Throughout March, the Presidential Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will be hosting listening sessions for students to state their views on diversity, equity and inclusion at Baruch College.

This new initiative allows students to have their voices and concerns heard about how to best improve the Bearcat community.

The Undergraduate Student Government has been committed to raising awareness of different challenges faced by students, and what better way for the Baruch administration to know which changes to implement by listening to student advocates directly.

To my knowledge from the three years I’ve been a student at Baruch, the administration has never done this before. This is a very important opportunity for all to have our voices heard.

Each session has space for eight students. There are 20 set aside for specific students and 20 for staff.

It’s highly encouraged that students register and attend a session. As the former vice president of academic affairs, I learned at the monthly faculty senate meetings that it is very difficult for faculty to vote on student-related matters without any students present.

Different students have different needs. These conversations are being held to see what is wanted by the student body. So, it is very important we take advantage of this opportunity, because if we don’t, future decisions won’t work in favor of students’ interests and we can’t fully complain if we didn’t attempt to take action.

The Presidential Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion website shows and breaks down into different demographics the questions that will be asked.

The first question is, “To what extent do you agree with the following statement: Baruch College is an inclusive and equitable environment for all members of the College community. Please elaborate.”

The second is, “Given your role at Baruch, how do you experience equity?”

The third and final question is, “If you were president of the college and there were no political or budgetary restraints, what is the first thing you would do to promote an equitable and inclusive college community?”

The answers will be recorded. However, identities of the students who participate in the Zoom sessions will be anonymous before they are sent in.

The voice of USG can only go so far, but the voices of many coming together from the Bearcat community has the ability to enact changes that are most suitable for Baruch.

Overall, if you have the chance, attend one of these sessions, as you will be directly
influencing future policies at Baruch.