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The Graduate School’s BIPOC Alliance for Excellence (GSBA) hosted a virtual panel, “Navigating Mentorship as a BIPOC Graduate Student,” featuring four faculty members of color who offered students timely advice on mentorship and building alliances as Black, Indigenous and other persons of color. The GSBA’s purpose is to create community, networks and support of BIPOC students.

The Oct. 14 event drew a large crowd of master’s and Ph.D. students across the University’s schools and colleges and included an opportunity for small group discussion. Panelists included Chandice Haste-Jackson, associate teaching professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science and interim director of the First-Year Seminar; David Perez, associate professor of higher education; Shelvia Dancy, professor of practice in broadcast and digital journalism; and Tony Tiongson, associate professor of English.

“All of the panelists shared how the mentoring relationships developed in graduate school have continued to benefit them throughout their careers,” says Phillandra Smith, a Ph.D. candidate in special education. “The relationships we build today can help shape our futures and impact the trajectories of our professional development.”

Panelists emphasized that students should identify the areas where they need support and build allies who can help encourage their growth. Dancy highlighted that not all of her mentors are people of color and encouraged students to be open to relationships that serve different purposes.

The GSBA’s final event of 2021, the is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 3, 4-7 p.m. at the Inn Complete. This is an opportunity for students to gather together for fun and fellowship before finals week. Students are asked to .  As a reminder, all graduate students at the University, from any background, race, gender or other identity are welcome to participate in GSBA events.