A mere “1% of refugees worldwide have access to postsecondary education as compared to global enrollment rates of 34%” (Phan, 2018, p. 1). In response to this global gap in higher education for individuals with a refugee background, Mason has incredible potential to support the access, retention, well-being, and post-graduate outcomes for this underserved student population in the Fairfax and Northern Virginia area.
This session will carve out time for participants to discuss a few possible initiatives, as well as engage in active dialogue, knowledge sharing, and mutual inspiration as we work out interdisciplinary ideas for how Mason could play a role in supporting local refugees and their families.
•What are your own insights, questions, and experiences on the topic of forced migration and higher education? •In what ways can Mason engage with local refugee communities in the Fairfax and Northern Virginia area? •How can faculty and staff at Mason work together in order to creatively and proactively foster educational opportunity and be an inclusive community for students with a refugee background?
