Engaging multicultural students during remote learning

Engaging students during this remote transition requires a great level of innovation and flexibility for students, faculty and staff. The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs has sought various means to engage students to promote well-being and solidarity. Congratulations during this celebratory season is essential for rising graduates and incoming Denisonians.

MCSA supports students academically, socially and culturally even during remote learning.

Posse Scholars Graduation Celebration, originally scheduled for April 16, 2020, was delivered to the doorsteps of Posse Boston and Posse Chicago Class of 2020 to commemorate Posse Scholars as they transition into the ranks of Denison alumni. The “graduation celebration” package including items the rising alumni would have received during the in-person celebration including the Posse Mentor gift, from Drs. Andrew McCall and Isis Nusair and several messages from students, faculty and staff.

Denison Columbus Alliance, Posse Boston and Posse Chicago Class of 2024 are preparing to join us this Fall ‘20. MCSA has hosted virtual sessions to connect with our incoming students and share more about life on the hill including Pre-Orientation “Paving the Way: Each One, Reach One” and leadership development experiences. Current DCA and Posse students joined those sessions to share student perspectives.

The Cross-Cultural Community Board, also known as the C3 Board, consists of nearly 20 cultural affinity student organizations, decided to postpone the Annual Solidarity March, traditionally held in early April, until next Spring under the theme of “Holistic Well-Being.” The Solidarity March is a fairly new programmatic event traditionally hosted by the C3 Board, to highlight matters of equity and diversity to garner campus-wide community support.

MCSA has hosted several well-being check-ins with cohorts of students eager to connect and speak with one another including:

The Men of Color Support Group, a student-led space promoting mental well-being. MOC also hosted bi-weekly virtual movie parties to discuss matters related to masculinity and cultural identity.
Denison Asian Student Union hosted a Communi-TEA “mukbang” themed to explore topics related to the Asian student experience.

The Assistant Dean of Students and Director for the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Trinidy Jeter, says the “community will find ways to remain connected as we move forward supporting one another. For many, Denison is still “home” even when we are away.”