UAC Series on Addressing Bias and Racism in Assessment

In fall 2022, the University Assessment Committee (UAC) hosted a virtual series on Addressing Bias and Racism in Assessment with funding from the 6+YOU Initiative and the Jesuit Foundation. The UAC established this series to raise awareness of the racism and bias that persist in assessment practices at institutions of higher education and at USF, and to help faculty and staff identify both implicit and explicit bias in assessment. Each session was offered twice. 

Jane Bleasdale, Assistant Professor, School of Education
Social Conscience and Responsibility: Teaching the Common Good
October 24, 12–1 p.m., October 27, 1–2 p.m. (virtually held on Zoom)

Description: How will you equitably assess students' learning? Dr. Bleasdale will focus on co-created pedagogy, including journaling and reflection, student choice, and activities to analyze how personal and social biases can distort the expression of many of our highest human values.  Recording (from October 27), Slides

Desiree Zerquera, Associate Professor, School of Education
Engaging Critical Quantitative Research in our Assessment Practice
November 3, 12–1 p.m., November 4, 1–2 p.m. (virtually held on Zoom)

Description: Critical quantitative research approaches provide promise in how we differently engage with quantitative data to better align our questions, analyses, and meaning-making with social justice. This workshop will show how principles and approaches from critical quantitative research can strengthen our assessment practice as we work to better support marginalized students on our campus and in our classrooms. Through hands-on examples, participants will leave with a toolkit and charge to better use quantitative assessment data in ways that enact our espoused values of social justice. Recording (from November 4), Slides 

Kahanu Salavea, Program Assistant, Office of Community Living
Hawaiian Protocols: the Assessment Process at the USF Food Pantry
November 9, 2–3 p.m., November 10, 2–3 p.m. (virtually held on Zoom)

Description: Data is collected within the relationships that we establish with those whom we are serving. Relationship building is an essential component in our assessment process since it has a direct impact on the quantity and quality of feedback that is received. In this session, we will discuss the ways that the USF Food Pantry has incorporated indigenous, Hawaiian protocols as a means of building trust with food insecure students and how those protocols have created a space where students feel like they can openly share about their experiences in accessing the pantry.  Recording (from November 10), Slides

Rhonda V Magee, Professor, School of Law
Joining the Inner and Outer Work of Addressing Bias and Racism in Assessment
November 14, 12–1 p.m., November 17, 12–1 p.m. (virtually held on Zoom)

Description: In this session, Professor Magee will open space for discussing the inner dimensions of the work of addressing bias and racism in assessment, and how that inner dimension intersects with the outer work. Participants will examine how mindfulness might support us in clarifying our values and developing the internal infrastructure -- emotional intelligence, social growth mindset, and collective resilience -- necessary for sustaining  the work of addressing bias and enacting equitable assessment policies and structures. Recording (from November 17), Slides