The #youbelonghere logo helps all students understand that they have a place at SCCC and can find a path to achieve their goals with support from college faculty and staff.

What do we talk about when we talk about inclusiveness? What do we really mean when we tell students “you belong here”?

The short answer is fairness and connectedness. A longer, more robust conversation about these ideas will take place on the morning of Thursday, June 11.

We know our student population continues to evolve at SCCC and across the nation. Student needs are changing, and there are multiple factors that shape our work in education, both in and out of the classroom. The challenges are real and they can test our collective patience at times.

What gets us through is returning to our core values. If you work in an educational institution, you care about fairness, about treating everyone fairly. You care about students feeling connected to our college community. You care about working to increase student retention, persistence and success in achieving their goals. You want what is best not only for students but also for the college as a whole.

Join us next Thursday as we continue the conversation about how we can shift our thinking from deficit mindedness—that is, focusing primarily or solely on what students lack or their “deficiencies”—to thinking about what we can do to better help all students succeed from a framework of situational fairness.

We hope this kind of meaningful dialogue can lead us to reflect on our own practices, learn from one another and explore strategies that empower every student to succeed.

JEDI Conversation
Thursday, June 11
9 a.m. to 12 noon

Light breakfast served at 8:30 a.m.

Montauk Point Room
Babylon Student Center
Ammerman Campus

All college employees are welcome. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. There will be free tee shirts, stickers, window clings, books and more. Join us!

SUNY Suffolk is a community that values each and every person and includes people from all backgrounds, identities, beliefs, abilities and experiences. No matter who you are #youbelonghere

SUNY Suffolk does not discriminate, prohibits discrimination and is an equal opportunity educator and employer. For more information see sunysuffolk.edu/nondiscrimination.