A Qualitative Study of the Needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Students in Higher Education

Abstract Book of the 11th International Conference on Advanced Research in Education, Teaching and Learning

Year: 2026

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A Qualitative Study of the Needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Students in Higher Education

Dr. Deborah Francis, Dr. Janet Jull, Dr. Yolanda Suarez Balcazar, Dr. Megan Whelan

ABSTRACT:

There is limited literature on racism in Canadian tertiary education. Insufficient knowledge, education, and training about Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) student issues allow university cultures to perpetuate racist programs, policies, and practices. This study explored the lived experiences of BIPOC students at a mid-sized, publicly funded Canadian research university to inform institutional practices. Using a narrative inquiry qualitative approach with a critical race theory perspective, grounded in community-based participatory research, we conducted 13 counternarrative interviews. The research team included a steering committee of five BIPOC university students and a thesis advisory committee. Findings from the needs assessment informed recommendations for academic leadership, identifying the challenges BIPOC students face and proposing strategies to address them. We also co-created a learning resource for university faculty and staff outlining how to better support BIPOC students’ participation in student life. Despite the rise of anti-racism initiatives at many universities, our study found that BIPOC students are rarely consulted or included in developing resources intended for them. Collaborating with BIPOC students is essential to dismantling structural racism in higher education programs, policies, and practices.

Keywords: Educational needs assessment; Policy Change; Students of Colour; Tertiary Education; Underrepresented students