CSM Students Amplify Their Voices at National Convening

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) participated as one of 40 host institutions for the nationwide Amplifying Student Voices Convening this month. The hybrid event brought together more than 400 student leaders to engage in both virtual and in-person conversations about the future of belonging, diversity and equity in higher education, and about strategies for fulfilling the promise of an inclusive democracy. 

For six hours, a mix of community college and four-year university students contributed to shared online visioning boards and then discussed issues ranging from the definition of democracy – on and off campuses – and how to improve the college experience for all learners.

“It was really interesting to talk about the definition of democracy, and then transition to how those descriptions tie into our using our own voices to talk with each other and with CSM faculty and leadership,” shared CSM Communication student Kathryn Dolan, 19, who serves as the vice president of the Prince Frederick Campus Association. “The conference was a safe space. I have so many things that I am thankful for – and grateful for – at CSM, but sometimes we students have ideas that could make things better and this conference helped give us the confidence to offer constructive feedback to bridge those disconnects. As student leaders, we need to also see ourselves as mentors helping new students.”

“We walked away talking about what we could do at our college to make things better for students,” echoed CSM Psychology student Markala Pharr, 18, who also serves the Prince Frederick Campus Association as its secretary.

Pharr, who came to CSM as an Early College student last academic year during her senior year at Huntingtown High School, said her goal now as a first-year student is to reach back and mentor Early College students.

“We had great conversations about how to improve and foster a better engaged environment between teachers and students,” Pharr shared. “Everyone wants the same thing – to ensure that every student feels welcome and knows where to go to get their questions answered. I plan to connect with 10 Early College students and have weekly check-ins with them to see how they are doing.”

Joining Dolan and Pharr to represent CSM at the convening were Vice President of Student Equity and Success (SES) Dr. Tracy Harris, SES Assistant Director Destini Courtney, and fellow students Angelica Aguilar, Dashawn Rustic, Diante Keita, Jerbauri McFadden, Lotanna Okoye, Melvin Arana Lopez, Micheal York, and Jakori Chark. The group gathered in person Oct. 5 at the La Plata Campus to participate in the national online discussion.

The event was organized by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) in partnership with the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) and the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Centers.

Student perspectives gathered during the event contributed to the ongoing conversation about how higher education can better serve all individuals and communities. This input will also inform the work of NADOHE and AAC&U and the efforts of their members, as well as business, community, and nonprofit leaders seeking to advance more equitable and inclusive environments.