In this interactive presentation, Professor William 'Lez' Henry will provide an in-depth analysis of authenticity within higher education, with particular emphasis on the barriers to learning and participation. These challenges frequently lead to experiences of inadequacy, such as imposter syndrome. The session will systematically address both internal and external obstacles, highlighting the critical yet often overlooked issues related to equitable treatment and social justice in the UK context.
Key topics will encompass the impact of stereotypes, prejudice, and both conscious and unconscious biases on decision-making and language within academic environments, and the subsequent influence on learning outcomes. Students will be encouraged to contribute their perspectives on how cultural insensitivity—pertaining to race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, and other aspects of identity—can result in exclusion and limit engagement in higher education.
A dedicated space will be provided for attendees to reflect on the ways cultural insensitivity shapes collaborative learning, personal development, healing, and collective advancement.
The purpose of this session is to empower students, encouraging them to confidently use an active, authentic, voice to represent themselves in a way that reflects their own cultural backgrounds, rather than following only external standards in lectures and seminars. They will be able to identify opportunities for self-expression within HE, aiming to develop transferable skills to enhance their scholarly, learning, experience throughout their degree programme.