“Student Leadership as a Pathway to Equity & Advancing Social Justice through Experiential Learning”
Presenter(s): Suzette Ramsundar, Director of Campus Life - Division of Student Affairs
Abstract: This panel explores how student leadership at Lehman College serves as a powerful mechanism for advancing equity, fostering inclusion, and addressing structural inequities. Through initiatives led by the Office of Campus Life, student-driven programs, including leadership development, advocacy, and efforts to combat food insecurity have played a critical role in institutional and community transformation. Grounded in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Susan Komives’s Social Change Model, and student affairs research, this session highlights the impact of experiential learning on student success, particularly for first-generation and low-income students. A key focus will be the Leadership for All initiative, a groundbreaking program that equips students, regardless of immigration status, with the skills to become independent contractors and entrepreneurs. Funded through private donations, this initiative integrates leadership training with economic empowerment, providing stipends and professional development opportunities. In Spring 2025, a partnership with the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program will further assess and refine the program, exemplifying the intersection of student affairs and academic research. Panelists will discuss best practices for fostering inclusive leadership, allocating resources equitably, and sustaining student-led advocacy efforts. Attendees will gain actionable insights into leveraging student leadership as a catalyst for institutional and societal change, making higher education a more equitable and transformative space.
Key Terms: Student Leadership, Equity & Inclusion, Social Justice, Experiential Learning, Advocacy & Civic Engagement, Institutional Change Community Impact
“Empowering Students through Faculty-Driven Assessment and the Student Learning Experience”
Presenter(s): Devrim Yavuz, Associate Professor - Department of Sociology; Elin Waring, Professor - Department of Sociology; Jaye Jones, Director of Student Support Services Programs - Division of Student Affairs; and Donald Sutherland, Assessment & Institutional Effectiveness Manager - Strategic Planning, Assessment & Institutional Research (SPAIR)
Abstract: The panel will feature presentations from Lehman College faculty and Assessment Coordinators from various programs to discuss how embedding assessment activities in the classroom has enhanced the student experience. The presentations will provide concrete examples of effectiveness assignments and ways of documenting success. As importantly, they will fit into a growing body of research that emphasizes the role of focusing on discipline-specific learning objectives as a way to address structural disparities between students.
Key Terms: Assessment, Discipline-Specific Learning Goals, General Education, Closing Gaps in Cultural Capital and College preparedness.
“Letting Students Take the Lead: Flexible Final Projects for Real-World Impact”
Presenter(s): Marjorine Henriquez-Castillo, Doctoral Lecturer - Department of Psychology
Abstract: Final papers are a common way to assess student learning, but too often, the words stay on the page, and nothing more comes of it. How can we design assignments that not only measure understanding but also empower students to make a tangible difference in their communities? In my course, The Psychology of Immigration and Acculturation, the final project allows students to engage with real-world issues like xenophobia, mental health in immigrant communities, and cultural competence in ways that are meaningful to them. Students choose from a variety of formats: they can write a traditional case study, analyze a cultural artifact, media piece, or policy, or develop a campaign, training, or resource to raise awareness about immigration issues. In this co-presentation, my students and I will share examples of their projects and the tangible impact they aim to create in the communities they are passionate about helping. This session will explore how flexible, real-world assignments give students the opportunity to turn academic work into action while building essential academic and professional skills.
Key Terms: Student-Centered Learning, Real-World Application, Community Engagement, Critical Thinking, Multimodal Learning, Flexible Assignments
“Advancing Health Equity in the Bronx through a Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration to Build The Capacity of Middle and High School Education”
Presenter(s): Maria-Isabel Roldos, Associate Professor, CUNY CIHE Director - HEAT; Tiffany DeJaynes, Director of the Center for School-College Collaboratives, Associate Professor of English Education - School of Education; Dr. Judith Aponte, Associate Professor and Community/Public Health Nursing Program Director - School of Health Sciences, Human Services and Nursing; Paulina Mohamend-Ocasio, Program Director of STEAM Education - School of Education; and Peta-Gaye Williams, Principal Marie Curie High Highschool
Abstract: The panel will present ongoing and best practices to make the most of interdisciplinary collaborations to benefit the Bronx's Youth. The CUNY Institute for Health Equity partnered with Lehman's STEP Program and College Now; Hunter College and Marie Curie High School for Medicine Nursing and Health to raise the enrollment of Bronx high school students in health sciences by providing them with enriched learning opportunities that address health issues in their community. The project has two phases. Phase 1 trains high school teachers in community health and health disparities research by integrating sleep health topics, STDs and HIV prevention, T2D, and adolescent mental health into the learning units of 10th and 11th grade. Teachers will receive professional development, and students apply their learning through research projects, with ongoing feedback refining the program. Phase 2 establishes a high school-to-college pathway and fosters community engagement. Students receive training in data analysis and research methods, supported by Lehman College programs, near-peer mentoring, and summer research opportunities. Students will also engage with public health professionals through community forums, gaining insight into career pathways and workforce challenges.“A Community-based curriculum to Empower youth on Environmental Justice and organizing in the South Bronx.
Key Terms: Interdisciplinary collaboration, Health Professions, Middle- High School-College pathways
“Advancing Employment Equity: Integrating Industry Credential into Academic Pathways”
Presenter(s): Kimberly Kendall, Interim Dean - School ofContinuing and Professional Studies
Abstract: Employment inequity can result in CUNY students graduating with less industry experience and exposure than other students. Lehman faculty have been experimenting with innovative ways to provide students with industry credentials while they pursue their degrees. During this panel discussion, hear from faculty who have implemented industry credentials in different fields and learn best practices.
Key Terms: Employment Equity; Industry Certificates; Experiential Learning
“Visual Culture and Engaged Learning: Teaching HyField Courses in Puerto Rico”
Presenter(s): Magdalena Sagardia, Lecturer - Department of Latin American and Latino Studies; Teresita Levy, Chair and Associate Professor, Executive Director/IPCE - Department of Latin American and Latino Studies; Marcia Gerardino, Gabriel Bencosme, and Katherine Shy - Lehman Students; and Michelle Velez - Lehman Staff Member
Abstract: The Hyfield modality of instruction combines online learning and in-person field-based experiences, such as visits to cultural institutions, talks by curators, directors and artists, book presentations, performances, panels with scholars, etc. The Hyfield courses in the Department of Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) expose the students to engaged learning experiences around New York City and abroad. Over the last two winter terms, LALS, in collaboration with Fundación Humanidades de Puerto Rico - a non-for-profit institution affiliated to the National Endowment for the Humanities and the State Humanities Councils - and the Office of International Programs and Community Engagement at Lehman, has hosted a Hyfield study abroad course in Puerto Rico. "Winter in Puerto Rico" creates an environment of close intergenerational contact between Lehman faculty, staff, and students and Puerto Rican artists, scholars, activists, and individuals from various cultural institutions on the island. Through this engaged learning experience, our students learn AND practice important career-ready skills, such as cross-cultural competence, perseverance, flexibility, effective communication, and problem-solving, while gaining confidence. The panelists will share their experiences participating in the "Winter in Puerto Rico" program and how engaged learning has contributed to their careers and overall life experiences.
Key Terms: Engaged learning, study abroad, hyfield courses, interdisciplinary studies.