Educate. Connect. Elevate. Illinois State University envisions experiences that actively engage students for broadened perspectives. A recent event associated with an undergraduate independent study addressed core values associated with the University’s mission and vision.

Krystal Miranda, Kathleen McMillen, Maddie Katalinich, and Alison Dungca host a CSD panel event.

Krystal Miranda, Kathleen McMillion, Maddie Katalinich, and Alison Dungca host a CSD panel event.

On November 29, four students from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) hosted a panel discussion to connect their learning with an educational experience for other campus community members. This event was titled “Why Our Differences Matter” and was designed to bring awareness of diversity, inclusion, and respect issues experienced by members of minority populations. The following campus diversity advocacy organizations and campus offices were represented on the panel:

  • Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC)
  • Association of Latin American Students (ALAS)
  • Black Student Union (BSU)
  • Pride
  • Student Affairs

The panel addressed intersectionality, stereotypes, social dynamics of identity, and diversity considerations for education and health care. Campus members from CSD, the School of Social Work, and the Department of Psychology joined together to consider the insights of the panelists. Audience members were invited to make further inquiries in the large group or with individual panelists at the end of the planned question and answer period.

This event was a summative project for four CSD students: Krystal Miranda, Kathleen McMillion, Maddie Katalinich, and Alison Dungca. These students investigated issues associated with cultural and linguistic Diversity (CLD) for their independent study, Diversify CSD. Before the panel, the students shared their learning through a series of displays throughout Fairchild Hall with social media posts about the content.  A Culturally Responsive Teaching Grant from the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (CTLT) provided funding for the displays and the panel event.

Another event will occur in spring 2019. Students will continue this independent study into the next semester so campus community members can learn more about diversity issues. New boards and social media posts will be created. Be sure to take note.

If you are interested in learning more about this independent study or the Culturally Responsive Teaching Grant associated with the study, please contact Tricia Larkin, the CSD instructor facilitating this activity.