Office Of Social Equity
West Chester University
13/15 University Avenue
West Chester, PA 19383
Phone: 610-436-2433
Fax: 610-436-3164
Calendar (Fall 2009)
The WCU FOR ALL OF US Diversity Lecture Series is offered to the increasingly complex and diverse West Chester University community to heighten our ability to understand and appreciate our differences and to create a respectful environment. The WCU FOR ALL OF US Series is sponsored by the Office of Social Equity.
Tuesday, September 1 - Friday, October 9
Academic Quad, Next to Ruby Jones Hall
Hate Kills: From Intolerance to Understanding
Photojournalist Lynn Johnson has created an all-weather, outdoor exhibit of nearly life-sized photographs representing hate crimes committed in the U.S. This exhibit will raise awareness about hate crimes and asks the community to be accountable to one another across lines of race, religion, sexuality, gender, and other differences. Please contact Dr. Adale Sholock, Director, Women's Center at 610-436-2111 or ASholock@wcupa.edu.6pm-7:30pm, Tuesday, September 8
Sykes Union, Room 255
How to Avoid Being Phresh Meat: Transition to College Life
Please join us for a panel discussion with WCU's faculty & staff as they share their thoughts on avoiding student pitfalls while navigating through college life. Reception immediately following the program in the Multicultural Center, Sykes Union, Room 003.Sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha and OMA
The Big Read at WCU
Sun, Stone and Shadows: 20 Great Mexican Short Stories
- Tuesday, September 8, 6 p.m., Ballrooms, Sykes Student Union - Kick-Off Mexican themed dinner with guest speaker, local artist Adrian Martinez.
- October (date TBA), Nacho Night at WCU with dramatic reading and book discussion, FHG Library, Staff Lounge.
- Monday, November 16, 7:30 p.m., Philips Autograph Library - Keynote Speaker, Juan Gonzales, activist journalist, host of Democracy Now!, and author of Harvest of Empire.
- Thursday, December 3, 7 p.m., Chester County Historical Society, La Posadas, free lecture, open to the public.
Diversity Lunch Time Discussions
Multicultural Center, 003 Sykes Student Union- Thursday, September 10, Noon - 1 p.m. Racial Profiling: Does It Really Exist or Is It Just a Bunch of Hype? with Lt. Ray Stevenson, Office of Public Safety
- Wednesday, September 23, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Can You Continue to Blame the System Now That We Have an African-American President? with Professor Mildred Joyner, Department of Social Work
- Wednesday, October 14, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Hispanic or Latino: Does It Really Make a Difference? with Dr. Idna Corbett, Dean, Undergraduate Studies and Support Services
- Tuesday, October 27, Noon - 1 p.m. Give Back! Become a Mentor in Philadelphia Through City Year Organization with Ms. Theresa Ehrenreich, City Year Outreach Coordinator
- Monday, November 9, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. White Privilege: Does It Truly Exist? with Dr. Adale Sholock, Director of the Women's Center
Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Please contact Ms. Tammy Hilliard-Thompson at 610-436-2562 or THilliard-Thompson@wcupa.edu.
Wednesday, September 16, 2 p.m.
252 Sykes Student Union
Lunchtime Lecture with Dr. N. Kim Doan,
Assistant Professor, Department of Special Education
Asian Americans - The Model Minority?
Asian Americans are positively represented as small business owners, high school valedictorians, and even on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew. As compared to other minority groups, they are often referred to as the "model minority." Dr. Doan will facilitate a discussion of the model minority label.September 15 - October 15
Hispanic Heritage Month
- Friday, September 18, 7:30 p.m. - Latin Music in the Ballrooms of Sykes Student Union
- Friday, September 18 - Saturday, September 19 - Latin American & Latino Studies Conference, Sykes Student Union
- Thursday, September 24, Martin Espada Lecture and Poetry Reading. Lecture: 4:30 p.m. Main Auditorium. Reading: 7 p.m. Main Auditorium. Co-sponsored by the Poetry Center.
