Eastern Michigan University’s Honors students will soon have the opportunity to engage in a new community within the Honors College. A black Honors student organization, official name to be determined, will offer a support system for students in minority groups.
Sophomore Brandie Bentley, a social work major and Honors College recruiting fellow, said that after doing research, she found that reaching diverse populations within Honors programs is a nationwide problem.
“I think that there is a lack of black students in college period,” Bentley said. “At Eastern, we’re pretty diverse demographically but in the Honors College our demographics are smaller so there’s a really small African-American population.”
Honors College graduate assistant Lacey Hoffman gave Bentley support and guidance though the developing process. She said that Honors students have repeatedly expressed a need for a support group.
“In advising appointments students will sometimes voice an interest in a certain type of support and you’ll see the same ones occurring,” Hoffman said. “I’ve had students say ‘I want to meet more black Honors students,’ and that’s where it started. We’ve been doing some research into the background of the Honors College and our recruitment and retention rates, and we thought that is something that could use a bit more attention.”
Sophomore Allante Moon, health administration major and member of the Honors recruiting team, is a prospective member of the organization. She said there is a need for more diverse classes.
“This will help everyone feel comfortable together,” Moon said. “We usually see in Honors classes only one race is represented. Having this organization within the Honors College would really help with us feel more comfortable with ourselves.”
The organization, while geared toward meeting the needs of African-American students, isn't exclusive to just one group.
“My goal is to make everyone culturally aware,” Bentley said. “Being in a diverse setting is not just good for people of color, it’s good for other students as well. I realize that some people have never had that interaction, and don’t know how to interact with people of different cultures. A lot of times people don’t get out of their comfort zone.”
Hoffman said that multi-cultural awareness is a necessity for students.
“All students need to be accustomed to interacting with students from different backgrounds and communicating effectively and respectfully,” Hoffman said. “Any opportunity an undergraduate can get for this is beneficial.”
Bentley said creating a support system helps to build a community.
“There are other students of color within the Honors College and this can help with making those connection points so people can build off those relationships,” Bentley said.
The group will serve as a safe space for minority students to share their experiences.
“If anyone has felt singled out and want to talk to other people who have felt the same way, they should definitely join this group,” said Anna Lyles, a sophomore computer science major.
The organization will collaborate with other established organizations on cultural activities and hold social events like movie nights.
“A lot of times students go through college and they don’t find that place where they connect,” said Bentley. “If you're looking for a place where you can be open-minded and expand your horizons, this would be a good spot.”
For more information, contact Brandie Bentley at bbentle@emich.edu.
