On Campus - with CITI Program CITI Program

Philip A. Chan, M.D., M.S., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and School of Public Health at Brown University and infectious diseases physician. Dr. Chan also serves as Consultant Medical Director for the Rhode Island Department of Health Division of Preparedness, Response, Infectious Disease and EMS (PRIDEMS). He has led statewide efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases and has significant experience in clinical and public health policy aspects related to public health.
The 2023-24 flu and COVID-19 season marks another critical juncture in public health. As we grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, this season presents the added challenge of co-circulation with seasonal flu strains. Vigilant vaccination efforts and public health measures remain imperative in curbing the spread of both respiratory illnesses. Health authorities recommend the flu shot to reduce strain on healthcare systems, prevent co-infections, and protect vulnerable populations. The ongoing research and surveillance will guide response strategies, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility, community cooperation, and adaptability in these interconnected public health threats.
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Sarah E. Whitley serves as vice president of the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation. Prior to joining NASPA, Sarah earned a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development before serving as director of First-Year Experience and Family Programs at Longwood University from 2007 – 2013. A proud first-generation college graduate, Sarah is the author of First-generation Student Success: A Landscape Analysis of Programs and Services at Four-year Institutions as well as other scholarship on first-generation and related topics.
First-generation college students in the United States face unique challenges. They are the first in their families to pursue higher education, often dealing with financial limitations, reliance on financial aid, and part-time jobs. They lack the guidance and support systems that students with college-educated parents have, which can make navigating the application process and campus life daunting. Imposter syndrome is a common psychological obstacle, as they may feel like they don't belong. Cultural and social adjustments can lead to feelings of isolation or a cultural gap. Despite these challenges, first-generation students demonstrate resilience and determination, often with the support of mentorship programs.
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Sukrit Venkatagiri is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Swarthmore College. His research interests are in social computing and mis/disinformation studies, where he explores the ethical design of technology. At Swarthmore College, he directs the Collective Resilience Lab to help people resist strategic misinformation and other types of technologically-mediated harm, build sociotechnical systems to repair trust in each other and our institutions, and empower people to advocate for their rights while refusing harmful data and labor practices.

Generative AI is revolutionizing higher education by personalizing learning materials, automating administrative tasks, and aiding research. It adapts content to individual student needs and offers rapid feedback on assignments. However, there are challenges to address. Privacy concerns arise with the use of AI for student data analysis. Maintaining the quality of AI-generated content and avoiding biases is another concern. Moreover, implementing this technology can be costly and necessitates faculty training. Striking a balance between automation and human interaction is crucial. Despite these challenges, generative AI holds enormous potential to enhance higher education, fostering more efficient, tailored, and data-driven learning experiences.

Note: Given the topic of this podcast episode, the description was generated using AI technology.

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Dave Smallen is a research psychologist who studies and communicates about relationships and human connection. He holds a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has collaborated on research with the Social Interaction Lab at The University of Minnesota. His published research can be found in academic journals such as the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships and the Journal of Family Psychology.
Loneliness can often be a common problem amongst college students, especially for students who are leaving home for the first time. Frequently, students do not report their feelings of loneliness to mental health professionals due to the stigma around the feeling of loneliness itself. Students staying silent on their feelings of loneliness can add more mental health factors, including anxiety, depression, and others. However, administrators, faculty, staff, and even fellow students can play a role in addressing loneliness on their college campuses.

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Resources: 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9922349/https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/03/new-surgeon-general-advisory-raises-alarm-about-devastating-impact-epidemic-loneliness-isolation-united-states.htm

James Murphy is the Deputy Director of Higher Education Policy at Education Reform Now. His writing and research about higher education have been featured in The Atlantic, the New York Times, the New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and other publications.
In the summer of 2023, the United States Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action sent shockwaves throughout higher education. At the center of this decision, two court cases, Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina, changed the admissions practice in the United States. While the implications of the recent affirmative action decision are still beginning to be felt across college campuses, what does the decision mean for diversity? Advocates nationwide have expressed concern about representation and diversity on college campuses and in all fields across the coming years. Many of these advocates also fear the implications of this decision will be felt in graduate and doctoral programs.

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Resources: 
https://www.epi.org/blog/the-supreme-courts-ban-on-affirmative-action-means-colleges-will-struggle-to-meet-goals-of-diversity-and-equal-opportunity/ https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/advance-diversity-and-opportunity-higher-education-justice-and-education-departments-release-resources-advance-diversity-and-opportunity-higher-education

Denise O’Neill is the Director of Enrollment Management at Penn State University (Lehigh Valley). Her primary responsibilities include admissions, financial aid, and grant-funded student success programs. With over 25 years of progressive experience in leadership, administration, teaching, and supervision in higher education, she has served as the Assistant Dean at Hofstra University and Dean of Students at Cedar Crest College. Currently, she teaches in the Higher Education graduate program at DeSales University. Denise received her BA in Criminal Justice from Moravian College, a MA from Marist College in Psychology, and her doctorate from Columbia University on Higher and Adult Education.
What does the United States Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action mean for higher education? To put it in the most basic terms possible, race is no longer a factor in admissions. At the center of this decision, were two court cases, Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina, which have changed the direction of admissions in the United States. Advocates across the country have expressed concern about representation and diversity on college campuses and in several fields, such as STEM, in the coming years.


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References: 
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/applying/articles/how-does-affirmative-action-affect-college-admissions https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-will-the-supreme-courts-affirmative-action-ruling-affect-college-admissions/