The Where They Do That At? (#WTDTA):  “I’m a Product of an HBCU” discussion was held in the General Classroom Building on Feb. 18.

The purpose of this program was to inform students on issues affecting African American students at HBCUs.

Ferreli McGilvary, coordinator of first year experience, said, “I want students to walk away from the program with a better understanding of their actions, knowing that what you put on Facebook and Twitter has an effect on your future.”

Hosted by the Campus Life Mentors (CLM’s) The program was designed to make students aware of the challenges/issues that black institutions face, why these challenges exist, and what can be done on a student level to impede the progress of these issues.

It was also meant to show that an education from an HBCU is just as good, if not better, than one from any predominantly white institution.

The discussion was created to allow students to voice their opinions on topics such as academic rigor, career readiness, social skills/etiquette, and relationships. “An open discussion gets everyone involved and does not make the student feel as though they are in class. Their thoughts count,” stated McGilvary.

The program discussed how predominantly white institutions have a certain social stature attached to them because of  a certain amount of money, and how the money received affects academics.

Stereotypes in society have caused black institutions to become looked down upon. They also discussed academic readiness.

Crystal Wight, senior, electronics technology major from Raleigh, N.C. stated, “The event #WTDTA was an initiative out of the Office of First Year Experience, hosted by the CLM’s. However, what they [students] fail to recognize is that to every action, there is a reaction.”

“The Office of First Year Experience produces highly anticipated events and programs such as Fall and Spring Welcome Week, New Student Induction Ceremony, Campus Life Mentors.  

The Office of First Year Experience is housed in the Division of Student Affairs in the Office of Student Development,” said Andrea Gentry, a senior animal science major from Columbus, Ohio.

The Office of First Year Experience is designed to help first year and transfer students become acclimated to collegiate life at North Carolina A&T State University.  

Their mission is to provide programs to maximize the student’s potential to achieve academic success and to adjust to the individual and interpersonal challenges presented by collegiate life. The office is currently located in the Memorial Student Union, Room 203.

• Janae Smith