News

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Inclusive Excellence, Education and Development Hub (The Hub) and the Kimmel Student Involvement Center hosted a series of special receptions throughout the week, welcoming and celebrating the various identity groups of incoming students.

Students that identify as Hispanic/Latinx, Asian American and Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+ or Black were invited to the student welcome receptions. And while the receptions were tailored for the specific identity groups, all students were welcome to attend.

“The welcome events give students the opportunity to meet and engage with one another in a purposefully inclusive environment,” said Lindy Wagner, assistant vice chancellor for Inclusive Excellence, Education and Development. “The goal for these events is for students from various identity groups to feel seen and know that the university and surrounding communities have resources for them.”

Each welcome event included food from locally-owned businesses, music, games and an opportunity to mingle with faculty, staff and returning students. The welcome receptions helped new and returning students build a sense of belonging and make connections with one another, the campus and their surrounding community.

“We want students to know that they belong here,” Wagner added. “We want them to feel that sense of belonging no matter how or if they choose to get involved on campus. We want them to know that there is a community that will surround them, support them, and do what it can to ensure they make it to graduation day and beyond. The welcome receptions are the beginning of the journey and graduation is the end goal. We want each student to know who will be there to help them along the way.”

Photo: SIUE students enjoy special welcome receptions.