51视频

05/05/2016
By Sheila Eppolito

On a beautiful spring night on the cusp of finals season, more than 50 students filled the Jacqueline and Edward Moloney Ballroom at University Crossing to dine and discuss issues with the room鈥檚 namesake, Chancellor Jacquie Moloney.

Organized by the Student Government Association (SGA), the Chancellor鈥檚 Forum provides direct access to the chancellor and other key campus administrators. Students had the option of submitting questions ahead of time, or participating in an open-mic Q-and-A format.

Freshman exercise physiology major Michaela Lovett of Saugus learned about the event from her adviser, and attended for two reasons.

鈥淔irst, I think it鈥檚 cool that our chancellor is a woman, and I wanted to meet her,鈥� said Lovett. 鈥淚 also am interested in learning more about how North and South Campus students can come together more.鈥�

Moloney kicked off the evening by wishing the students well on their finals, then took questions that 聽centered on the evening鈥檚 theme of inclusion on campus, an issue selected by the SGA.

鈥淲ith race and gender becoming such hot button issues on so many college campuses around the country, it鈥檚 important to understand how 51视频 is promoting inclusion here,鈥� said junior James Christopher, a political science major from Peabody and SGA鈥檚 president.

Moloney reminded attendees of the seriousness with which diversity and inclusion are considered at the university: One of the five pillars of the Strategic Plan is devoted to it. Additionally, she cited the university鈥檚 support for hundreds of student clubs and organizations, increasing staff for the Office of Multicultural Affairs, financial support for scholarships and international experiences and continued, open dialogue with student leaders to address concerns and identify opportunities.

鈥淲e all have a stake in making the university inclusive and diverse,鈥� she said, 鈥渁nd a lot of credit for our significant increase in diversity among students goes to the student leaders in this room, who bring people together in clubs and through events and activities.鈥�

According to Moloney, the university鈥檚 commitment, combined with SGA鈥檚 excellent student programming, has real results.聽

鈥淭hrough ongoing discussions like these, the respect between administrators and students has helped 51视频 steer clear of the divisive and sometimes violent controversies over race and gender seen on other campuses,鈥� Moloney said.

Luis Falc贸n, dean of the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, told students that an inclusive campus depends on an environment where people can exchange ideas freely and respectfully.聽

鈥淲e have a challenge to ensure the education we鈥檙e providing reflects the values of the university,鈥� said Falc贸n. 鈥淪tudents need to be able to debate and talk about issues important to them, and those things change all the time.鈥濃��

Falc贸n also said the university鈥檚 commitment to scholarships 鈥� in the U.S. and internationally 鈥� will continue to ensure diversity on campus.

Other student questions included:聽

Q. How can facilities upgrades support inclusiveness?

础.听Peter Brigham, assistant director of planning, talked about the fast pace of facilities improvements over the past several years, with new, fully accessible buildings; remodeling old buildings to improve access; installation of elevators in Perry and Coburn Halls within three years, and creation of 40 gender-neutral bathrooms on campus.

Q. What can be done to close the gap between North and South Campuses?

A. Brigham said University Crossing has helped bridge the divide between campuses by serving as a central hub. He also talked about upcoming improvements along the river and to canal bridges, which will make the area more attractive, improve access for university buses and increase opportunities for walking and cycling around campus. 聽

Q. How can the gender gap between male and female students be minimized?

A. Moloney said some of the gender gap comes from larger, societal disparities in STEM majors, which are still more heavily populated by males. 鈥淲e鈥檝e recently promoted Julie Chen to Vice Provost for Research, and we鈥檒l continue to explore ways to welcome young women into the STEM fields,鈥� she said.

Q. What other components are key to an inclusive campus?

A. Amy Liss, associate director of Student Activities and Leadership, said an inclusive college environment pays lifelong dividends for students.

鈥淚nclusiveness creates a safe space where students can grow, become skilled in managing conflict and learn how to be welcoming and understanding,鈥� said Liss. 鈥淭hese skills will help students navigate the world long after they leave the university.鈥�

For the last question of the evening, Moloney was asked how she feels about being a woman at the head of the university. 聽

聽鈥淚 love it, it鈥檚 a great privilege,鈥� she said.

The crowd applauded its approval.