UNITE program focuses on inclusion for Purdue's student residents
October 8, 2013
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The University Network for Inclusive Training and Experience (UNITE) program is aimed at helping all Purdue students feel accepted and supported no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or life experiences. (Photo provided) |
A new University Residences program is aimed at helping all Purdue students feel accepted and supported no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or life experiences.
The University Network for Inclusive Training and Experience (UNITE) program began last year, when it offered training to resident assistants in Wiley Hall. This year, the program is involving Wiley's resident assistants and office staff, says Mary Helen Halsema, Wiley Hall area coordinator. Halsema oversees Wiley Hall's residential life aspects.
The program consists of monthly programming along themes such as cultural identity, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, race and racial identity, bullying and harassment, body image and eating disorders, and homesickness, loss, and grieving. Programming consists of monthly staff in-services and speakers who give talks to resident assistants and staff, Halsema says.
"Our goal is to create an environment where all our residents, resident assistants and staff members feel part of one inclusive community," Halsema says.
"We want our students to be successful, and for them to be successful academically, developmentally and emotionally, they need to feel accepted. It's important for everyone to be free to be themselves and not be judged."
A component of UNITE takes place concurrently with resident assistant training, which happens before Boiler Gold Rush each year. During that time, resident assistants receive the training necessary to serve as supportive resources for residents experiencing a variety of social and emotional stressors, Halsema says.
Once school starts each fall, resident assistants receive a UNITE graphic, which they can place on their door. The graphic indicates that the resident assistant is a safe person with whom residents can discuss an array of topics. It also means the resident assistant can direct residents to campus resources and partners to assist students with any issues with which they struggle.
In addition to creating a more inclusive community, the UNITE program is beneficial to resident assistants. Before classes start, resident assistants involved in the program take an intercultural development inventory (IDI), which helps them understand their own viewpoints and biases. Taking the IDI leads resident assistants to a deeper understanding of themselves as undergraduates and as individuals, Halsema says.
The UNITE program was the brainchild of Maxwell Alexander, a Wiley staff member and Purdue student studying mechanical engineering. Alexander, who manages resident assistants in Wiley, determined that the existing resident assistant training needed a more in-depth diversity component, and so UNITE was born.
"The UNITE program is an opportunity for resident assistants to learn about social justice in a way that removes the stigma of judgment and other social pressures," Alexander says.
"When you feel safe and validated and can share your true thoughts, you can grow in an open and honest way instead of just developing a part-time, inclusive 'face.'"
University Residences staff expect to pilot UNITE in more residence halls next year. In two years, they hope the program will be in place in all of Purdue's residence halls.
"By creating an inclusive environment in Purdue's residence halls, we hope to enrich students' global experiences and supplement their interpersonal growth," Halsema says.
"In the end, we want to create accepting, inclusive communities that value and advocate for all members."
Writer: Amanda Hamon, 46-61325, ahamon@purdue.edu