Campus News

Community at Dallas College

How Dallas College Fosters Community

Philip Mull, Contributing Writer

December 1, 2024

Transitioning to college can be tough. Students leave the high school grounds they called home for the last four years, pack up their belongings and move somewhere new and unfamiliar. Sometimes it is easy to feel alone, even when surrounded by a sea of fellow students. To address this issue and provide much needed support networks, student groups on campus seek to foster a sense of community.

Heather Daily, Brookhaven Campus program lead for the LGBTQ+ and Allies student program and the Women’s Empowerment Network, said these groups have existed for several years as part of the schoolwide initiative to provide support to students of all backgrounds and create open, welcoming spaces for them. “The Women’s Empowerment Network [focuses] on leadership development, mentorship and support for students,” Daily said.

With an emphasis on support, leaders in these groups seek to meet students where they are. Because of this, flexibility is key, and both virtual and in-person meetings are held to cater to whichever situation students are in. Daily said, “We work to build a strong community by organizing events that promote a sense of belonging, understanding and connection across Dallas College.”

Gabe Randle, senior manager of the Male Achievement Program, said the initiative is committed to providing support for students. “The program offers students access to academic support, mentorship and a strong sense of community,” Randle said. “The program fosters community through events like the annual Inspire Summit, the monthly barbershop talk events, and various wellness and social gatherings.”

Ultimately, all these opportunities serve the goal of helping students achieve leadership skills, develop personal insights and seek out career opportunities. “Each campus holds regular weekly meetings and events with its program lead, often in person, to create an accessible and interactive environment,” Randle said. They will also occasionally offer virtual events depending on the availability or topic.

For more science and tech-savvy students, leaders at Dallas College also offer an opportunity to join the STEM League. Fabiola Resendiz, coordinator for the STEM Institute and overseer for the STEM League, said one of the opportunities provided for students comes in the form of field trips to universities and companies for employment and workshops to boost students’ skillsets.

“There is also an opportunity for our students to cultivate their leadership and communication skills through our STEM Leadership Academy,” Resendiz said. After completing their time in the academy, students can serve in leadership roles in the organization, helping to connect students with the STEM Institute.

“We partner with various departments on campus to bring both STEM Institute and STEM League resources to as many students as possible,” Resendiz said. Though they are currently looking to make the STEM League more of a hybrid option for students, for the time being, most meetings are held in-person on each campus. To join, Resendiz said students should submit an application on the STEM League webpage.

Whether students apply or not, all are welcome to attend STEM League meetings to get a feel for things. “Most of our students tend to invite other students that are looking first to see if it is something to be part of and ultimately sign up to join,” Resendiz said.

DIRECTORY

LGBTQ+ and Allies

Location (at BHC): S126

Phone Number/Email: 972-860-4344, [email protected]

URL on DC website: https://www.dallascollege.edu/resources/womens-empowerment/pages/default.aspx

BHC Contact (and info): Heather Daily (same as above)

Male Achievement Program

Location (at BHC): S127

Phone Number/Email: Unknown, [email protected]

URL on DC website: https://www.dallascollege.edu/resources/male-achievement/pages/default.aspx

BHC Contact (and info): Jeremiah Stinnet, [email protected]

STEM League