Ally Training Series
In an effort to educate both students and employees about the diverse needs of equity-deserving students, the student affairs hosts various ally trainings. This series was developed and implemented by the Dr. Maryann Tolano-Leveque, dean of students, in 2019 with the inaugural UndocuAlly and LGBTQIA+ Ally trainings. Today, the program has grown to eight trainings with presenters from all over campus.
All ally trainings include an overview of the population, challenges specific to this population, a discussion on intersectionality and its meaning, what it means to have privilege, information about appropriate community resources for the group being discussed, what it means to be an ally and discussion on how to be a good ally for the population being discussed. Allies help create brave spaces where individuals can thrive.
General information about each ally training can be found below. Ally trainings will be announced via email, so watch for campuswide emails from student affairs for announcements about upcoming sessions.
BASIC NEEDS ALLY TRAINING
Participants will gain insight into the experiences of students facing housing and food insecurity, while also becoming familiar with the supportive resources offered by the college and community organizations to assist these students.
Visit the Basic Needs Resources web page.
BLACK STUDENT ALLY TRAINING
Participants will come away with a better understanding of the Black student experience and learn about specific programs and services to support Black students on campus.
Visit the Black Scholars web page.
FIRST GENERATION ALLY TRAINING
Participants will learn about the college experience from the perspective of first-generation college students. Presenters will also share information about available campus resources and techniques to support this population.
FOSTER YOUTH ALLY TRAINING
Students leaving foster care and entering college have the odds stacked against them. They face financial struggles and, frequently find on-campus engagement a challenge. Participants will learn more about how to support foster youth students on campus.
Visit the Foster and Kinship Care Education and Guardian Scholars websites.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ALLY
Participants will gain insight into the experiences of international students and develop a deeper understanding of the unique challenges international students face, including cultural adjustments, language barriers and immigration requirements.
Attendees will gain clarity on how to foster an inclusive and welcoming campus environment as an effective ally and advocate for international students while also learning about various campus resources available to support the academic, social and personal success of students.
Visit the International Student Center website.
LGBTQIA+ ALLY TRAINING
Training covers LGBTQIA+ terminology, intersectionality, discrimination, allyship, and available resources in a safe, inclusive campus for LGBTQIA+ students and employees. Through interactive activities and discussions, participants learn how to support the LGBTQIA+ community.
Visit the Pride Center website.
STUDENT-VETERANS ALLY TRAINING
Participants will learn about the services offered by the Veterans Success Center and about the various challenges that student-veterans face. Information will be provided on how to support student-veterans effectively.
Visit the Veterans Success Center website.
UNDOCU-ALLY TRAINING
Participants will learn about challenges undocumented students face in pursuing higher education, laws and policies affecting them, campus and community resources, and how to support undocumented students effectively.
Visit the UndocuAlly Dream Resource Center web page.