OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY Stillwater, Oklahoma Dr. McClinton

WE ARE OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY Dr. Leon McClinton | Director of Housing and Residential Life Delton Gordon | Assistant Director Patrick Joseph Jr. | Residential Community Educator Olivia Stankey | Assistant Residential Community Educator All

Patrick

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF OPPRESSION? Olivia Something we struggled with in putting on this event was how we individually saw oppression in the world Recent current events at the time were being interpreted differently by both individuals representing minority and majority populations amongst our group

Timeliness of Program Current events at the time of event Climate of the country Dr. McClinton

How a Small Idea Became a Large Scale Event BACKGROUND How a Small Idea Became a Large Scale Event Delton

History of Tunnel at OSU What we have done in the past? The meaning of the Tunnel of Oppression Outcomes of past years events Influence of collaboration Delton Traditional Tunnel were student groups and Resident Assistants had the chance to create their own rooms of oppression. More of a haunted house type of feel Meaning- we wanted students to walk away from event having a better understanding of oppression, be informed, and having gaining the courage to speak up on issues that they see no matter how large or small they are

FORMAT OF TUNNEL Inspiration Behind this innovative approach for the event “Vagina Monologue” – Style Series of original Vignettes as well as live artistic performances Delton One of our AD’s and marketing staff came up with the idea to switch up the Tunnel of Oppression event completely We decided that we needed to go in a different direction and thought that students would take more away from the event if it was modeled after a performance

Sample Vignette- Eating Disorders Olivia

TIMELINE Committee assembled in the Fall Planning began in the Spring Weekly Meetings Vignette Writing Event Structure/Planning Casting Call Collaboration with Partners University Counseling Services Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Working with Performers Weekly Coaching 2 rehearsal times Patrick

Audition Process Patrick Promoted the audition process via posters and word of mouth Dedicated one night to seeing auditions Gathered 3 to 4 judges Patrick

MARKETING 12 Olivia Have images of all posters taped to the wall in the room left side should contain old posters right side should contain new posters

Additional Marketing Social Media Outdoor Displays Mural Displays Email Blasts Teaser Video Olivia

Feedback From The Event “My feelings on stage was more anger than anything. I was so mad I listed so many names of black men and women dead from racial issues and police brutality.” - Theresa Riles | Performer “The Tunnel of Oppression was well performed, emotional journey of discovery about the lives of our students. Great teaching/learning event!” - Dr. Bird, VP of Student Affairs | Viewer “It was very impactful to hear my story in a performance that is meant to open people’s eyes to the struggle people feel in everyday life and hopefully help others get the assistance they need.” - Olivia Stankey | Committee Member ”Beautiful, powerful, real, and raw” - Kelsey Takyi | Viewer Olivia

SUCCESSES & CHALLENGES Attendees were enlightened with true stories and personal accounts Dealing with diverse staff and different ideas Impacts of marketing Learning about oppression and social justice  Addressing privilege  Vignettes  Patrick- focus on successes Olivia- focus on challenges

LEARNING OUTCOMES Currently a Signature event within our Residential Curriculum Our learning outcomes for this year’s event: Residents will explore opportunities to engage with others and articulate similarities and differences that exist Delton

Vignettes covering wider array of topics WHERE WE ARE NOW Panels and Dialogues Growth in Partnership Vignettes covering wider array of topics Patrick and Olivia

QUESTIONS? Dr. Leon McClinton Delton Gordon Patrick Joseph Jr. leon.mcclinton@okstate.edu Delton Gordon delton.gordon@okstate.edu Patrick Joseph Jr. jopatri@okstate.edu Olivia Stankey rlacademics@okstate.edu Department Of Housing and Residential Life 405.744.5592 reslife.okstate.edu reslife@okstate.edu Facebook | osureslife Twitter | okstatereslife Instagram | okstatereslife