In response to Adam Smith’s “I-Connect, ACE IT half-hearted attempts to fix real problems” on Wednesday, I address two of many misguided assertions concerning the I-Connect Diversity and Inclusion Workshops. He makes a concerning point about his choice to join the Greek system as one of more than 6,000 fellow students who have “separated” themselves from the student body. 

Rather, 6,000 individuals like Smith are unified via the Greek system, promoting inclusion in togetherness. This same principle extends to RSOs, service, athletics and the like, which allow individuals to express themselves, connect with others and share common interests in collaborative environments. 

Joining Greek life is not an active decision to segregate oneself from others on our campus. It stems from the desire to establish mutual support, respect and belongingness among our communities. This is the message that I-Connect enthusiastically means to convey.

Concerning his issues with the workshop design “sorely lacking in both style and substance”, I encourage Smith and all students to provide feedback to the program for improvement. I am a proud facilitator for I-Connect. We seek to create meaning for you. Feedback surveys are emailed to all participants in the I-Connect program. These exist for an obvious reason. If Smith assumes there is little to be gained by providing feedback to improve the workshop now that he has completed it, I invite him to reflect upon the effort invested in publishing his complaints in The Daily Illini. 

Smith’s readers form biases surrounding ACE IT and I-Connect, but they are not forming serious addresses to the administrators of these programs who are dedicated to improving their quality. 

Create change and allow others to help you implement change throughout our campus community.

Alicia Babich,

Sophomore in LAS