Jen Macken
Sense of belonging is a critical factor for student success, but fully understanding sense of belonging within our institutions, as well as the factors which impact sense of belonging, remains a challenging endeavor. This presentation will share results from a study of sense of belonging at Red Rocks Community College. The purpose of the study was to understand how the campus environment at RRCC influences sense of belonging for students, paying particular attention to differences between white students and students of color. This presentation will use the Culturally Engaging Campus Environments framework to address significant factors affecting belonging and implications for practice within and outside the classroom.
Jen Macken (she/hers; BA, Philosophy; MS, Women’s and Gender Studies; EdD Candidate, Leadership for Educational Equity) is a committed advocate for equity in higher education. She began her work in Women’s, LGBTQ, and Multicultural Centers in 4-year institutions before finding her true love in community colleges. At RRCC, she served as the college’s first Director of Inclusion & Diversity before moving into roles as an Interim Dean of Instruction and now as the Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. When it comes to higher ed, her love is in bringing people together to make meaningful change for students.