Listening to Student Voices
Student Life and OSAW have hosted three student listening sessions so far. These sessions are the first step in creating spaces where students can openly share their thoughts and experiences. Topics have ranged from re-envisioning the IDEA Scholar program to broader issues of community and inclusion. Faculty and staff also are welcome to attend, ensuring a well-rounded perspective of campus life.
Spaces for Connection and Belonging
Students have expressed a clear desire for spaces to gather, share meals, and experience culture. For example, the IDEA Center kitchen has been a meaningful hub for Affinity Groups, where sharing food helps build social and cultural connections.
In response, the following changes have been implemented:
- OSAW Speare: Space for gathering, support, and empowerment of IDEA Scholars
- Office of Community Impact (OCI): Lead Heritage Month communications and celebrations; host Affinity Group meetings
- Mary Lyon Club House – Student Experience (Student Life): Provide office and storage space for Affinity Groups
- Frost House Commons: Being explored as a multicultural hub, including a revitalized kitchen to support cultural and community connections
IDEA Scholars
OSAW will oversee the IDEA Scholars program. The program remains committed to celebrating difference and cultivating belonging. We welcomed 25 new IDEA Scholars this year, bringing the total to about 70.
This year’s commitments include:
- $500/semester housing scholarship
- Pre-Panther Day orientation
- Themed Writing Program (TWP) with an equity and inclusion focus
- Ongoing social, emotional, and empowerment support
- Regular community-building meetings
Heritage Programming
PSU celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, International Day of People with Disabilities, Native American Heritage Month, and Women’s Herstory Month through a variety of programs.
- The Heritage Month Celebrations will continue to be an important Student Life/OCI/Res Life) support to increase educational awareness and foster community growth.
- The annual Multicultural Fair will continue to be supported by Student Life/Res Life).
Welcoming and Belonging
We continue working collectively to ensure every student, regardless of identity, feels welcome and supported.
Affinity Spaces (Student Life – Student Experience Office/OSAW)
- Key partners: Student Life staff and OSAW
- Groups include:
- Black Student Union (BSU)
- Asian Student Union (ASU)
- International Club
- Latine/Hispanic Student Union
- Queer Student Union (QSU)
- Multicultural Club
- Best Buddies
Intergroup Dialogue
Encouraging courageous dialogue between groups and individuals is the cornerstone at Plymouth State. Student Life, Campus Ministry and OSAW will continue to support these conversations through:
- Brave Space -- a faculty and staff professional development opportunity that encourages bridge-building and intergroup dialogue. Brave Space cohorts are offered each academic term
- Interfaith programming
- Ongoing listening sessions
International Student Admissions
We recognize the vital contributions of international students to PSU’s cultural and academic life. Student Life and OSAW are partnering with Undergraduate Admissions to strengthen support from the moment students are admitted.
This includes:
- Enhanced orientation programming
- Expanded community connections
- Opportunities to engage with Affinity Groups, cultural heritage celebrations, and leadership programs
Connect with us!
If you are interested in any of the services we provide, or would like to partner with OSAW, please come by Speare 202! Or you can reach out to the OSAW via:
E-mail: matthew.toms@plymouth.edu
Phone: 603-535-2405
FOLLOW US! INSTAGRAM: @PSUOSAW
