Critical Participatory Action Research on the
Student Experience at HGSE in AY 2020-2021
AY 2020-2021 is an unprecedented year for learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. HGSE implemented full-year virtual learning for the first time in history. Various national & international events impacted the mental health and learning of students​.
Students faced new challenges including time zone inequity, limited access to technology, home learning, and isolation. COVID-19 impacted the physical, mental, and financial well-being of students and their loved ones.
At the same time, existing inequities were exacerbated for traditionally underrepresented students such as BIPOC, First Gen, LGBTQIA+, and Undocumented students.
The term “underrepresented students” in the context of this study refers to both historically underrepresented students, including students with disabilities, students who are BIPOC, First Gen students, and Undocumented students, in addition to students facing particular hardships in a virtual or pandemic setting this year, such as international students, student caregivers, or students who have COVID-19 or family members with COVID-19.