CSULB Selected as Host Site for National “Amplifying Student Voices” Convening
California State University, Long Beach was one of 40 host institutions for the national Amplifying Student Voices (ASV) convening, a hybrid event 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.
This event, which took place Saturday, October 5, brought together more than 400 student leaders across the country to engage in virtual and in-person dialogues on the future of belonging, diversity, and equity in higher education, as well as strategies to create an inclusive democracy. As a host institution, The Beach welcomed 7 student leaders from the campus and offered students an opportunity to discuss their unique perspectives on how to create and sustain diverse and equitable communities. CSULB was selected as a host institution for this conference due to its designation as a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Center. It remains the only campus in the California State University (CSU) system with this recognition.
“I am passionate about bridging the gap between students and the institutions that support them,” said Isabella Palacio, a first-year undergraduate student. “Students, regardless of age or their education level, deserve a platform to discuss their concerns and make suggestions for the betterment of their school, and individual educational journey.”
The student perspectives gathered during this convening will contribute to the ongoing conversation about how higher education can better serve all individuals and communities. They 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.
“Decision-making in higher education and in our communities should be informed by student voices and their engagement in a collaborative process,” said NADOHE President and CEO Paulette Granberry Russell. “This student convening will provide an opportunity for this collaboration to occur.”
AAC&U President Lynn Pasquerella emphasized the importance of this initiative. “Centering student voices and fostering the next generation of leaders committed to safeguarding democracy and promoting a just and equitable future is more urgent than ever,” Pasquerella shared.
Jaydee Phung, a student participant, said this convening presented a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, learn from diverse perspectives, and contribute to discussions that can drive meaningful change on campus. “I am eager to amplify student voices and ensure wellness remains a priority in all aspects of student life,” Phung said. CSULB is proud to lead this effort and prioritize student voices. The Amplifying Student Voices project is supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Lumina Foundation.
