The Daily Bulletin

Until recently, much of the discussion around supporting students has been COVID-19 related. I wanted to also share some of the ways we are supporting students who continue to be traumatized by systemic racism, police brutality, and the tangential impacts of the pandemic as they begin the semester. These programs and services also demonstrate some of the many ways the college continues to engage in supporting our values related to social justice. Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Equity and Campus Diversity are providing several outlets and spaces for students to be in community and receive support.

Community Circles
Wednesday, September 9
Earlier this summer, the Restorative Justice Center (housed and coordinated by Student Conduct and Community Standards) held a community circle to discuss the impacts of George Floyd’s killing, systemic racism, and the Black Lives movement. The next student online circle will focus on voting and the upcoming election.

The Restorative Justice Center, the Dean of Students Office, and the Civic and Community Engagement Office will host “Voting: Rights, Registration, Suppression, and the 2020 Election,” an online community circle, on Wednesday, September 9, via Zoom videoconference. This circle will address many questions that our students have about voting in America. Two circles will be held—one at noon and one at 7:00 p.m.—to accommodate participants; please register to attend only one circle.

The community circle is a restorative justice framework that provides space for discussion, action planning, and addressing harm at the group and individual levels. The circles are facilitated by a wide variety of faculty and staff members on campus and from the greater Buffalo community. It is a format that the campus has adopted in consultation with students, faculty, and staff given our focus on social justice.

Registration will be open until 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 4. The meeting ID and password will be e-mailed to all registrants on September 9 before the sessions. Please note that select faculty and staff members will be present to participate in the discussion, and trained restorative circle facilitators will be present as well. Questions can be directed to Student Conduct and Community Standards, 878-3051.

Conversations with 'Hef' (Michael Heflin, Assistant Dean of Inclusion and Equity)
Thursday, August 27
4:00 p.m.
The first in a series of programs featuring social justice concerns and the Black experience in America. Participants will view the video “8:46” by Dave Chappelle and respond to questions related to the social justice movement centered on the death of George Floyd. In an open dialogue, participants can share their thoughts, feelings, and reactions about the program after viewing the video. Students can register through the events section of the Student Leadership and Engagement website. This program is hosted by the Equity and Campus Diversity Office in collaboration with the Residence Life and the Student Leadership and Engagement offices. Questions can be directed to heflinma@buffalostate.edu

Weigel Wellness Programs
The Weigel Wellness Center’s Counseling Office has developed specializing support groups and workshops to assist students who have been affected by system racism. Students can contact Weigel Wellness at 878-6711.

Supporting Communities of Color Workshop
This workshop focuses on exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marginalized communities. This program will take an intersectional approach to identifying the various ways that these communities are uniquely affected by national crises including racism. Additionally, facilitators will offer strategies for self and community care aimed at improving and maintaining mental wellness.

This one-session, online workshop will be offered as live presentations and in pre-recorded format to allow students to access at their convenience

Counseling Group for Students of Color
This group will focus on creating a safer and confidential space for group members to discover, explore, and empower themselves by addressing the intersectionality of their identities as it affects their mental health, well-being, interpersonal relationships, and resilience. This will be a facilitated group appropriate for students of color who have been negatively affected by racism and are open to here-and-now opportunities for growth, healing, and connection.

If you have additional ideas or questions, or if you need information about these programs, please e-mail the Dean of Students Office or call 878-4618.

I hope you share these important opportunities with students. Students needing ongoing or one-on-one support may be referred to Michael Heflin, assistant dean of inclusion and equity; the Dean of Students Office; or the Weigel Wellness Counseling Center.