October 16, 2024
Building on KSUnite's impact
On Oct. 3, K-State Olathe celebrated KSUnite, bringing together students, faculty and staff for a day of reflection and introspection, and to celebrate the diverse perspectives of their 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.
Creating an inclusive environment is not just a one-time event; it's an ongoing process that requires a unified effort of integration. Today, the momentum continues on the Salina campus. KSUnite Salina kicks off with breakfast at 7:45 a.m. Throughout the morning, they will offer opportunities to learn and connect as a campus community.