Research Article
Improving Inclusivity and Engagement through Faculty Learning Communities
Michael Slavkin*
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-7
Received:
15 February 2026
Accepted:
2 March 2026
Published:
12 March 2026
Abstract: During the 2024-2025 academic year, faculty and staff at an American midwestern private Catholic institution began meeting to systematically examine the culture of the campus community, paying special attention to feelings of equity, inclusion, and engagement by faculty. The discussions in these faculty learning communities (FLC) aim to foster an inclusive, just, and safe learning environment for the university’s classrooms and community. In general, the goal of the learning communities was that each FLC used data-driven or evidence-based approaches to identify areas of strength (to continue supporting) and areas of challenges (that need attention) on campus. The focus of the work was to improve the dynamics of the classroom, or within the structure of courses/curriculum, but conversations lead beyond the classroom as well. Findings indicate that while participants expressed strong endorsement of inclusive dialogue and collaboration, levels of comfort and engagement varied. Although all participants identified as Caucasian and reported limited cross-racial social experiences, they overwhelmingly valued the opportunity to engage in structured conversations about race and equity. Some participants acknowledged difficulty listening to opposing viewpoints or challenging discriminatory language, suggesting a gap between espoused beliefs and enacted practices. Despite these tensions, participants described increased collegiality, mentorship, and institutional connection as significant outcomes of FLC participation. Conversations about the limits of faculty and staff DEI awareness and its implications for student engagement are addressed.
Abstract: During the 2024-2025 academic year, faculty and staff at an American midwestern private Catholic institution began meeting to systematically examine the culture of the campus community, paying special attention to feelings of equity, inclusion, and engagement by faculty. The discussions in these faculty learning communities (FLC) aim to foster an i...
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Review Article
Recurrent Occurrences of Climate Change Induced Drought in Ethiopia
Seid Ahmed*
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
8-23
Received:
11 March 2026
Accepted:
27 March 2026
Published:
4 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.advances.20260701.12
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Views:
Abstract: Different efforts have been made by policymakers, government, and non-government entities to reduce and mitigate the impact of drought in most rural parts of Ethiopia. Therefore, this review intends to assess and analyze the gaps that need to be addressed in the design and implementation of drought adaptation and mitigation social policies. Thus, by employing systematic review methods, the review process maps the thematic focus of this study through scoping review techniques to identify, collate, and systematically synthesize, discuss, and analyze existing literature. The findings reveal that the continued recurrent occurrence of drought involves a wide range of integrated factors and has significant impacts on the economic, social, and environmental well-being of rural communities. This results in severe vulnerability of rural people to the effects of recurrent drought, which is mainly caused by multiple factors and, in turn, affects nearly 80% of the agricultural-based livelihood systems of rural populations, including crop losses, reduced crop yields, and livestock production. This situation is closely associated with the ineffectiveness of national drought adaptation and mitigation policies and strategies that have been implemented over the last few decades under national social protection schemes. However, the broad nature and interconnectedness of El-Niño-induced drought require coordinated efforts among public and private sectors to ensure the effectiveness of policies at the ground level. Indeed, this review study aims to bring new insights and to offer directive input and recommendations for policymakers, development practitioners, and future researchers in formulating community-driven adaptive strategies and providing evidence to strengthen drought response mechanisms in rural communities.
Abstract: Different efforts have been made by policymakers, government, and non-government entities to reduce and mitigate the impact of drought in most rural parts of Ethiopia. Therefore, this review intends to assess and analyze the gaps that need to be addressed in the design and implementation of drought adaptation and mitigation social policies. Thus, b...
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