Back to School Series: An Equity Approach to Code Revision - 2024

Looking to incorporate the value of belonging into your campus or organization policies and procedures, but unsure where to begin? Join presenters Dr. anton ward-zanotto and Dr. Amanda Mesirow, both of whom recently completed research on equity issues in student conduct. This webinar, as part of ASCA’s “Back to School” series, will include information and recommendations for promising practices to begin to revitalize your Code with a focus on belonging. Presenters will pull from not only their research, but also experience as practitioners with incorporating belonging on their campuses. Participants will receive actionable items as well as have the opportunity to learn a) how to create buy-in for change; b) identifying and building rapport with key stakeholders; c) incorporating assessment to impact change and; d) how to think about the use of language in a Code as a way to create a more equitable policy. This webinar will also address some ways for campuses and organizations to incorporate belonging while adhering to recent DEI legislation.

ASCA Knowledge & Skills Areas Covered:

Learning Outcomes:

• Participants will learn how to build rapport and relationships with administrators and key stakeholders to gain support and input for the process.
  
  
• Participants will learn how to plan for a Code revision process using an equity lens.
  
  
• Participants will learn about specific considerations in Code language changes that balance equity and legal obligations.

Presenter Bios:

Dr. anton ward-zanotto (he/him) anton is the Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Integrity Formation at Seattle University. anton earned a Doctorate from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, a Master of Education degree in Higher Education & Student Affairs from Indiana University, Bloomington, and Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Bachelor of Science in Commerce degrees from Santa Clara University. His research interests include studying the role of institutional policies in reinforcing systems of power. As Assistant Dean of Students, anton oversees the Integrity Formation and Conflict Resolution programs, provides direct support to students across campus, and supports all community members as they navigate difficult situations or conversations. Contact: zanottoanton@seattleu.edu

Dr. Amanda Mesirow (She/Her) Amanda currently serves as the Assistant Executive Director for ASCA. She earned her PhD at Illinois State University, with a research focus on whiteness in community college conduct systems. She has nearly 20 years of  student affairs experience in residence life, student life, and conduct, and has worked on large public, small private, and religiously affiliated campuses. Mesirow has presented and published numerous times, most often on topics of social justice and conduct practices, and presents professionally through AJM Keynotes and Workshops. She co-edited and wrote studies for the ASCA Case Study Resource (2024), and also co-authored a chapter and wrote a case study for the book "Conduct and Community: A Residence Life Practitioner's Guide" (2018), co-published by ASCA and ACUHO-I. Mesirow has championed multiple equity initiatives to create a conduct system that is just and inclusive. Additionally, Mesirow is involved in the community through Jewish Voice for Peace, the Prison Solidarity Project, and the Point Foundation. She is proudly queer, disabled, and Jewish, and uses both her privileged and oppressed identities to fight for justice. Contact: aed@theasca.org