2023-2024 PROGRAMS
All events are subject to change. Please check the DLDI Calendar of Events for updates.
All programs are open to members of the Division of Student Affairs.
SPRING 2024
THURSDAY, MARCH 28
DLDI Coffee and Conversation Meet-up
Discussion Topic: African American/Black Women Leaders in Higher Education. What's
Going On?
3:30pm to 5:00pm
UNITI Cultural Center, Stony Brook Union Room 113
Facilitator: Cheryl Chambers, EdD
Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Division of Student Affairs, Stony Brook University
Please RSVP here by 3/21.
The resignation of Dr. Claudine Gay as President of Harvard University and the tragic
death of Dr. Antoinette Candia-Bailey, former Vice President of Student Affairs at
Lincoln University prompted a national discussion on African American/Black women
leaders in Higher Education. During this "meet-up" we will explore the lived experiences
of members of this group of professionals and ways we can contribute to their sense
of belonging in the workplace. All Student Affairs members are welcome to participate
in this engaging conversation. Coffee/tea/beverages and refreshments will be available.
Please RSVP here.
THURSDAY, MAY 9
DLDI Year-End Social
4:00pm to 6:00pm
The Shore Club (SAC 169)
Join us for some relaxation, social networking, and delicious ethnic food! All Student Affairs staff are welcome.Hosted by the DLDI Advisory Team. Open to all. Please RSVP here.
SUMMER 2024
DLDI MID-SUMMER MEET-UP (June, Date TBA)
DLDI Coffee and Conversation Meet-up (Topic: TBA)
3:30pm to 5:00pm
UNITI Cultural Center, Stony Brook Union 113
Join your colleagues for engaging in conversations about contemporary topics in Student
Affairs and Higher Education in a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. All staff
are welcome. Refreshments included. Please check back for program information and
the RSVP link.
PAST PROGRAMS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
DLDI Information Session (virtual)
2:00pm to 3:00pm
An overview of the Diversity Leadership Development Initiative (DLDI) for Student
Affairs educators interested in learning how this program can enhance their professional
development. After registering, you will receive information on how to join the
meeting.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
DLDI Student Affairs Professional Competencies Overview (hybrid)
1:30pm to 2:30pm. UNITI Cultural Center, Stony Brook Union 113 (in-person)
The DLDI Advisory Team will provide an overview of the ten Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators, developed by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and the National
Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), two prominent professional
organizations in Student Affairs and Higher Education. The Student Affairs NASPA/ACPA
Assessment Tool (survey) will be introduced for participating staff to complete. The
survey is designed to give participants insights about their proficiency in the
competency areas and identify areas for future professional development.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12
DLDI Mixer and New Staff Welcome Event
3:00pm to 5:00pm
Student Affairs Conference Room (SAC 223)
Let's come together for an afternoon of social networking and fun! All Student Affairs
professionals, including our newest colleagues, are invited to this gathering to get
acquainted and learn more about DLDI. Giveaways and light refreshments included! Hosted
by the DLDI Advisory Team. Open to all.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16
The Myth of Meritocracy and Higher Education
3:30pm to 5:00pm
UNITI Cultural Center, Stony Brook Union 113
Facilitator: Usama Shaikh, EdD, Assistant Chief Diversity Officer
Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Intercultural Initiatives; Stony Brook University
Program Description: The United States is known as "the land of opportunity." It is widely viewed that
anyone can "pull themselves up by their bootstraps" and achieve success if they work
hard and persevere. In higher education, this viewpoint promotes a meritocratic perspective
that excludes other factors, such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc. You
are invited to attend this interactive program to learn and share about the impacts
of meritocracy as a social system, how it is applied to higher education, and how
Student Affairs educators can effect change within their institutions. Includes light
refreshments and social networking until 5:30pm.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5
My Career Aspirations and Belonging
3:30pm to 5:00pm
UNITI Cultural Center, Stony Brook Union 113
Facilitator: Christina Vargas, MS
Chief Diversity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Suffolk County Community College
Faculty, Higher Education Administration Program, School of Professional Development
Program Description: Inclusive leadership in a diverse work environment is essential for the success of
an office, department, or organization. The exclusionary treatment of colleagues can
create unwelcoming spaces and cause negative feelings in the workplace. This interactive
program will examine how Student Affairs leaders can promote genuinely inclusive work
environments where all staff have equal access, feel welcome, and have a strong sense of belonging. Includes
light refreshments and social networking until 5:30pm. Come join us!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14
Student Affairs DLDI Holiday Hangout
4:00pm to 6:00pm
The Shore Club (SAC 169)
Season's Greetings, Season's Eating! You are invited to join your colleagues as we
celebrate the Holidays. The DLDI Team will host an afternoon of relaxation and fun.
There will be music, karaoke, games, and assorted holiday refreshments. Come join
us. All are welcome!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8
DLDI Spring Mixer & Networking Event
4:00pm to 6:00pm
The Shore Club (SAC 169)
A time for socializing and networking in a relaxing atmosphere with music and light
refreshments. All Student Affairs professionals, including our newest colleagues,
are invited to this gathering to get acquainted and learn more about DLDI's plans
to "Bring the Spring!" Raffles for giveaways included. Hosted by the DLDI Advisory
Team. Open to all Student Affairs members.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29
DLDI Coffee and Conversation Meet-up
Discussion Topic: Our Identities and Careers in Student Affairs
3:30pm to 5:00pm
SB Union Room #205-45 (Student Life Conference Room)
Facilitator: KarianWright, MBA, Assistant Dean for Diversity & Inclusion, The Graduate School and Director, Center
for Inclusive Education, Stony Brook University
This first "meet-up" will be a time for us as members of Student Affairs to reflect
upon and share how our socio-cultural identities and backgrounds shape our practices
as professionals and influence our workplace experiences. All Student Affairs members
are welcome to participate in this engaging discussion. Coffee/tea/beverages and refreshments
will be available.