U-M CEW+
GETTING STARTED

Rachel Gable

“Emphasizing the importance of peer-to-peer connections and the value of safe spaces on campus can help students to learn the skills of self-advocacy. In particular, a lot of this has to do with seeing oneself as deserving support and help at all stages of the academic experience."

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Rachel Gable, the Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Virginia Commonwealth University. She recently released the book, The Hidden Curriculum: First Generation Students at Legacy Universities, which is based on the experiences of over 100 first-generation students at Harvard and Georgetown Universities. Rachel shares her insights on the experiences of first-generation students and what she calls “the hidden curriculum”. She also talks about the importance of peer-to-peer connections and self-advocacy skills in navigating the tacit rules and practices that are embedded into campus culture.

Resiliency is best demonstrated in times of challenges. Join CEW+ Director Tiffany Marra as she talks to students, staff, faculty, and community members connected to the University of Michigan’s Center for the Education of Women+ (CEW+) in our podcast, Strength in the Midst of Change. Through this podcast, CEW+ seeks to create a safe place where you will be inspired by the stories of everyday people. Originally created to document the challenges resulting from COVID-19, CEW+ has expanded the podcast to include stories of combating racism through individual and organizational action. This podcast will continue to evolve as societal challenges shift over time.

You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

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