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Abstract
This article explores how the escalating tensions in the nation are being mirrored on college campuses and how these tensions can profoundly affect the student experience. The current deep political and social divides require educators to respond in ways that are meaningful and necessitate enhanced skills and the ability to engage empathy and compassion as necessary qualities for teaching reflective practices, perspective taking, and civil discourse. The author explains how the national climate is affecting campus climate and the need for educators to prepare to handle its effects. The author discusses recommendations to activate empathy and compassion in and out of the classroom in order to provide students an opportunity to be more empathic and compassionate members of their campus community and allow faculty and staff the opportunity to be effective facilitators of grace. The goal is to offer space for challenging conversations in the spirit of goodwill and a knowing that all individuals are all in the process of learning, thus, choosing to build community, in the midst of turbulent times.
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Notes on contributors
Clint-Michael Reneau
Clint-Michael Reneau ([email protected]), associate vice president for student affairs at California State University, Fullerton, has written, facilitated numerous trainings, and presented internationally on the power of vulnerability and empathy work in higher education.