February 12, 2024

Conversation on including student perspectives in decision-making is Feb. 26

A Conversation of Understanding on Feb. 26 will feature students from throughout the SIU System who will share their insights into how student success plays a pivotal role in the educational landscape. The discussion will center on the “no decision without us” principle, emphasizing the significance of including student perspectives in decision-making processes that directly impact students’ educational journeys. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to join the live virtual discussion at noon. 

“No Decision About Us Without Us: Students Perspectives on Student Success” will look to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges that students face and the collaborative efforts required to create an inclusive, supportive learning environment and increase retention and graduation rates. The student panelists represent diverse backgrounds and experiences. Viewers’ presence and engagement in the dialogue will contribute to a more holistic perspective on student success and help inform future decisions that directly affect SIU students. 

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.
  • Sarah Alli-Brown, Black Affairs Council, SIU Carbondale.
  • Rushma Baskota, Center for International Education, SIU Carbondale.
  • Lauren Harris, SIU Board of Trustees student member, SIU Edwardsville.
  • Victor Ludwig, SIU Board of Trustees student member, SIU Carbondale.
  • Caleb Sewell, graduate assistant, Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR), SIU Edwardsville.
  • Taylor Lawrence, University Housing resident assistant, SIU Carbondale.
  • Tyler Lawrence, Dawg Pound chief of operations, SIU Carbondale. 

The Conversation of Understanding series began in June 2020 for students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members to share their experiences and thoughts on a variety of themes related to diversity, inclusion and equity. This is the fourth session for the 2023-24 academic year.  

The SIU System President’s Office and the SIU System Diversity Advisory Council are discussion sponsors.