IAC working meeting 1/31/17

In attendance: Matt Dubroff, Daniella Widdows, Caroline Emmons, Enrique Elizondo, Eric McDonald, Hakeem Croom, and Lisa Burns.

Nominated to Interview Committee for new Campus Police Chief: Hakeem Croom, fac/staff representative from IAC and nominated students—Eric McDonald and Daniel Fogelman.

Focus groups—what do we want to know regarding the racial climate? How do we want to divide into groups to promote a safe space for sharing?

  1. Athletes 1 students of color
  2. Athletes 2 white students
  3. MSU- younger
  4. MSU- older
  5. International students
  6. Clubs/IFC with class distribution
  7. Staff and administrators

Created list of questions/statements for focus group .

  1. Have you ever witnessed a racist act on campus and what have you done about it?
  2. I feel a sense of belonging on this campus.
  3. I feel that diversity enriches the educational process.
  4. I feel that students are comfortable coming forward to report a racially biased event.
  5. I feel that the College would respond in an appropriate fashion if I was to report a racist act on campus.
  6. Should H-SC offer more courses and/or educational programming which focus on diversity and inclusion topics?
  7. Do you feel that there is sufficient diversity represented amongst the H-SC faculty? Staff?
  8. Why do you think students of color do not participate in fraternity life?
  9. Do you feel that diversity and inclusion is a priority on campus?
  10. Focusing on diversity issues, how do you think we compare to other colleges in VA? How so?
  11. What would you say the College’s image is in regard to race?
  12. Do you feel that race relations on campus are improving or deteriorating since your time at the College?
  13. What diversity/inclusion programming have you attended at H-SC and what did you find meaningful?
  14. Have you ever thought about transferring? Why?
  15. If you could change anything about H-SC, what would it be?

Include a self-addressed sheet of paper with a prompt reading: Final thoughts??

After attending tonight’s session you may have been left with some lingering thoughts or words left unspoken. Please take a few moments to share any parting remarks you wish you would have shared or those insights which may have arisen after you left this evening’s focus group.

Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. We value your input.

IAC would also like to sponsor a mixer a lunch—which encourages students to change where and with whom they sit to promote student interactions with new populations.