When I send birthday cards to my nieces and nephews, some get more cash than others based on their age, their current job status, and other relevant life events, such as recent car trouble. This is one small way that I can wish everyone a happy birthday while providing extra assistance to loved ones who need it most. Their needs vary from year to year. My point is that equality and equity are two different things. To be equal is to maintain sameness; to be equitable is to achieve fairness—even when sameness gives way to variance, as with my annual birthday card enclosures.
Reciprocity over Hierarchy: Designing and Implementing a Student-Led Reverse Mentoring Program
Many academic leaders, including administrators and faculty members, participate in traditional mentoring programs that prioritize hierarchy. But these programs typically don’t foster engagement and connection between students and faculty or
Marquita Lyons-Smith and Keva Suitte
October 19, 2026
