Orientation brings resources to students

The second annual Black Student Orientation drew more than 150 people to the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center on Friday night, where black students were introduced to the many resources available to them on campus and throughout Bloomington. 

“It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the second annual Black Student Orientation,” said Audrey McCluskey, director of the center. “We want this to be the continuation of a really enlightening experience.”

The orientation is part of an attempt to give support to black students, some of whom have in the past expressed a feeling of isolation during their first weeks at IU, according to an IU press release.

Organizers brought representatives from various community groups to the event to urge students to get involved and stay in touch with helpful resources throughout their careers at IU.

“We want to acquaint black students with campus resources in order to broaden their horizons and ensure their academic, social and cultural success,” McCluskey said.

The event began when McCluskey asked representatives from each organization to stand and introduce themselves.

Some of the organizations present included the IU Office of Overseas Study, the Incident Teams and the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. The Black Student Union was present, inviting students over to learn more about what they have to offer.   

The Delta Sigma Theta sorority was also at the event, not only with information about the chapter but also with blank voter registration forms, urging students to register to vote if they hadn’t already.

The groups had information tables lining the walls of the center’s Grand Hall, while in the middle of the room there were rows of chairs occupied by black students and community members.

McCluskey said she was pleased by the turnout for the event, noting that so many people were there some were lined up out the door.  

Aside from the information tables, the event also provided advice for black students on how to succeed in college.

IU Provost Karen Hanson urged students to get involved on campus and make the school their own.

“This is your IU,” Hanson said. “I want you to make sure that you own this place.”
Wakisha Malone, coordinator of Academic Advising and Programs, recommended ways students can improve their grades, avoid academic probation and study effectively.  

A panel of five “outstanding students” gave their own advice on how newcomers can balance school with extracurricular activities, stay organized and get internships.

The event also offered the crowd inspiration through faith-based performances. The members of the group Heavenly Anointed Vessels from Second Baptist Church danced and sang in the aisles of the Grand Hall while the audience clapped and sang along. Renee Rose, a member of the Heavenly Anointed Vessels, said the orientation helped black students become acclimated to IU.

“I think since this has been going on, I think that has helped,” Rose said. “I think before this they probably were having a difficult time.”

The orientation focused specifically on the history of Bloomington’s black community. Elizabeth Mitchell, the first black woman to work for the U.S. Postal Service in Bloomington, spoke about this history and why black citizens would have originally been interested in coming to Bloomington. Mitchell also brought post-civil rights movement signs designating “colored entrances” and “colored people only” seating.

Students had a chance to mingle among the organizations and ask questions. Junior Amber Daniel said the event was wonderful.

“I was a freshman three years ago, and it was never like this,” she said.