How can we be allies and how can we help others be allies to us? Here are the results of the discussions around developing ally relationships for Michigan Tech and the local community.
International students break out group response to the question:
“What would I like to see, hear, have done (or not done) in this community that would make my experience better?”
Less Snow
More diversity of culture on campus. Administration needs to recruit more international students. Use current students on campus to help recruit.
More events on culture - like Parade of Nations to unify local community and international people.
International support groups and counseling - have a person with your background where you came from to deal with your problems. Academic advisors and current counselors at counseling center give advice from their own backgrounds, not from that of an international person.
More roundtable discussions - share background of culture - learn how each culture is different. More multi-cultural programming on radio (WMTU), not just 1-3am on Saturday and more on TV.
More positive input from the international community instead of sayin "This is bad" but "this is how we can improve".
Better respect for international cultures and for the students for their intelligence and what they can add to the classroom.
Action needs to be taken and issues addressed - not just say "we'll look into that".
Increase retention at MTU - let MTU international students know and feel there is a place for them.
Have a welcome plan for international students. International Club will work on this and is setting up a mentoring program.
Have more programs like MaCH1/SOAR for international students but don't have the international students separated out.
International students isolated from US students do - more integration - had SMILE program where they were separate. Need more social events where they are together. Social events - RA's can organize these in residence halls.
Break up groups in class - instructor/faculty should encourage more of diverse teams, especially in UN courses. Have seen faculty “give up” on diverse teams if there is a problem with the team. The faculty should help the teams work things out.
The International house had rooms that paired American and international students - it forced integration. Look into more things like this.
Break through with international students being Home Coming queen - keep that in forefront.
Celebrate achievements of international students.
More forums/caucuses learning events to help students be open minded.
Greet appropriately
Welcome students at airport - someone from the International club does go to welcome new students. Give new student a person/liaison to call if any questions - don't just pick up and drop off new students.
Promote, advertise International Club events more
For other events - maybe put special invitations on announcements that encourage international students to attend.
World cultures - how can it be a better class? Should be taught by someone who has actual real experience in that country.
Professors should invite students to speak from experience not just book knowledge. Invite students from that country to speak. Ask international students for movie suggestions that speak to international issues.
Students need to let administration know what they need. Sign up to be a member of Diversity Action Task Force which is trying to accomplish this.
Check out Diversity Fact sheet.
More diversity in music - watch for flyers to be a DJ at WMTU.
“What would I like to see, hear, have done (or not done) in this community that would make my experience better?”
Less Snow
More diversity of culture on campus. Administration needs to recruit more international students. Use current students on campus to help recruit.
More events on culture - like Parade of Nations to unify local community and international people.
International support groups and counseling - have a person with your background where you came from to deal with your problems. Academic advisors and current counselors at counseling center give advice from their own backgrounds, not from that of an international person.
More roundtable discussions - share background of culture - learn how each culture is different. More multi-cultural programming on radio (WMTU), not just 1-3am on Saturday and more on TV.
More positive input from the international community instead of sayin "This is bad" but "this is how we can improve".
Better respect for international cultures and for the students for their intelligence and what they can add to the classroom.
Action needs to be taken and issues addressed - not just say "we'll look into that".
Increase retention at MTU - let MTU international students know and feel there is a place for them.
Have a welcome plan for international students. International Club will work on this and is setting up a mentoring program.
Have more programs like MaCH1/SOAR for international students but don't have the international students separated out.
International students isolated from US students do - more integration - had SMILE program where they were separate. Need more social events where they are together. Social events - RA's can organize these in residence halls.
Break up groups in class - instructor/faculty should encourage more of diverse teams, especially in UN courses. Have seen faculty “give up” on diverse teams if there is a problem with the team. The faculty should help the teams work things out.
The International house had rooms that paired American and international students - it forced integration. Look into more things like this.
Break through with international students being Home Coming queen - keep that in forefront.
Celebrate achievements of international students.
More forums/caucuses learning events to help students be open minded.
Greet appropriately
Welcome students at airport - someone from the International club does go to welcome new students. Give new student a person/liaison to call if any questions - don't just pick up and drop off new students.
Promote, advertise International Club events more
For other events - maybe put special invitations on announcements that encourage international students to attend.
World cultures - how can it be a better class? Should be taught by someone who has actual real experience in that country.
Professors should invite students to speak from experience not just book knowledge. Invite students from that country to speak. Ask international students for movie suggestions that speak to international issues.
Students need to let administration know what they need. Sign up to be a member of Diversity Action Task Force which is trying to accomplish this.
Check out Diversity Fact sheet.
More diversity in music - watch for flyers to be a DJ at WMTU.