Students Gather to Discuss Community Building

Continuing President’s Dialogue about Diversity, Race and Inclusion

Wednesday's Critical Conversation continued the President's dialogue about diversity, race, and inclusion. (Photo by Paul Miller)

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 10, 2016) -- An evening for students to engage in small group discussions about community building was the focus of Wednesday’s Critical Conversation in Assembly Hall. The 90-minute session was organized by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

The event was designed exclusively for students based on recommendations made following the University’s February 23 campus conversation. Students reported that they were less interested in formal diversity rhetoric, and desired small-group, focused discussions led by faculty.

Facilitators included Karyn Loscocco, professor of sociology; Robert Miller, associate professor and director in the School of Social Welfare; and Vivien Ng, associate professor and chair of Women's Studies. These knowledgeable individuals helped to create a respectful and productive dialogue focused on discussion questions, which included:

• Why did you come here tonight?
• What does it feel like to be on campus?
• How do we build community?
• Do you have support?
• How can we get through this period of unknown together?

Tamra Minor, Chief Diversity Officer and Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion has been charged by President Jones with continuing the dialogues. She is planning various gatherings for UAbany students, faculty and staff, both on the uptown and downtown campuses.

Stay tuned for details on additional sessions.

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