and Student Engagement: Student-Centeredness as Equity in Practice Links to an external site. . ASCCC Rostrum, Oct. 2019.
Student Voice in Governance
Student voice is a critical element of college governance. Without the participation and input of students in all aspects of the governance, including budget and planning processes, colleges run the risk of making recommendations and decisions based on assumptions about students rather than actual student need, equity, or success. While the role of academic senates and the 10+1 is usually understood, the fact that student inclusion in governance is also legislated is less known. Education Code §70901 and §70902 require standards be established for the effective participation of faculty, staff, and students in governance, and Education Code §76060 provides the basis for establishment of local student associations.
Bruno, J. Honoring Student Voice: Ensuring Students’ Effective Participation in Governance Links to an external site. . ASCCC Rostrum, April 2018
Student Voice in Anti-Racism and Guided Pathways
Successful implementation of guided pathways and the redesign of colleges as student-centered institutions rests on college efforts to dismantle racist structures and be inclusive, equity-focused spaces that support the learning and success of all students. As with all elements of guided pathways implementation, anti-racism efforts must be centered on the student voice. Creating and facilitating brave spaces for students of color to express needs and call out systemic barriers is critical in institutional efforts to dismantle those barriers.
Hernandez, H., L. Heard, and J. Buriel. Anti-Racism and Guided Pathways Implementation Links to an external site. . ASCCC Rostrum, Nov. 2020.
Guided Pathways and Strategic Enrollment Management
Guided pathways and strategic enrollment management (SEM) share principles of holistic, inclusive examination of student needs for planning and implementation. Scheduling as one component of strategic enrollment management must be focused on equity and student needs, including student educational plans and student outcomes.
Patton, J., S. Guerrero, and M. Barton. Strategic Scheduling: Meeting Student Needs and Involving Faculty in the Process Links to an external site. . ASCCC Academic Academy Breakout, Sept. 2018.
Ayo Alabi, J., R. Beach, and J. Fulks. Scheduling in a Guided Pathways World Links to an external site. . ASCCC Guided Pathways Webinars, April 24, 2019.