Laurier staff members lead new initiative to help Black and racialized students thrive

March 12, 2024

From mentorship programs and culturally relevant curriculum to dedicated support centres and student groups, postsecondary institutions across Canada are working to create equitable and inclusive environments for Black and racialized students.

At Wilfrid Laurier University, Reina Stewart, a student care coordinator in the Dean of Students Office, and Elizabeth Clarke, a learning strategist on the Student Success team, are leading the development of an initiative to help Black and racialized students thrive through social, academic and wellness programming. The initiative aligns with priorities outlined in Laurier Strategy: 2019-2024 and Laurier’s Strategic Plan for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Below, Stewart and Clarke discuss the initiative and their vision for integrated support for Black and racialized students at Laurier.

Tell us about your plans for a support initiative designed for Black and racialized students.

Reina Stewart (RS): Elizabeth and I see the new initiative blending some of the support we provide students individually in our respective roles. As a student care coordinator, I support students dealing with extenuating personal circumstances. Elizabeth supports students from equity-deserving groups as they transition to university academics and does so in culturally relevant ways. Combining these approaches, the initiative will provide academic and social support such as study sessions, financial planning sessions, how to get involved on campus, and navigating the university system.

We envision the initiative growing to include student health and wellness support, career planning resources, peer connections and mentorship opportunities. Building awareness about the ways Elizabeth and I can support Black and racialized students is key to launching the initiative. If students are interested in participating in the initiative, they can connect with Elizabeth or me via email.

Elizabeth Clarke (EC): We all have a role to play in helping students succeed and the initiative will be a great way to build relationships and community while being thoughtful about the support Black and racialized students want and need. Laurier recognizes the need to support students from Black and racialized communities. The university signed the Scarborough Charter on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion, which demonstrates the university’s commitment to creating a community where everyone feels safe, welcome and supported.

What are some of the challenges Black and racialized students can face during their postsecondary experience?

EC: It is important to note that many racialized students have experienced some sort of trauma, such as generational trauma, either from the impacts of colonialism, poverty or other circumstances. Even when students overcome barriers to accessing postsecondary education, they are faced with new challenges to remain in school.

Finding community is another challenge students from equity-deserving groups face. Many come from larger urban areas with well-established support circles. Being away from home can be difficult, especially when you are looking for a community in which to belong. These challenges can feel very overwhelming and impact students’ decisions to remain in postsecondary. Through the initiative, we want students to know that support and resources are available and that they are valued members of the Laurier community.

RS: When students are dealing with multiple issues – finding community, feeling safe to be their authentic selves, navigating new surroundings – it can affect their mental health, which can negatively impact their academics. Things can spiral downward quickly. That is where staff members like Elizabeth and I can be of assistance. We can connect students with the appropriate wraparound supports to help them be successful.

What campus supports and resources would you like Black and racialized students to know about?

EC: We want students to know that we are here to help and that we have both been Laurier students. We can relate to many of the challenges they are faced with. Students can book appointments with us. We would love to meet you!

In addition to campus supports and resources available to all Laurier students, there are supports to meet the specific needs of Black and racialized students. Shevaungh Thomas is a counsellor in the Student Wellness Centre who supports BIPOC students. Alexis Charles is a career consultant in the Career Centre who supports students from equity-deserving groups, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, racialized and members of the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community. The Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion offers support, education and spaces for students to find community and engage in EDI initiatives.

Getting involved with student clubs and associations is a great way to meet people and get connected. There are also clubs and groups based on interests and hobbies, ethnicity and culture, faith, gender and sexual identity, academics and community initiatives. And if you don’t find a group or association to meet your needs, you can start one.

As Laurier alum, how can you contribute to a student experience that helps Black and racialized students thrive?

EC: Bringing awareness to everything that is available to Black and racialized students is important to me, especially the support and resources offered by staff members with similar lived experiences. We understand what Black and racialized students are going through and there are ways to access help and community in ways that feel safe and comfortable. Helping students make connections with communities off campus can give them a good foundation to build from once they graduate.

RS: Part of our role is to be a voice for Black and racialized students on campus but to also help students advocate for themselves inside and outside the university. For me, letting students know that they don’t have to face challenges or adversity alone is a big priority. There is community at Laurier and people who are passionate about helping students succeed.

How does supporting Laurier students bring you joy?

EC: It is such a blessing to meet students and be part of their journey. I see myself in many of the students I work with. I am grateful that I can be a resource to help them be successful as their authentic selves. I want students to know they are more than enough, and their experiences are valid.

RS: I love seeing students cross the stage at convocation, especially knowing everything that they’ve gone through and how much work, time and energy they put into their success – even when the odds were stacked against them. I love being part of students’ journeys and I get excited about their futures and what they’ll accomplish. The whole process is very rewarding for me.

Student Supports and Resources

Laurier has many resources to support your academic and personal well-being. Each department offers specialized supports to meet your individual needs.

On May 9 and 10, Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo will co-host the 2024 Inter-Institutional Forum of the Scarborough Charter. The forum aims to bridge the gaps in learning and action to build better connections for Black flourishing among stakeholders in higher education. To learn more, please email scarboroughcharter@wlu.ca.