Hidden Curriculum Workshop Series

In collaboration with the IRACDA program, The First-Gen Institute is offering a two-part training series designed for higher education faculty, staff, trainees, postdocs, and/or career educators to deepen understanding of the first-generation student experience, uncover the hidden curriculum, and put knowledge into action.

Part 1: May 5, 3-5 pm 

Part 2: June 1, 3-5 pm

Location: Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC) Room 2-138. 526 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Register today- space is limited! 

Part I: Understanding the Hidden Curriculum
This session introduces the hidden curriculum (the unwritten and unspoken values, rules, lessons, and expectations), the asset versus deficit narratives/language about first-gen students embedded within higher education, and explores its impact on first-generation. Together, we will reflect on how policies, pedagogies, and classroom climate intersect to shape students’ navigation of college. By framing and naming the hidden curriculum, we begin the essential work of designing spaces and practices that affirm and support all students.

Part II: Putting Knowledge into Practice
The second session focuses on implementation. Participants will explore practical strategies, tools, and resources to create learning environments that minimize barriers caused by the hidden curriculum. Participants are asked to bring an artifact (e.g., syllabus, assignment description, program or policy description), which we will use to identify elements of the hidden curriculum and begin developing concrete plans to address them. This applied, hands-on approach empowers participants to take actionable steps that transform policies and practices in support of first-generation students.

Structure of Workshop

Both workshop sessions are designed to be taken sequentially. Completion of Part I is required before participating in Part II. 

Learning Outcomes

• We will engage attendees in a discussion of a brief history of the origin of first-gen terminology and how practices within higher education perpetuate the hidden curriculum and deficit narratives of student success. 
• We then offer an asset-based introduction to the lived experience of first-generation + students (e.g., students who are first in their family to go to college).
• Participants will engage in activities that will allow them to operationalize the hidden curriculum in their own spaces and classrooms. 
• Participants will leave better equipped to recognize dynamics of identity, power, and privilege in their work in first-generation spaces.

Participants will be provided with resources and tools such as access to a series of primers focused on hidden curriculum and inclusive pedagogy. They will also be provided with a summary report of their group activity reflections on hidden curriculum.

Presenters: University of Minnesota Twin-Cities

Rashné Jehangir, PhD

Professor, Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy & Development 

Assistant Dean for Education Opportunity Programs 

Director of the First Gen Institute

Robert H. Beck Chair of Ideas

Morse Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor

Zer Vang, MSW

Associate Director of the First Gen Institute

PhD Candidate, Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy & Development 

Register today- space is limited!