What Is Academic Equity?

Bayinaah Jones, the dean of language arts at San Jose City College in San Jose, California, leverages more than two decades of academic experience to monitor student progress, implement student learning outcomes, and develop budgets. Over the years, Bayinaah Jones has demonstrated a commitment to boosting student diversity and equity.

Many people use the terms “equality” and “equity” interchangeably when it comes to academics. In reality, equity is more akin to fairness in the academic system. 

Equity ensures that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, receive the support they need to succeed. This removes social and personal circumstances as obstacles to educational success.

Equality refers to treating every student the same way. According to the Glossary of Education Reform, equality results when programs, models, and strategies are implemented that promote equity.

Promoting equity in academics is an essential part of empowering students and boosting overall success in both the classroom and life. Equitable classrooms provide students with the unique support they need to succeed. 

This does not mean each student receives the same support. Some students may require more resources and accommodations than their peers, such as students of English as a Second Language. Providing extra resources eliminates language obstacles and ensures that every student has the same chance of academic success.

Career Possibilities in the Field of Anthropology

An experienced educator, researcher, and leader, Dr. Bayinaah Jones holds a PhD in education and anthropology from the University of North Carolina and served as dean of language arts at San Jose City College. Dr. Bayinaah Jones holds membership with a range of professional organizations, including the American Anthropological Association (AAA).

AAA is the largest association for professional anthropologists in the world and offers a wide range of professional resources for its members. The association supports its members through the dissemination of industry research and continuing education opportunities, and also serves as a resource for those starting their career in the field. Below are some of the potential career options for anthropologists. 

Academic careers for anthropologists include teaching and research opportunities on post-secondary campuses, in research laboratories, and in anthropology, medicine, ecology, neural science, or other departments. Anthropologists may also find work in corporations in areas such as market research, where their role might involve gaining information from consumers that cannot be collected via survey or statistical methods. In government, anthropologists are often employed in managerial, research, planning, and forensic science roles. Aside from academia, the federal government is a top employer of anthropologists in areas such as cultural resource management, international development, and legislation.

The ACCCA Great Deans Program Returns

The dean of language arts at San Jose City College in California, Bayinaah Jones has extensive experience working with different cultures throughout decades of teaching and administrative leadership in education. Bayinaah Jones belongs to professional organizations such as the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA).

Supporting administrative professionals in community colleges across California, the ACCCA provides services ranging from professional development to insurance benefits. 

Committed to training newly hired administrators, ACCCA offers a year long training program. The program concludes with graduation at the association's conference.

Created for deans during their first five years in the position, the ACCCA Great Deans Program covers essential topics recognized by members of several professional organizations. These topics include budget, enrollment, and personnel management, handling evaluations, and relationships with faculty members.

For more information about the program or to learn more about other educational opportunities through the ACCCA, visit www.accca.org.

Latina Leadership Network Madrina Award

The recipient of a PhD in education and anthropology from the University of North Carolina, Dr. Bayinaah Jones has spent more than two decades as a teacher, researcher, and higher education administrator. An active member of her profession, Dr. Bayinaah Jones belongs to professional groups such as the Latina Leadership Network (LLN).

Dedicated to supporting Latinas in the California community college system, LLN has been creating professional development opportunities and equity initiatives for more than three decades. Today, LLN serves its members across California through a combination of networking events, conferences, and honors such as the Madrina Award.

Established in 1992, the Madrina Award recognizes women who have devoted their time, energy, and professional expertise on behalf of Latinas in the California community college system. Madrina Award recipients are often involved in mentorship programs, community projects, and other initiatives that empower and promote Latinas. 

Nominees for the award must be members of LLN but cannot be members of the executive board. Nominations are currently being accepted from students, staff, administrators, and other employees of the California community college system. The winners will be honored at the LLN Annual Conference in March 2019.