With the various issues facing the world lately, many people having been trying to make changes for the better, including the Students of Color support group.

“The Students of Color support group is for anyone who needs to express any conflict or issue to share,” Cara Goetz, graduate assistant in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, said. “The talks are half facilitated and half open and is open to anyone from students to staff.”

Aisha Evans, Psychology Doctoral Intern, said the Students of Color support group was designed for students who identify themselves as a racial or ethnic minority.

“Students of Color support group was designed for students who identify themselves as a racial or ethnic minority.”
 Aisha Evans
 Psychology Doctoral Intern

“A lot of time students don’t feel supported and they need a space to talk about unique issues that they might be facing,” Evans said.

The groups have talks open to anything anyone wants to talks about, from local news to world news.

“We usually start by going around and asking group members what might be on their minds and pick an overarching theme. Topics can include how to connect with other students on campus, identifying mentors, creating a community of support and the political climate,” Nidaa Shaikh, Psychology Intern, said.

Goetz’s expectation is to form a community for people of color.

“Our group is to unite and create networks and connections with the students, staff, faculty and so forth,” she said

One of the goals Goetz has is that at the end of these talks, there’s a celebration with the Students of Color support group.

“We are looking forward to fostering a supportive and empowering community for students of color on campus,” Shaikh said.

The first group was 30 people, and they are hoping to expand that number as well.

Evans mentioned the group in the beginning talks about a common theme that everyone wants to talk about or is facing. If no topics are brought up, they start talking about a random topic.

Evans hopes to have between 10 and 15 people in each session.

“I hope students do come, and hopefully that students come and engage in the session, and feel comfortable and express their concerns and views, as well as giving support,” she said.

The sessions are drop in, but people may come and go because most of the sessions occur during class times.

“We want to make the groups and sessions a welcoming environment, and welcome all students of color regardless of their ethical backgrounds,” said Evans.

The next meeting for the Students of Color support group is Feb. 14 at 12 p.m. in 318 Math Science Building. Future group times can be found through Campus Update.