Inclusive Excellence Workgroup

During 2024, in ASI, a concern was raised regarding the experiences of Black students in ASI. Students expressed feeling unwelcome, of not being included, and at times feeling like they are the only “Black representation” in ASI while also bringing up the concern that ASI was not for Black students.

We in ASI did not want the feelings of our Black students or any students to be left unrecognized or unheard. We decided to take steps and start conversations with campus partners on how we can improve our ASI culture so that all students feel valued and recognized. This led to ASI, in collaboration with the Office of Inclusive Excellence, to develop an ASI Inclusive Excellence Workgroup. The workgroup set out to meet with and hear from 18 different centers on campus and met with about 10 due to scheduling conflicts.We called these "listening sessions". 

Read the Full Report Here

Key Recommendations from the Sessions: 

1. Enhance Visibility and Communication

ASI should increase its presence across campus, particularly in areas with high student traffic such as the Student Life Centers and Veterans Center. Utilizing multiple platforms like Cougar Blue Day, social media, and newsletters to provide regular updates will ensure that students are better informed about ASI services and events. Clear, targeted communication, such as categorized resource flyers (e.g., financial aid, food, housing), can also help bridge awareness gaps.

2. Increase Student Engagement and Programming

Focus on hosting interactive events, workshops, and student-led initiatives that encourage participation from all student groups. Collaborations with student organizations, such as Greek Life and the Dance Team, can help build campus spirit and pride. More student-centered events, such as tournaments and social activities, will foster a sense of community.

3. Address Financial and Infrastructure Concerns

Advocate for improvements to parking fees, scholarship availability, and the overall financial aid process. ASI should also push for improvements in campus infrastructure, such as better lighting, sports facilities, and dining options. Collaboration with the administration to address these concerns will be crucial in supporting student well-being.

4. Support for Marginalized Communities

ASI should take a more active role in advocating for marginalized student populations, ensuring that their needs are met in campus policies and initiatives. Hiring a director for the Black Student Center and showing more visible support during protests and campus movements can foster a more inclusive environment.

5. Improve Mental Health Services

Given the rising concern around mental health, ASI should work with campus health services to expand support options, including more therapy animal visits, mental health outreach, and workshops on stress management and coping mechanisms.

6. Strengthen Leadership and Volunteer Opportunities

ASI should create clearer pathways for leadership and volunteer opportunities, encouraging more students to get involved in campus life while ensuring that existing leaders are not overwhelmed. Programs that support student-to-student mentorship and peer support could strengthen the overall campus experience.

Next Steps 

The feedback provided by student participants reflects a strong desire for Associated Students, Inc. to become more visible, communicative, and responsive to student needs. 

By increasing its presence on campus, improving communication, and advocating for student concerns, ASI can strengthen its role as a representative support system for all students. Addressing key issues such as financial support, campus infrastructure, and mental health will be essential in fostering a more inclusive and engaging campus environment.

During the time of the coding of this information, the 24-25 ASI Board of Directors is about to transition to the 25-26 Board in under a week so the implementation is being left for the incoming ASI Executive team where there is discussion of a memo being sent out to the student body announcing that this workgroup has been working for a semester and allowing access to this report via our website. A longstanding idea within ASI has been to hold “Couch Conversations” where ASI rolls a couch out to an area on campus and sits with students to discuss how their doing, campus successes, and areas of improvement
which are all similar themes to the questions of this workgroup but held in a more informal setting.

This work cannot be completed within one year or even five due to its ever-evolving factors, but we hope that the foundation built within this workgroup can help future boards build upon it and fit to the campus climate for the subsequent years.