Workshop Session C

Workshop Session C (2:45-4:15)

C1: Affirmative Action in Colleges and Universities
The recent Fisher v. University of Texas case concerns racial preferences in college and university admissions – the efforts by both public and private institutions to give a lift, in effect, to some applicants from minority groups, including blacks, Latinos and American Indians, that have historically been underrepresented on university campuses. If in response to this case the justices strike down the admissions’ offices longstanding practice of affirmative action, it could have a profound impact on how colleges choose whom to admit and why. In an interactive conversation, utilizing a variety of provocative questions centered around affirmative action in admissions, the participants will explore possible avenues for building a broadly diverse student body that can create an educational environment most conducive to learning.

Presenters:
Jon Burdick, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, Arts, Sciences and Engineering, Morgan Levy, University Counsel, Equal Opportunity Compliance Director

C2: Minority Male Achievement, Mentoring, and Access
The Minority Male Leadership Association (MMLA) presents a “Success Symposium” to combat low minority male achievement in Rochester, NY. Recognizing the power of mentorship, knowledge, and drive – MMLA brings together successful minority male graduate students, faculty and staff that are dedicated to both researching and teaching proven strategies for success.

Presenters:
Francis Ellis, Graduate Student, Warner, John Davis, Graduate Student, Simon, David Paul, Medical Student
Clifford Pierre, Medical Student, Nathan Kadar, Associate Director, Student Services Programs

C3: Breaking the Silence: How to Engage in Crucial Conversations to Foster a Climate of Inclusiveness
Are there crucial conversations that you should be having but aren’t? Concerns related to inclusiveness can become “undiscussable”, because the stakes are so high. This workshop offers tools and techniques that we have used within University IT that can help to break the silence and engage in crucial conversations.

Crucial Conversations Handout
Style Under Stress Handout

Presenters:
Samantha Singhal, Director for Planning and Communications University IT, Jeffrey Carpenter, Analyst, University IT

C4: The David T. Kearns Center Model: Building Bridges Towards Successful and Inclusive Partnerships with Youth
Framed by Kearns Pre-College division, we outline methods to advance first generation, low-income, and minority students along the educational pipeline. Understanding that pre-college advising informs college advising, participants will develop successful methods of community engagement, inclusion and support for underrepresented populations with specific connections between the University and Community.

Presenters:
Audrey Burns, Kearns Center Academic Counselor, Angelica Stevens, Kearns Center Academic Advisor,
Laura Albert, Kearns Center Academic Counselor

C5: Who are We? Who are They?
Our objective is to increase understanding of individuals re-entering our community after incarceration. Diversity plays a big role in the re-entry process, particularly for people of color and those living in poverty. We will describe challenges faced and ways to address these problems, including the Women's Initiative Supporting Health (WISH).

Presenters:
Diane Morse, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, JoZ Powers,  Health Project Counselor, Precious Bedell, Health Project Counselor