The Benefits of Listening: Promoting Multiculturalism Efficiently
Presented by Onie McKenzie and Dominick Combs
In the summer of 2016, the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs with assistance from a student recipient of a L.A.M.P. Grant, planned a project whereby selected survey results from Longwood’s 2011 Campus Diversity Survey would be shared and discussed with current students in groups where they naturally exist (i.e., members of the same club, organization, or student staff). Through a facilitated discussion, students would explore multiple definitions of and expectations for multicultural sensitivity, gain a better understanding of individual and campus needs that impact perceptions of diversity and inclusiveness, and offer suggestions for improving the Longwood campus climate.
Discussion prompts were selected from the 2011 Campus Diversity Survey and seven hour-long workshops were scheduled throughout the fall of 2016. Using an online polling software, the immediate responses were compared to the results collected from 541 students in 2011.
Ultimately, 341 BSA members, SGA Senators, Peer Mentors, Greek Tri-Council Leaders, SDIC members, Admission Ambassadors, RAs, Desk Aides, and Campus Rec Student workers shared their experiences and observations regarding issues related to diversity and inclusion in and outside the Longwood classroom. The notes and open ended responses collected from these discussions are now being used to inform subsequent initiatives by the VPSA, VPAA, University Diversity Council, the Café Director, Citizen Leadership and Social Justice Education Director, and the Human Resources Director.
For more information, contact Onie McKenzie, Assistant Vice-President for Student Affairs, mckenzieil@longwood.edu or 434-395-2487.
Dominick Combs is a senior economics student at Longwood University. His interests aim toward development, health, and labor economics at the micro level. Combs has worked closely with the College of Business and Economics and the Office of Student Affairs, where he conducted research on economic alliances and resiliency/multiculturalism. Further, during his undergraduate studies, Combs has worked for the European Delegation, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and he has written for TransAtlantic Magazine.
Onie McKenzie returned to Longwood in 2008 and now oversees outcomes assessment, strategic planning, and professional development as the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. Additionally, she directly supports the work of the Student Engagement Unit with oversight for Citizen Leadership and Social Justice Education, University Operations and Student Activities, and Fraternity and Sorority Life. Onie received her bachelor’s degree from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee and also completed advanced graduate study at the University of Georgia and University of Virginia.
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