From left: Dr. Rhianna C. Rogers, Principal Investigator of the Buffalo Project and SUNY Empire Graduate Student Nan Eileen Mead M.A. (M. Ed. 2021)
SUNY Empire graduate student Nan Eileen Mead, M.A. (M. Ed. 2021) was selected to present at the SUNY Oneonta Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Conference in late February. Several hundred SUNY students from around the state attended Oneonta’s daylong Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) conference.
Nan is the Lead Graduate Research Associate on The Buffalo Project, a 10-year longitudinal study of perceptions of culture in Western New York. Oneonta’s DEI Conference format features student-led presentations with support and guidance from their faculty advisor. Principal Investigator Dr. Rhianna C. Rogers, the Ernest Boyer Presidential Fellow at Rockefeller Institute, participated as well.
Dr. Rhianna C. Rogers, Principal Investigator of the Buffalo Project and Ernest Boyer Presidential Fellow at Rockefeller Institute, speaking at the SUNY Oneonta DEI Conference.
The Buffalo Project is a 10-year longitudinal participatory action research study of perceptions of culture in Western New York given recent demographic shifts. The work is guided by research that suggests diverse learning environments improve academic outcomes and better prepare students for work in the 21st Century marketplace. Dr. Rogers and her team have surveyed several SUNY campuses to assess students’ attitudes towards multicultural learning environments. As a result of this work, The Buffalo Project has partnered with SUNY Empire to develop programming designed to build campus community, including the monthly “Deliberative Conversations” convenings that take place virtually as well as at several SUNY Empire locations.
Nan presented Buffalo project data during a breakout session titled, “The Buffalo Project: What We Learned.” Participants were split into small groups to consider both challenges and successes associated with community building on their own campuses. One participant expressed frustration that their own campus is not supportive of DEI work. Another commented that athletics programs were prioritized over non-athletic student activities. On some campuses, physical space for DEI activities is allocated but not conveniently located. Yet another student discussed the challenges of being able to draw on campus resources (e.g. Student Affairs) to market events to the campus community. Other campuses do not provide students with space for DEI-related events.
Tabletop discussions at SUNY Oneonta DEI Conference, February 2020.
During tabletop discussions at the conference, many participants acknowledged that people who are drawn to DEI work have had prior negative experiences of exclusion or discrimination or are subject to microaggressions in their daily lives. Some participants noted that these experiences have carried over to the college experience in their interactions with faculty and administrators. These experiences can cause stress and anxiety and take a toll over time.
Participants shared strategies that DEI leaders and facilitators can employ to support their communities. Many spoke of the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, engaging in active listening rather than talking, and working towards keeping an open mind. Also discussed was the importance of self-care for DEI leaders and facilitators – balancing emotions with spirituality and engaging in mindfulness and meditation.
Participants at the SUNY Oneonta DEI Conference, February 2020.
This year, the Buffalo Project’s focus is on community building beyond the college campus. Dr. Rogers has been working with local theatre groups and community-based organizations to develop programming that promotes cross-cultural awareness.
Keep an eye out for the Buffalo Project 3.0 survey which will be distributed throughout SUNY Empire State College later this year.