Erica Siaulinski, Staff Writer
In honor of Women’s History Month, the SUNY Oneonta campus held multiple events in honor of women and their achievements. One of these events being the “Paint and Sip” event held by the Office of Equality and Inclusion.
The Office of Equality and Inclusion, holds a peer mentor and mentee program. In this program students can offer to be a mentor for another student, and each year student mentors have the opportunity to receive a new mentee to teach and help growth both in and outside the club. This is referred to as the RISE peer mentorship program.
Each letter stands for a different quality. Resilience through encouraging you to express yourself and explore this new place, Inclusion and being invited into different spaces across campus, Supporting you through events and direct membership, Empowering you to succeed inside and outside of the classroom. This opportunity allows for students to help and assist other students to find their place on campus and to grow their connections.
Their website states “The RISE Peer Mentorship Program presents an enriching opportunity to further your aspirations throughout your college experience. The RISE Peer Mentorship program serves to truly build an inclusive campus through our RISE Mentors & Mentees.” The Office of Equality and Inclusion’s unofficial inclusion statement on their website states “The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) welcomes you as you are about to begin one of life’s most rewarding and fulfilling experiences.”
The Office of Equality and Inclusion holds an event each month, open to any students or faculty. Typically the events are held on campus and correspond with the celebration of each month. In the past events surrounding mental health and pride have been held in the months in which those are recognized.
Junior student, Sofia Hartunian joined sophomore year and spoke with me about her own favorite events as a member, “Some of my favorite events were when we had the therapy dog Tiny. And the ones where we do arts and crafts like coloring.” She introduced me to her mentee, Nicolette. Who also spoke a little about her favorite events. “My favorite events are the ones with food!”
More of these events can be found in Campus Connections, so be sure to check out future events!
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