Keynote: Universities as beacons of hope: Insights from lived experience and the ADEPT framework to support diverse students through systemic change
| Thursday, July 11, 2024 |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Hall C |
|
Sponsored By:
University of Adelaide
|
Overview
Jennifer Stokes, University of South Australia and Bailey Wemyss, University of the Sunshine Coast
Details
This address will serve as a rallying cry to unite our voices and forge a path toward a more just academic world. Bringing together insights from research and lived experience, Jennifer Stokes and Bailey Wemyss will reflect upon how we can collectively shape universities into inclusive spaces where diverse capitals are valued and diverse voices heard. This conversational keynote conveys practical strategies and a hopeful vision for the future of the academy.
Building upon social justice pedagogies, Stokes outlines the ADEPT framework for enabling pedagogy (2022), designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds to flourish at university. This framework articulates strategies suitable to implement across university teaching and learning at all levels, supporting students to embody positive learner identities and carry agency forward to graduate careers and broader societal contribution.
By interweaving a personal narrative of advocacy and resistance, and mixing in a little humour, Bailey will shed light on the barriers erected by entrenched paradigms through an intersectional lens. The discourse will emphasise the necessity for higher education institutions to transcend beyond mere compliance with anti-discrimination laws, advocating for proactive cultivation of spaces where diversity is more than simply acknowledged; it is revered. Practical takeaways will equip attendees with tools based on human rights being the foundations of educational policies and practices, to effect change in their spheres of influence.
The vision we will collectively imagine is a “blue sky” scenario for universities, yet not an unrealistic one —a beacon of inclusivity where marginalized groups are not only welcomed but are integral to the academic fabric, and where students can be the protagonists in their own story. This is a call to action for institutions to commit to genuine inclusivity and equity, enacting transformative change for the betterment of all.
Speaker
Assoc Prof Jennifer Stokes
Associate Director - Teaching Innovation Unit
University of South Australia/The University of Adelaide/Adelaide University
Keynote: Universities as beacons of hope: Insights from lived experience and the ADEPT framework to support diverse students through systemic change
Final abstract
This address will serve as a rallying cry to unite our voices and forge a path toward a more just academic world. Bringing together insights from research and lived experience, Jennifer Stokes and Bailey Wemyss will reflect upon how we can collectively shape universities into inclusive spaces where diverse capitals are valued and diverse voices heard. This conversational keynote conveys practical strategies and a hopeful vision for the future of the academy.
Building upon social justice pedagogies, Stokes outlines the ADEPT framework for enabling pedagogy (2022), designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds to flourish at university. This framework articulates strategies suitable to implement across university teaching and learning at all levels, supporting students to embody positive learner identities and carry agency forward to graduate careers and broader societal contribution.
By interweaving a personal narrative of advocacy and resistance, and mixing in a little humour, Bailey will shed light on the barriers erected by entrenched paradigms through an intersectional lens. The discourse will emphasise the necessity for higher education institutions to transcend beyond mere compliance with anti-discrimination laws, advocating for proactive cultivation of spaces where diversity is more than simply acknowledged; it is revered. Practical takeaways will equip attendees with tools based on human rights being the foundations of educational policies and practices, to effect change in their spheres of influence.
The vision we will collectively imagine is a “blue sky” scenario for universities, yet not an unrealistic one —a beacon of inclusivity where marginalized groups are not only welcomed but are integral to the academic fabric, and where students can be the protagonists in their own story. This is a call to action for institutions to commit to genuine inclusivity and equity, enacting transformative change for the betterment of all.
Building upon social justice pedagogies, Stokes outlines the ADEPT framework for enabling pedagogy (2022), designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds to flourish at university. This framework articulates strategies suitable to implement across university teaching and learning at all levels, supporting students to embody positive learner identities and carry agency forward to graduate careers and broader societal contribution.
By interweaving a personal narrative of advocacy and resistance, and mixing in a little humour, Bailey will shed light on the barriers erected by entrenched paradigms through an intersectional lens. The discourse will emphasise the necessity for higher education institutions to transcend beyond mere compliance with anti-discrimination laws, advocating for proactive cultivation of spaces where diversity is more than simply acknowledged; it is revered. Practical takeaways will equip attendees with tools based on human rights being the foundations of educational policies and practices, to effect change in their spheres of influence.
The vision we will collectively imagine is a “blue sky” scenario for universities, yet not an unrealistic one —a beacon of inclusivity where marginalized groups are not only welcomed but are integral to the academic fabric, and where students can be the protagonists in their own story. This is a call to action for institutions to commit to genuine inclusivity and equity, enacting transformative change for the betterment of all.
Biography
Jennifer Stokes is an award-winning educator, who specialises in digital media and enabling pedagogy. She is passionate about educational access and the role universities can play in social inclusion and societal transformation. She was recognised for leadership in enabling pedagogy through a 2018 Australian Award for University Teaching. She developed the ADEPT framework for enabling pedagogy to assist educators and practitioners to support students from underrepresented backgrounds at university.
Jennifer is a Senior Lecturer in Education Futures at the University of South Australia, where she embeds innovative approaches to build student engagement. Her recent publications explores enabling pedagogy and student experience. Recent collaborative work examines authentic assessment and digital learning, learning analytics at university, and First Nations student pathways to university. She is an active member of the Widening Participation and Lifelong Learning journal (The Open University, UK) Editorial Board and recently guest edited a special edition on ‘Lessons from digital spaces’. She contributes to The Conversation on technology and society, including recent pieces on ‘Barbie’ and feminist film theory, and ‘Mean Girls’ on social media. She is also a member of the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning. Her publications are listed on Google Scholar or via https://people.unisa.edu.au/jennifer.stokes
Mx Bailey Wemyss
Student
University of the Sunshine Coast
Keynote: Universities as beacons of hope: Insights from lived experience and the ADEPT framework to support diverse students through systemic change
Final abstract
Biography
Advocate for Social Justice, Intersectionality, and Disability Inclusion
As a third-year-undergraduate-social-work-student, Bailey embodies the ethos of compassion, empathy, and empowerment, in the pursuit of social justice and equality.
Navigating the academic landscape from the vantage point of a wheelchair, Bailey defies conventional limitations, breaking barriers as an autistic, trans, and gay individual.
At the heart of Bailey’s mission lies a fervent dedication to championing human rights and intersectionality. Through advocacy, they have carved pathways for inclusion, founding, and nurturing initiatives, including the Students as Partners Disability Inclusion Student Group at UniSC, and Students with Disability Leadership Collective within Student Voice Australia. Receiving the 2021 UniSC President and Vice Chancellor Diversity and Inclusion Award and being honoured with the 2022 Ann Rigbye Social Work Award, Bailey’s journey is marked by recognition and impact. In 2023, Bailey also received a UniSC Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
Bailey works in community through empowering individuals in navigating the NDIS, while additionally spearheading initiatives as a disability and inclusion consultant, volunteering in community development efforts, and contributing as a peer reviewer for ASRHE.
At home, Bailey finds solace and joy in the warm embrace of family and the playful antics of their beloved puppy, Molly.
In every endeavour, Bailey Wemyss manifests the transformative power of resilience and unwavering determination.
Chair
Tania Leach
Deputy Head Of School | Education
University of Southern Queensland / HERDSA Onsite Conference Program Chair
Manisha Thakkar
Torrens University / Communications Lead, HERDSA Executive
