Ethnocultural Empathy: A Key to Creating Safe Spaces for Non-U.S. -Born Students

Addressing the evolving needs of non-U.S. -born students in higher education have become increasingly critical amid rising xenophobic and anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) sentiments in the current sociopolitical climate. Given these challenges, a trauma-informed care (TIC) approach to teaching and student support is more needed than ever in higher education. This presentation will explore the relationships between ethnocultural empathy, multicultural competence, and attitudes toward implementing TIC. This session will conclude with an engaging discussion around actionable strategies for fostering ethnocultural empathy among faculty and staff to ultimately strengthen support for non-U.S. -born students in higher education.