The presenters exploresInclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Belonging (IDEA=B) in U.S. social work education by developing and validating the Institutional Belonging in Higher Education Scale (IBHES). A nationwide survey of 1,499 participants confirmed IBHES as a reliable measure. Findings highlight the significance of accessibility, mentorship, and recruitment initiatives.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
Analyze the role of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Belonging (IDEA=B) in social work education by evaluating the impact of institutional policies on students, faculty, and staff experiences using empirical data.
Describe the development and validation process of the Institutional Belonging in Higher Education Scale (IBHES), including its theoretical framework, confirmatory factor analysis, and key findings related to institutional belonging.
Demonstrate how to apply the IBHES as a tool for assessing the effectiveness of IDEA=B initiatives in higher education institutions and propose strategies for improving institutional policies to enhance inclusivity and belonging.
