Change Agents Shaping Campus Diversity and Equity (CASCaDE)

CASCaDE (Change Agents Shaping Campus Diversity and Equity) represents a bold and innovative approach to addressing the pressing need for transformational change in higher education. The project recognizes that change agents are crucial in driving progress and promoting equity within educational institutions. We define change agents as faculty and staff who are formal and informal leaders who are dedicated to supporting low-income and BIPOC student success. By equipping these change agents with the necessary knowledge, tools, research, and a platform for collaboration, CASCaDE empowers them to enact meaningful and sustainable change.

At the heart of CASCaDE is the recognition that leadership skills are paramount in effecting transformative change. In this context, leadership extends beyond formal positions of authority to include informal leaders who possess the passion, dedication, and vision to challenge the status quo and champion equity. The project operates with four values at its core: collective impact, inclusive excellence, democratized access, and equity-mindedness.CASCaDE seeks to nurture and enhance these leadership skills and values by providing training and resources based on a comprehensive framework encompassing theoretical understanding and practical application.

The project is based on Transforming Higher Education for Equity, Success, & Inclusion of all Stakeholders (THESIS), a change agent empowerment model. The THESIS Change Agent Model provides an in-depth curriculum for leadership empowerment across three interconnected developmental domains: cultivating a critical consciousness, navigating social and political contexts, and making evidence-based decisions. By fostering a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding equity in higher education and how they relate to practitioners' identities and experiences, THESIS enables change agents to navigate the intricacies of the system and identify areas in need of improvement. THESIS holds that the knowledge necessary for transforming the systems of power at the heart of higher education is not limited to traditional academic research but also draws from diverse sources, including lived experiences, community-based initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Furthermore, CASCaDE recognizes that change cannot occur in isolation. With its online platform and learning communities, the project fosters a collaborative environment where change agents can come together, share insights, and learn from one another's experiences. Through conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities, CASCaDE facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices, building a vibrant community of equity-minded leaders committed to effecting change.

In addition to knowledge sharing, CASCaDE provides change agents with practical tools to guide their efforts. These tools are designed to support change agents in developing strategies, implementing interventions, and evaluating the impact of their initiatives. By equipping them with evidence-based approaches and innovative methodologies, CASCaDE ensures that change agents are equipped to tackle complex challenges head-on.

Ultimately, CASCaDE seeks to create a transformative ripple effect within higher education. By empowering change agents to become catalysts for change, CASCaDE envisions a future where equity is not merely an ideal but a tangible reality. Through its multifaceted approach, CASCaDE aims to inspire, support, and elevate the next generation of leaders who will shape a more inclusive and equitable higher education landscape for all.