Saby Labor is the founder of Resilient Campus, a professional coaching and higher education consulting organization with 10 years of experience working in education, including college access for underserved students, residential life, academic support, sexual assault prevention, and women’s and LGBTQ support services. She has a master’s degree in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the University of California and is currently a doctoral candidate in the Higher Education Administration program at St. Cloud State University. Saby has taught high school and college learners in personal foundations, peer counseling and gender studies topics. She has designed programs and cultivated learning environments for a diverse range of learners. Saby is a first-generation college student and fierce campus inclusion advocate who began her education in the community college system, and ultimately aspires to attain a community college Presidency role. Connect with her on Twitter @ResilientCampus. Saby uses she/her and they/them gender pronouns.
Globalization and technological advances have resulted in innovative learning delivery models in ... more Globalization and technological advances have resulted in innovative learning delivery models in postsecondary education environments. This report offers an overview of recent literature pertaining to digital badges and Open Badges, sometimes referred to as micro-credentials. First, the report summarizes recent analyses regarding the fit between open education systems and digital badges. Subsequently, this report will highlight several postsecondary initiatives utilizing badges for learning and skill acquisition. Next, a discussion of recommended strategies and frameworks for implementation is provided. In the last section, areas for further inquiry and consideration for successful design and integration of digital badge systems is presented for those considering postsecondary implementation. Next steps for research-based inquiry include an examination of a report issued by the American Institutes of Research, titled “The Potential and Value of Using Digital Badges for Adult Learners” (Finkelstein, Knight & Manning, 2013).
This paper is a preliminary inquiry to the use and application of digital badges in education env... more This paper is a preliminary inquiry to the use and application of digital badges in education environments. Much of the language regarding digital badges aggregates digital and open badges, although open source philosophy and technology guide the design and implementation of Open Badges (Mozilla). A snapshot of current higher education initiatives is provided and additional resources are provided.
Presented at the National Women's Studies Association Annual Conference. 15 November 2015.
My pr... more Presented at the National Women's Studies Association Annual Conference. 15 November 2015. My proposed dissertation study aims to examine the lived experiences of support and resilience for mid-level student affairs administrators in higher education, centralizing their identities as queer, transgender, two spirit, lesbian, gay, and/or bisexual (QTT) and people of color or indigenous (POCI). Queer theory allows this examination to centralize the sociohistorical context shaping identities and experiences of individuals occupying the complexity of the margins. Intersectionality as an additional lens connects the historical and social context within systems of power, privilege and oppression to understand the complexity of identities and experiences at the intersections. For the purposes of this paper, I hoped to exercise a new way of conceptualizing these professionals and their occupation of various spatial locations synchronously and asynchronously in order to fall deeper into my appreciation for the life stories in which I aim to collect about QTIPOC student affairs midlevel managers. Keywords: QPOC, student affairs, midlevel managers, resilience, ecological systems theory, intersectionality, queer theory
From dissertation topic creation to committee selection topics, dissertation topics about LGBT is... more From dissertation topic creation to committee selection topics, dissertation topics about LGBT issues face unique barriers compared to other dissertation topics. In Minnesota and in the MNSCU system, the LGBT community is relatively small and community resources are limited for committee selection, queer theory expertise, and knowledge of body of work relating to LGBT issues. In addition, sample sizes are limited and geographically dispersed resulting in increased cost and time to gathering the data needed to complete the dissertation process. In this roundtable, the facilitators will explore these unique barriers by sharing their own experience of how these barriers are minimized or eliminated. Additional layers of complexity pertaining to identity politics and career advancement will be discussed. The facilitators are currently doctoral students in a MNSCU program.
[This presentation was prepared for the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NAC... more [This presentation was prepared for the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Guiding the Way to Inclusion Conference 2015] Are we creating campus environments where queer students of color can bring their whole selves? This session will provide an overview of campus climate research for K‐12 and postsecondary environments, relevant identity development theories, and current student support models to contextualize the needs of students with intersectional race, gender and sexual orientation identities. Strategies and resources for recruitment and retention will be provided.
