KSUnite at K-State Olathe
Thursday, Oct 19 | 5-8PM | Olathe Campus Building
Bringing together students, faculty and staff for a day of reflection and introspection, and to celebrate the diverse perspectives of the K-State Olathe campus community.
This year's event featured a powerful panel of students from India, Nepal, Panama, Vietnam and Ghana to share their unique experiences. Moderated by Shabina Kavimandan from the College of Education, these firsthand insights provided a deeper understanding of cultural gaps across the student body and what is needed to foster inclusivity on campus.
One key takeaway was the recognition of how communication patterns are perceived differently across cultures. The formation of communication groups will provide opportunities to engage in broad-minded conversations about diversity, inclusion and community building.
In the second half of the day, faculty and staff participated in an interactive audit of the campus, examining how the building environment could either support or hinder inclusivity. This reflective exercise generated practical ideas for creating more welcoming and accessible environments, both in terms of physical space and operational practices.
The day also highlighted a broader question — how to unify our various campuses into "One K-State." Faculty and staff left with a renewed commitment to work together toward a shared vision of community, collaboration and continuous learning. When we make cultural differences part of everyday interactions, we help to ensure that all students feel seen and heard and that K-State remains a place where everyone feels welcome.
2024 Agenda
| 4:30-5 p.m. | Registration |
| 5-5:30 p.m. | Light dinner |
| 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Session: Sense of Belonging Lessons in a Suitcase: Intrapersonal Awareness, Empathy and Other-Centered Perspectives |
| 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Session: Professional Development DEIB Skillsets in the United States: Strategies to Navigate Greater Understanding of Changing Demographics and Cultural Communities |
| 7:30-8 p.m. | Reflections and Closing Comments |