KDIN student org celebrates diversity
Everyone longs for a warm, welcoming environment.
Such a place exists within the School of Kinesiology. Students in the Kinesiology Diversity & Inclusion Network are working to build and nurture a group where people come together, hang out, share a meal, and understand what makes each person unique.
KDIN, as President Taylor Selfridge and Vice-President Kristal McGreggor call it, is a student-run organization open to all Kinesiology undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students. Their goal is simple: support diversity and inclusion within the School of Kinesiology and organize student training events and service-learning opportunities. KDIN’s mission is to bring students together to find those common similarities through conversation.
“That’s pretty much it, to have space where students can feel a sense of belonging and an environment where they can just be themselves, regardless of their background and different identities,” said McGreggor, a Sport Management PhD candidate.
While KDIN members come from different backgrounds and have varying interests, McGreggor pointed out one obvious similarity - everyone’s degree is housed under Kinesiology. “But deep down we also have other values and beliefs that are similar,” she continued. “This space allows us to have conversations and really see people, not just based on the color of their skin, but for who they are and learn more about them.”
Selfridge and McGreggor agreed that increasing the organization’s awareness is their top priority, so they will be hosting a Chat ‘N Chew on Thursday, October 10, at 5:30pm at 555 S. Forest (garden-level student space). This will be an opportunity for students to learn more about the organization and provide feedback. Food will be provided.
“We just want them to come out, hear what we have to say, and see if it’s something they want to be a part of,” McGreggor said. “We’re here to hear what students have to say and create that environment where they feel welcomed.”
Other events include a movie night in Bickner Auditorium on October 24, an outing to the U-M women’s volleyball match against Minnesota on Friday, October 25, a trivia night, and a yoga event.
KDIN opened Selfridge’s eyes to different backgrounds since coming to U-M to complete her master’s degree in Sport Management after graduating from Mississippi Valley State University. She said it was important to learn from different cultures, especially in an expanding sports society where more cultures are being recognized.
McGreggor, who came to U-M from Hampton University in Virginia, agreed.
“I’m learning to take the time to learn more about people, what’s unique about them, and how can I learn from them,” she said. “When I go into the professional world, I have to learn to work with other people. And in order for that organization to thrive or to grow, at some point I have to learn what is unique about the people I work with, what is it about their upbringing, their beliefs, their values...that can bring value to the company so that the organization can flourish.”
KDIN has also instilled a passion in Selfridge and McGreggor to learn more about diversity and inclusion. They both have enrolled in the Rackham Professional Development DEI Certificate Program, which is open to all University of Michigan graduate and postdoctoral students. The program is designed to prepare participants to work in a diverse environment while fostering a climate of inclusivity.
To find out more about KDIN, follow the group on Instagram at KDIN_UMich. If you have questions, please email Kristal McGreggor at [email protected].