[This presentation was prepared for the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NAC... more [This presentation was prepared for the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Guiding the Way to Inclusion Conference 2015.]
Visibility of transgender communities has significantly increased in recent years. What are the implications for higher education recruitment and retention? This session will examine areas of concern for prospective transgender students and students questioning their gender identity. Participants will reflect on their own gendered understandings and the connections to their role at their respective institutions. The presenter will also provide participants with national resources, research, and strategies for transgender‐inclusive practices.
This guide demonstrates my knowledge of quantitative research methods in education, particularly ... more This guide demonstrates my knowledge of quantitative research methods in education, particularly statistics and application in SPSS.
Globalization and technological advances have resulted in innovative learning delivery models in ... more Globalization and technological advances have resulted in innovative learning delivery models in postsecondary education environments. This report offers an overview of recent literature pertaining to digital badges and Open Badges, sometimes referred to as micro-credentials. First, the report summarizes recent analyses regarding the fit between open education systems and digital badges. Subsequently, this report will highlight several postsecondary initiatives utilizing badges for learning and skill acquisition. Next, a discussion of recommended strategies and frameworks for implementation is provided. In the last section, areas for further inquiry and consideration for successful design and integration of digital badge systems is presented for those considering postsecondary implementation. Next steps for research-based inquiry include an examination of a report issued by the American Institutes of Research, titled “The Potential and Value of Using Digital Badges for Adult Learners” (Finkelstein, Knight & Manning, 2013).
This paper is a preliminary inquiry to the use and application of digital badges in education env... more This paper is a preliminary inquiry to the use and application of digital badges in education environments. Much of the language regarding digital badges aggregates digital and open badges, although open source philosophy and technology guide the design and implementation of Open Badges (Mozilla). A snapshot of current higher education initiatives is provided and additional resources are provided.
Presented at the National Women's Studies Association Annual Conference. 15 November 2015.
My pr... more Presented at the National Women's Studies Association Annual Conference. 15 November 2015. My proposed dissertation study aims to examine the lived experiences of support and resilience for mid-level student affairs administrators in higher education, centralizing their identities as queer, transgender, two spirit, lesbian, gay, and/or bisexual (QTT) and people of color or indigenous (POCI). Queer theory allows this examination to centralize the sociohistorical context shaping identities and experiences of individuals occupying the complexity of the margins. Intersectionality as an additional lens connects the historical and social context within systems of power, privilege and oppression to understand the complexity of identities and experiences at the intersections. For the purposes of this paper, I hoped to exercise a new way of conceptualizing these professionals and their occupation of various spatial locations synchronously and asynchronously in order to fall deeper into my appreciation for the life stories in which I aim to collect about QTIPOC student affairs midlevel managers. Keywords: QPOC, student affairs, midlevel managers, resilience, ecological systems theory, intersectionality, queer theory
From dissertation topic creation to committee selection topics, dissertation topics about LGBT is... more From dissertation topic creation to committee selection topics, dissertation topics about LGBT issues face unique barriers compared to other dissertation topics. In Minnesota and in the MNSCU system, the LGBT community is relatively small and community resources are limited for committee selection, queer theory expertise, and knowledge of body of work relating to LGBT issues. In addition, sample sizes are limited and geographically dispersed resulting in increased cost and time to gathering the data needed to complete the dissertation process. In this roundtable, the facilitators will explore these unique barriers by sharing their own experience of how these barriers are minimized or eliminated. Additional layers of complexity pertaining to identity politics and career advancement will be discussed. The facilitators are currently doctoral students in a MNSCU program.
[This presentation was prepared for the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NAC... more [This presentation was prepared for the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Guiding the Way to Inclusion Conference 2015] Are we creating campus environments where queer students of color can bring their whole selves? This session will provide an overview of campus climate research for K‐12 and postsecondary environments, relevant identity development theories, and current student support models to contextualize the needs of students with intersectional race, gender and sexual orientation identities. Strategies and resources for recruitment and retention will be provided.
