Creating meaningful conversations to include all
On Wednesday, March 4th, Saint Catherine (St. Kate’s) University’s Student Senate held one of their semesterly Get Connected events. These events are meant to bring the St. Kate’s community, which includes students, faculty, staff members, Sisters of St. Joseph (CSJs) and Highland Park residents, together to connect with one another.
In an effort to uphold the St. Kate’s mission statement of social justice, Student Senate tries to get the community engaged in events that promote equity and inclusivity. The theme of this event was creating dialogue rather than arguments. It featured Sandra Mitchell, St. Kate’s Director of Equity and Inclusion, and Elizabeth Otto, a member of the St. Kate’s Communication Studies Department. Mitchell acted as a host while Otto taught the audience techniques for creating a conversation.
A group photo of all those in attendance at the event. Courtesy of St. Kate's Student Senate
Mitchell, who joined the St. Kate’s faculty last fall, talked about her role in supporting and creating and sustaining an inclusive campus environment. In a previous interview, Mitchell said “I strongly believe that students of all ages should be afforded the opportunity to learn about and with faculty, staff, and peers from a variety of backgrounds. St. Kate’s commitment to this shared belief is evident in their mission and strategic plan to ensure students value of being part of a diverse community and leave St. Kate’s prepared to be engaged citizens and leaders.”
In her effort to create an inclusive campus, Mitchell focuses on factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, ability, socioeconomic status, and political ideology. One step toward creating an inclusive campus is creating a space and a dialogue where all feel welcome and respected, regardless of their differences.
At the event, Otto taught some techniques for creating this type of inclusive environment. She taught about active listening (nodding or humming along as someone speaks), connecting by sharing similar experiences, and changing communication styles. Event attendees were encouraged to practice these techniques in pairs.
Professor Elizabeth Otto speaking on the difference between meaningful conversations and unhelpful arguments
Many participants felt that these new techniques helped them communicate more effectively. The night ended with a reflection on how the techniques worked, what could be improved, and how each person could apply what they learned there at the event in their everyday lives.
We all have a hand in helping to change conversations and to set a want for inclusive dialogue
According to a US Census Survey in 2017 on school populations, over 50% of students attending college are white, while about 45% are people of color. Classrooms are becoming more diverse, and some people do not know how to respond to this change.
It can be tricky to have productive dialogue, especially when prejudice and ignorance can lead to an argument before any conversation is established. The techniques taught at this event are meant to reduce arguments while creating space to talk respectfully and to learn from each other.
Student Senate’s goal for this event was to help plant the seeds of permanent change in the St. Kate’s community by improving communication one step at a time. At the end of the day, we all have a hand in keeping an open mind, establishing an inclusive environment, and creating meaningful conversations that are helpful and do not harm anyone.
For more information on upcoming Student Senate events, drop in for a meeting every Tuesday in the Ballroom from 12-1, visit their Instagram @stkatessenate, or visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/stkatesstudentsenate.
