Multiculturalism, Diversity, & Inclusion
The Division works to enhance the multicultural competence of our students by taking an inward focus on our own practices. As we increase the multicultural competence of our staff, we come together to educate our students on Multiculturalism, Diversity, & Inclusion.
Staff Development Efforts
The Division’s Multicultural Work Group supports staff and organizational development in multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusion. This year Division leaders participated in Diversity Dialogue Circles, which provided them with an opportunity to learn with others across the Division. Vice President Rocklin also asked Division of Student Life Directors to identify a multicultural learning goal, as a means of enacting our goal of being a multi-culturally competent organization. The Multicultural Work Group sponsored a Division-wide learning opportunity with keynote speaker, Dr. Georgina Dodge, Chief Diversity Officer, who shared useful information about how important it is to take risks as we learn together about multiculturalism, inclusion, and diversity.
"The Diversity Dialogues were a really great experience. The facilitators did a great job preparing interesting and meaningful discovery for our group. We were able to share our thoughts about bias, learn about other religions and cultures, plus examine the narrowness of some of our specific backgrounds. I really looked forward to the weekly lunchtime meetings, and got to know a number of my colleagues on a much more personal level, which was really satisfying. Especially valuable to me was the self-analysis, discussion of gender, and learning session on bystander intervention. It was a great step along the journey to improved multi-cultural competence for me. I hope to get more great opportunities like this in the future. The interaction with staff from other departments has already been helpful in building collaboration on other projects, and helping me feel like part of a more cohesive Division at UI.”
- Nancy Abram, Manager, IMU Marketing + Design
Multicultural Events
Recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthdate has been a tradition at The University of Iowa since 1969, and the national holiday has been observed through human rights programs coordinated by the Division since its inception in 1986. Several years ago, the MLK Human Rights Week committee began selecting a quote from Dr. King as a focus for the annual celebration. In January 2011, that quote was “Our goal is to create a beloved community.” Activities throughout campus engage faculty, staff, students and community members through lectures, discussions and cultural arts presentations by departments and organizations. The annual convocation is always an opportunity for serious thinking by all of us about issues of social justice, human rights, world peace, and reflection on Dr. King’s legacy.
The Walk It Out-Multicultural Fashion Show was hosted in April 2011 by the University of Iowa Asian American Coalition, Indian Student Alliance, Black Student Union, and fifteen other campus student cultural organizations. Emphasizing diversity and cultural fusion, the event showcased the unique attire of different cultures. By presenting distinct aspects of world clothing, international music, and authentic food, we hope to create a complete cultural experience that both enlightens and enlivens the entire university community.
Widely known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of the largest South Asian festivals of the entire year. It is a time of communal unity and happiness, during which people celebrate the victory of good over evil in a vibrant and colorful atmosphere. Festivities during the 2010 celebration included a catered Indian meal from Zaika restaurant and a show of modern song and traditional Diwali dance stories in the IMU Main Lounge.
MY IOWA
MY IOWA Multicultural and International Student Summit is designed to engage international UI students and increase their awareness and understanding of diversity and leadership on campus. This program strengthens relationships among domestic students of color, international students, and other historically underrepresented groups. Participants work together to create a greater sense of empowerment and ownership as members of the University community.
Cultural Centers
Cultural Centers provide a supportive and inclusive environment and programs that empower students, faculty, staff, and community members to excel in their endeavors, stretch them to experience diversity, engage in activism, make positive choices, and serve their communities.
