October 19, 2023
Conversation on SIU’s response to recent affirmative action ruling is Oct. 24
A Conversation of Understanding next week will look at the SIU System’s response to the recent U.S. Supreme Court affirmative action ruling and focus on steps that can be taken to advance diversity and equity goals. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to join the live, virtual discussion at noon Tuesday, Oct. 24.
The second of a two-part discussion, “The Future of Admissions: SIU’s response to the recent affirmative action decision” will feature insights from current SIU students and industry experts. The discussion is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and insights to help understand the complexities of the Supreme Court decision and its impact and foster informed discussions and critical thinking about higher education’s future in a changing legal and social landscape. The discussion will also look at the potential future trends in college admissions and how admissions policies may evolve in the coming years.
The meeting will be available on the SIU System’s YouTube channel.
A Q&A session will follow during which participants can use the YouTube comment section. Questions may be submitted before or during the event by email to doris.williams@siu.edu.
Participants will include:
- Dan Mahony, SIU System president.
- Sheila Caldwell, SIU System vice president for antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion, and chief diversity officer, who will facilitate the conversation.
- Jeffery T. Burgin, SIU Carbondale, vice chancellor for student affairs.
- Randolph Burnside, SIU School of Medicine-Carbondale, Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program (MEDPREP) director.
- Samantha Ray, SIU Edwardsville, director of admissions.
- Lauren Harris, SIU Edwardsville, student trustee, SIU System Board of Trustees.
The Conversation of Understanding series began in June 2020 and is a series of virtual exchanges where students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members can share their experiences and thoughts on a variety of themes related to diversity, equity and inclusion. This is the second session for the 2023-24 academic year.
The SIU System President’s Office and the SIU System Diversity Advisory Council are discussion sponsors.