“Real Talk”: A Workshop with Dr. Paul Hernandez on Fostering the Success of At-Risk College Students

Co-sponsored by Vermont Campus Compact and the Community College of Vermont

Dr. Paul Hernandez is an educator and social activist who believes that at-risk students can succeed in college if only we change the way that we work with them and relate to them.  Before he was a college professor, and before he succeeded in community college and eventually graduate school, Hernandez was himself an “at-risk student” raised in the gang community of Los Angeles.  Drawing on his own experiences and his extensive work with K-12 and college students, he has developed a pedagogical approach he describes as “real talk” - an instructor-led discussion surrounding a series of broad, engaging themes that motivate student-oriented outcomes, created to establish connections, understanding, trust, empathy and caring for one another.  In this workshop for faculty members and academic advisors, Hernandez will share his story and discuss how his pedagogical innovations can be adapted for use with at-risk students in the college classroom (with a particular focus on low-income, first generation, and male students).  We’ll pay particular attention to courses taught during the transition from high school to college (orientation, first-year seminars, etc.).

To learn more about Paul Hernandez, we suggest the following article:
National Education Association Interview with Paul Hernandez
National Education Assosciation Article on "College 101"

And this video:

Paul Hernandez accepting the Reg Weaver Award for Human and Civil Rights

Registration Information

Registration Deadline: Friday, November 15th

Registration Fees:

• Vermont Campus Compact Members: $60
  (limited to the first 15 registrants from member campuses)
• Non-members: $85
  (limited to the first 5 non-member registrants)
• Community College of Vermont Faculty and Staff: FREE
  (limited to the first 20 CCV faculty and staff members)