Fellow Knights –
As your vice president for student affairs, I am responsible for ensuring that the Division of Student Affairs represents and advocates for all our students. While we continue to work to craft a successful student experience this fall in a world impacted by a pandemic, we are aware of the additional national crisis that is threatening the lives and well-being of many in our communities —prejudice, discrimination, and racism.
The ripple effect of the incidents occurring impacts all of us. When we join one another on campus in August, our Student Affairs team is committed to fostering communities of empathy and equity across our campuses. It is important that as a student you have the opportunity to be heard, and there are several resources available to you at MGA for you to have a voice:
- Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Equity – Jenia Bacote serves as the Director of Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity/Title IX Coordinator. The office is a resource for individuals that feel they are experiencing harassment or racism. She can be reached at jenia.bacote@mga.edu. You should expect to hear from her soon on three virtual listening sessions planned for this summer that will allow us to connect with you on a variety of topics and to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Jenia will also ho sts in-person listening sessions on each campus this fall and again in the spring.
- Student Government Association (SGA) – This group of elected student representatives are the official voice of students in academic, institutional and campus affairs. Your new representatives are already working for you. They recently met with President Blake to bring forward their concerns regarding increasing diversity among faculty and administrators; improving inclusivity in the classroom and on campus; building stronger relationships between students and campus police; and ensuring there is no racial divide on the Eastman campus. It was a productive meeting, with good dialogue that included SGA bringing forward some thoughtful solutions. I recently forwarded a message to you on behalf of SGA with their contact information. They look forward to hearing from you to better represent you in the upcoming academic year.
- Counseling Services – This office is staffed with licensed clinicians that offer counseling services to students. For students who feel anxious or overwhelmed right now, please reach out to them as online appointments are available during the summer.
- Student Life, Residence Life, and other offices in Student Affairs Division are making plans for fall semester with a mix of virtual and in-person programming and events.
Our division will continue to share more information with you throughout the summer and fall. I am here for you, and I welcome you to contact me any time at vpsa@mga.edu
Stay safe,
Jennifer Brannon
Vice President for Student Affairs