How can research move beyond findings and reports and become a catalyst for campus change? This session explores how qualitative interviews with students helped the University better understand experiences of religious and cultural inclusion, including awareness and use of reflection spaces, religious holiday accommodations, dining options, and campus supports. The study highlighted the importance of religious and spiritual identity as a source of belonging, strength, and purpose for many students, while also identifying barriers related to communication, policy implementation, resource visibility, and faculty/staff understanding. This session will demonstrate how higher ed staff who do not conduct research in their daily roles applied research findings to inform practical, cross-campus action. After a brief overview of the study’s key findings, panelists from several campus areas will share how the research shaped their work, including efforts related to religious holiday accommodations, Ramadan education, and dining practices. Participants will leave with examples of how qualitative data can be translated into institutional learning, collaboration, and concrete steps toward a more inclusive student experience.
