Note: This is part three of a four-day series highlighting the pillars within the Division of Student Affairs and how they benefit the students at . Today we are focusing on the Equity, Identity, and Success pillar, which includes the Student Multicultural Center, Women’s Center, LGBTQ+ Center, Center for Adult and Veterans Services, International Student Affairs, and Student Accessibility Services.
The resources for students within the Equity, Identity, and Success pillar are rich and provide many ways to get involved and stay connected during their college experience. More specifically, targeted support, affirming communities, emergency funding to assist students in need, leadership development, and cultural exposure and appreciation is a constant theme that does nothing more than boast of the many services provided to students.
Although there are plenty of options, students can still be unsure whether to participate or take advantage of services.
“Students unsure of the services and activities offered in the centers and service units should visit the spaces if they can. They can ask questions of the staff, student workers, and interns, who are there,” said Assistant Vice President for Equity, Identity, and Success, Yvonna Washington-Greer. “Visiting the website is another way to explore, and we will continue to offer virtual programming, so students can sign up for an event and observe.”
With some restructuring of divisions (Division of Student Affairs and Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) taking place last Summer and during a pandemic, often overlooked is the transition of new units into the Division of Student Affairs and the value they brought. The Student Multicultural Center, Women’s Center, and LGBTQ+ Center joined the Division of Student Affairs (Equity, Identity, and Success pillar), along with the Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services (part of the Advocacy, Support, and Well-Being pillar). These units not only further the Division of Student Affairs' mission, but they provide an inclusive environment with services, spaces, and programs to aid in the retention and success of underrepresented students and the cultural intelligence of all students, staff, and faculty.
The Center for Adult and Veterans Services, Student Accessibility Services, and International Student Affairs are other areas within the Equity, Identity, and Success pillar.
The Center for Adult and Veterans Services (CAVS) is a resource for adults, parenting students, veterans, or service members who find themselves wanting to enroll back into college but don't know where to turn. CAVS not only provides the necessary tools to succeed at the highest level possible but also ensures an engaging experience by way of programs, services and compliance.
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides accessible and inclusive experiences for students with all types of disabilities, removing any barriers by empowering students through education, collaboration, and advocacy. The success of our students is a number one priority, and SAS strives to ensure that for students who learn, live, and work at Kent State.
Finally, International Student Affairs at Kent State takes care of our valued international students, serving to aid in the retention and academic successes by providing services related to cultural adjustment. The office also provides outstanding leadership when it comes to the managing of the day-to-day operations and serving as a liaison to ensuring an easy transition when attending Kent State.
Each one of those services proves how the division has everyone covered when it comes to education, resources, and success.
“The Division of Student Affairs’ commitments and values speak to the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Washington-Greer. “The services and activities within each department in the pillar impacts the student experience and their sense of belonging here at Kent State by focusing on the individual need and providing services and activities to meet that need in order for them to develop and thrive.”
As Kent State continues to pride itself on being equity-minded leaders who provide targeted support and advocacy, that mantra has led to some big things happening on campus within the Equity, Identity, and Success pillar.
Within the past year, the Women’s Center (25th anniversary), LGBTQ+ Center (10th anniversary), and Male Empowerment Network (10th anniversary) have all celebrated major milestones, further cementing their place within the Division of Student Affairs and the university community. That kind of sustainability has led to plenty of success for each center and the students who find a home in those spaces.
“Those milestones demonstrate to me a commitment of the university and the division to recognize the value of difference and the need to create affirming and nurturing spaces for students,” said Washington-Greer. “Students come to us with varied backgrounds, and they find community, become leaders, and support their peers in these spaces; the longevity of the centers also speaks to the dedication of staff and faculty to our students.”
For more information on Equity, Identity, and Success, please visit /studentaffairs/equity-identity-success
For more information on the Center for Adult and Veteran Services, please visit /cavs
For more information on International Student Affairs, please visit /international
For more information on the LGBTQ+ Center, please visit /lgbtq
For more information on Student Accessibility Services, please visit /sas
For more information on the Student Multicultural Center, please visit /lgbtq
For more information on the Women’s Center, please visit /womenscenter