On Nov. 18, the Administrators and Faculty of Color Alliance (AFCA) hosted a conversation with students about community of color issues on campus. Director of Graduate Student Services and AFCA member Maria Melendez supervised the event.
Students were divided into groups, each containing two AFCA members, which were given four broad topics to discuss: obstacles to the academic and social success of students of color; beneficial aspects of the University; solutions for developing a more welcoming community; and identifying priorities for the University.
“This is for us to listen to you,” Melendez said at the beginning of the discussion.
One of the key obstacles raised by many of the groups was the lack of communication, either among student groups or between students and faculty of color. Dialogue among student groups was emphasized in each group as important for creating a more cohesive community.
Another major obstacle identified in most of the groups was the ineffectiveness of advising faculty. Students said they did not feel substantially supported in their academic pursuits. One solution offered was the hiring of more faculty of color.
Despite this suggestion, many students said they were content with the level of support offered by current AFCA members. All groups mentioned the large amount of resources available on campus, including the various workshops, student groups and student gatherings as Wesleyan’s best asset.
The University cultural shows were also identified as valuable resources, not only to students of color, but also to the entire Wesleyan community. Students said they saw cultural shows as a step toward getting the larger campus community involved in student of color issues and events.
Of the solutions offered for cultivating a more welcoming community, students agreed that increased dialogue between underclassmen, particularly freshmen, and upperclassmen was of extreme importance. Wesconnect, a mentoring program for students of color, which pairs upperclassmen with underclassmen, was recognized as having the potential of reaching this goal.
Other suggestions included: a greater emphasis on discussion as opposed to debate during meetings, so as to create a comfortable environment; and additional student of color activities during orientation, including a more integrated pre-frosh orientation. The further utilization of 200 Church as a “hub” of student of color activities was also discussed.
Many of the solutions translated into priorities for the University, especially improved communications among students and faculty, possibly through the use of a listserv. The departmentalization of African American Studies was also advocated along with leadership/career training for students of color beginning freshman year.
Enthusiasm for the discussion was high among the faculty members in attendance. Migdalia Pinkney, administrative assistant and counselor for the Office of Financial Aid commented that this was one of the best meetings the group has had with students, especially due to the large student turnout.
“It’s nice to see students don’t just show up with problems but with solutions as well,” she said.
Students said they felt this meeting was an improvement over the previous one.
“[There was] good response from the faculty …instead of students talking at the faculty like last time,” said Oni Tongo ’07.
Liz Andrews ’05 agreed.
“I felt like there was more than support from the faculty… it seemed like it came from a willingness to listen to what people had to say and take action from there,” she said.
Faculty members and students alike said they are looking toward the future of a relationship between the AFCA and students of color.
“I guess what it comes down to is, now that everything is said, what is to be done about it,” said Samira Abdul-Karim’07.
Melendez is optimistic about the discussion.
“The meeting was wonderful,” she said. “Members of the AFCA are excited about working with students and administration. This is my passion.”
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