Inclusive Campus Initiative Virtual Community Forum 11.15.2021 Supporting Black Students
General Summary:
• Forum topic: raising concerns and support for Black students at MSU
• Mental health regarding Black student leaders/activism with Dr. Hingwe
• Open discussion/concerns/questions
• Q&A with Vennie Gore
Detailed Summary:
• Introductions and community guidelines with members of Black Student Alliance
• Mental health and Black student leadership/activism with Dr. Hingwe
o Summary of impact that Black student activism has had on culture
o Sustainability for student activists/leaders “Care-Relax-Celebrate-Buffer-Spirit”
o Student activist/leader tips: connecting with others, setting clear boundaries,
understanding not being able to participate at all times,and disconnecting from social media
Reflection questions for faculty/staff/administrators:
o What supports do you have in place for students from vulnerable populations?
o What are you going to do with what you’ve learned at these forums?
o What self-work have you done to increase your understanding of your biases and prejudices or the lived experiences of the students you serve?
o What systems of support have you put in place for your own self-care?
Open discussion/concerns/questions:
o Upper-class students being forced to move off campus
o Spartan Advantage concerns
o Harassment at MSU football games
o Racial comments/condescending comments/hair touching from white people
o MSU riots/accountability
o Professors of in-person not having leniency regarding absences
o Concerns about falling behind in classes due to COVID-19 or other illnesses
o Satisfactory/not satisfactory grading option returning
o Lack of Black faculty at MSU
o Emphasis on Black faculty in James Madison College
o Lack of minority resident assistants (RAs)
o Student parking concerns
o Desire for student parking closer to campus other than Lot 89
o Student employees not being able to park near their places of employment on campus
o Healthcare services
o Olin Health center not accepting Medicaid/low-income insurance