[This presentation was prepared for the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NAC... more [This presentation was prepared for the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Guiding the Way to Inclusion Conference 2015.]
Visibility of transgender communities has significantly increased in recent years. What are the implications for higher education recruitment and retention? This session will examine areas of concern for prospective transgender students and students questioning their gender identity. Participants will reflect on their own gendered understandings and the connections to their role at their respective institutions. The presenter will also provide participants with national resources, research, and strategies for transgender‐inclusive practices.
This guide demonstrates my knowledge of quantitative research methods in education, particularly ... more This guide demonstrates my knowledge of quantitative research methods in education, particularly statistics and application in SPSS.
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Papers by Saby Labor
My proposed dissertation study aims to examine the lived experiences of support and resilience for mid-level student affairs administrators in higher education, centralizing their identities as queer, transgender, two spirit, lesbian, gay, and/or bisexual (QTT) and people of color or indigenous (POCI). Queer theory allows this examination to centralize the sociohistorical context shaping identities and experiences of individuals occupying the complexity of the margins. Intersectionality as an additional lens connects the historical and social context within systems of power, privilege and oppression to understand the complexity of identities and experiences at the intersections. For the purposes of this paper, I hoped to exercise a new way of conceptualizing these professionals and their occupation of various spatial locations synchronously and asynchronously in order to fall deeper into my appreciation for the life stories in which I aim to collect about QTIPOC student affairs midlevel managers.
Keywords: QPOC, student affairs, midlevel managers, resilience, ecological systems theory, intersectionality, queer theory
Conference Presentations by Saby Labor
Are we creating campus environments where queer students of color can bring their whole selves? This session will provide an overview of campus climate research for K‐12 and postsecondary environments, relevant identity development theories, and current student support models to contextualize the needs of students with intersectional race, gender and sexual orientation identities. Strategies and resources for recruitment and retention will be provided.
Visibility of transgender communities has significantly increased in recent years. What are the implications for higher education recruitment and retention? This session will examine areas of concern for prospective transgender students and students questioning their gender identity. Participants will reflect on their own gendered understandings and the connections to their role at their respective institutions. The presenter will also provide participants with national resources, research, and strategies for transgender‐inclusive practices.
Drafts by Saby Labor
My proposed dissertation study aims to examine the lived experiences of support and resilience for mid-level student affairs administrators in higher education, centralizing their identities as queer, transgender, two spirit, lesbian, gay, and/or bisexual (QTT) and people of color or indigenous (POCI). Queer theory allows this examination to centralize the sociohistorical context shaping identities and experiences of individuals occupying the complexity of the margins. Intersectionality as an additional lens connects the historical and social context within systems of power, privilege and oppression to understand the complexity of identities and experiences at the intersections. For the purposes of this paper, I hoped to exercise a new way of conceptualizing these professionals and their occupation of various spatial locations synchronously and asynchronously in order to fall deeper into my appreciation for the life stories in which I aim to collect about QTIPOC student affairs midlevel managers.
Keywords: QPOC, student affairs, midlevel managers, resilience, ecological systems theory, intersectionality, queer theory
Are we creating campus environments where queer students of color can bring their whole selves? This session will provide an overview of campus climate research for K‐12 and postsecondary environments, relevant identity development theories, and current student support models to contextualize the needs of students with intersectional race, gender and sexual orientation identities. Strategies and resources for recruitment and retention will be provided.
Visibility of transgender communities has significantly increased in recent years. What are the implications for higher education recruitment and retention? This session will examine areas of concern for prospective transgender students and students questioning their gender identity. Participants will reflect on their own gendered understandings and the connections to their role at their respective institutions. The presenter will also provide participants with national resources, research, and strategies for transgender‐inclusive practices.