They were on my side: An Exploration of Inclusive Experiences With Administrators and Faculty Among Black Undergraduate Women at PWIs

Building on the multidimensional framework of campus racial climate (Hurtado et al., 1998) and the conceptualization of Black feminism in qualitative inquiry (Evans-Winters, 2019), this study explored how Black undergraduate women attending predominantly White institutions (PWIs) described their inclusive institutional experiences with administrators and faculty. We used consensual qualitative research methods to elucidate themes from one-on-one interviews with 21 Black women at two PWIs. Four themes of inclusion emerged: (a) inclusive classroom practices from faculty, (b) the significance of Black faculty representation, (c) responsive higher-level administrative support, and (d) the implementation of equitable policies and programming at the university level. The findings highlight the positive impact of institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in relation to Black undergraduate women’s adjustment to college. The authors also discuss how institutions can take a more active role to ensure that Black undergraduate women have equitable experiences on campus that affirm their academic identities and sense of belonging.