TO:              University Community Members

FROM:        Judy Van Wyk, Paul de Mesquita, Melvin Wade, & Mailee Kue

                   Co-Chairs, Diversity Week 2003 Planning Committee

The Multicultural Center in partnership with the Department of Psychology is organizing the 7th Annual URI Diversity Week and invites your proposals.

DESCRIPTION:  Diversity Week consists of a series of lectures, workshops, roundtable discussions, a graduate student symposium, videos; fine art exhibits and coordinated classroom activities. The week also includes celebrations of music, dance, and a Poetry Slam. Last year, we had over 2,500 participants!

PURPOSE:  To provide shared learning opportunities designed to increase awareness, acquire knowledge, and develop competencies that will strengthen our campus community, broaden our understanding of diversity, and promote mutual respect and multicultural sensitivity. By diversity we mean to be inclusive of cultural, ethnic, and racial identity; national origin; language; gender; sexual and affectional identity; age; disability; religion; socio-economic status; and other group distinctions.

PROPOSALS: We invite proposals that have the potential to involve a wide audience of faculty, staff, and students in learning through interaction and meaningful dialogue. We especially welcome proposals for activities that can engage participants in personally meaningful learning opportunities that increase awareness, knowledge, and competencies related to diversity and multicultural issues.

SUBMISSIONS:  Complete attached form and return to the Multicultural Center Office or submit online at http://www.uri.edu/mcc Proposals require only a brief abstract describing the ideas or concept and the desired format. The Diversity Week 2004 Planning Committee will review all submitted proposals and inform presenters of their acceptance. Proposals are invited from students, faculty, staff and external community members.

CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS:  Faculty also are encouraged to participate in Diversity Week by focusing on diversity and multicultural themes in classes which meet that week or by arranging for classes to participate in scheduled activities. For assistance in organizing classroom activities, technical resources, and/or consultation, please contact the Diversity Week Planning Committee.

ASSISTANCE & VOLUNTEERS:  Even if you choose not to submit a program proposal, we welcome your help in supporting Diversity Week as an important community building initiative at URI! If you wish to become involved in any way, please contact Melvin Wade or Mailee Kue at the Multicultural Center (874-2851), Judy Van Wyk, Sociology/Anthropology (874-4146), or Paul de Mesquita, Psychology (874 4216).

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Call 874-2851 or email mcc1@etal.uri.edu