In an effort to allow students to speak openly about their experiences with the campus climate at the University of Wisconsin, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bernice Durand and Assistant to the Provost Mo Noonan Bischof held the first of five open-forum-style meetings Thursday night.
A small, diverse group of students attended the meeting, relaying their positive and negative campus experiences in an anonymous atmosphere that encouraged frank discussion.
“We think that the administration listens better to student stories, or anecdotes, so we would like to ask about your experiences. You will remain nameless, of course,” Durand said.
The first question asked students to describe a classroom experience that did not go well. A Muslim student said she was once singled out in class and asked to define “jihad.” She told the class the direct translation is difficult to pinpoint. Her professor insisted she was wrong, and that the term directly meant “holy war.” The student said she disliked the attention this incident drew to her, as she was also the only student of color in the class.
Another student described a professor who said he did not like to teach undergraduates and could tell his students did not want to be there. Another student said a professor who continuously attributed educational problems to “Christian Fundamentalists” only served to perpetuate unwarranted stereotypes.
Participants were then asked to describe a negative campus climate experience. One student of color said he feels there is a deceptive gap between how UW is advertised and how it really is, specifically in relation to diversity. A white female student, who is an advocate for Understanding Privilege, said she thinks it is important for white students to become more aware of the privilege they possess at a school where white people are the majority.
However, other students felt the student body as a whole needs to be more educated about acceptance where all areas of race, beliefs and economic backgrounds are concerned. Finally, a student expressed her concern for the upkeep of class buildings. She had an acting class in Vilas and a mirror broke in the room. Several days later there were still shards of glass lying around because no one had cleaned it up. She further expressed her disdain on the issue by pointing out bathrooms that often lack toilet paper.
The forum closed with students sharing what they would like to see changed about UW in five years. Students said they would like to see the implementation of student and faculty diversity training as well as greater tolerance overall.
“Sounds like you think we all need to just be friendly and introduce ourselves more often,” Bischof said.
While these and countless other issues remain unresolved, Speak Out on Classroom and Campus Climate has been created for students to change the policies and ideals of UW. The four remaining forums will be held Oct. 25, Oct. 26, Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union. Room locations can be found on TITU.
“Students are highly encouraged to attend, as opinions will be taken seriously and presented to administration,” Durand said. To register, e-mail [email protected].