- Sunday, September 27, Student Trip to Puerto Rican Day Parade - Philadelphia.
Please contact Dr. Linda Stevenson, Department of Political Science, 610-436-3162 or LStevenson@wcupa.edu.
Tuesday, September 22, 7:30 p.m.
Philips Autograph Library
Panel on the Holocaust and Public History
Guest speakers: Dr. Dieter Kuntz, historian at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Mr. Daniel Reich, director of education at the St. Louis Holocaust Museum, and Mr. Igor Kotler, formerly of the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City. Sponsored by the Holocaust and Genocide Education Center. Please contact Dr. Jonathan Friedman at 610-436-2972 or JFriedman@wcupa.edu.Wednesday, September 23, 2 p.m.
209 Sykes Student Union
Is It Harassment or Is It Free Speech?
We are all aware that the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects free speech, but when does free speech cross the line and become harassment? When are groups espousing unpopular opinions constitutionally protected, and when is that protection outweighed by laws that prohibit harassment? Come and join us for what promises to be a lively discussion.International Festival
- Saturday, September 19, 7:30 p.m. - Chinese Mid-Autumn Gala Concert, Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building
- Monday, October 5, 11 a.m. - Art Exhibit by Costa Rican Artist Hugo Sanchez-Bonilla, Opening Reception, Francis Harvey Green Library. Exhibit continues through October 10.
- Monday, October 5, 7 p.m. - Do Cairde School of Irish Dance and Spring Ford Middle School African/Salsa Dance Performances, Theater, Sykes Student Union
- Tuesday, October 6, 2 p.m. - Art Workshop with the renowned Costa Rican Artist, Hugo Sanchez-Bonilla, Mitchell Hall.
- Wednesday, October 7, 4 p.m. - Round Table Discussion on Free Trade and its Impact on Latin America, with Dr. Fernando Sanchez, Costa Rican Senate Majority Leader, Lower Level Conference Room, Philips Memorial Building.
- Thursday, October 8, 11 a.m. - Russian Cultural Exhibit, Francis Harvey Green Library.
- Thursday, October 8, 4 p.m. - Round Table Discussion on Russia, Lower Level Conference Room, Philips Memorial Building.
- Thursday, October 8, 7 p.m. - International Dinner, Francis Harvey Green Library.
Please contact Dr. Ana Sanchez, Department of Foreign Languages, 610-436-3433 or ASanchez@wcupa.edu.
Breaking Bread Cultural Dinner Series
4:30 - 6:30 p.m
Traditions Dining Hall
- Friday, September 18, Do You Truly Know Where You Come From? DNA Does Not Lie! with Dr. Anita Foeman, Professor, Communication Studies Department
- Friday, October 9, Celebrating la Herencia del Latino, with Ms. Tammy Hilliard-Thompson, Assistant Director, Office of Multi Cultural Affairs
- Friday, November 13, The Art of Being Native American, with Dr. Richard Voss, Professor, Department of Social Work
Tuesday, September 29, 12:30
210 Sykes Student Union
Lunchtime Lecture with Mr. Alex Proctor
Teaching English in China: A Student's Experience
During summer 2009, student Alex Proctor went to China to teach English to two groups of college instructors. He has gained teaching experience, practiced his cross cultural communication skills, learned about Chinese culture, and visited major Chinese cultural and historical sites. Alex made friends from China and other countries and also joined the university faculty's basketball team and practiced his skills every day with his Chinese colleagues. Alex will share his views of why people think differently and other aspects of this unforgettable experience.Thursday, October 1, 11 a.m.
252 Sykes Student Union
Lunchtime Lecture with Dr. Wei Wei Cai,
Professor, Department of Elementary Education
Views and Perspectives Beyond the Borders: Global Issues
When discussing global issues, people often take the perspective formed by their own experiences. However, exploring multiple views helps one gain a full understanding of issues. Together we will explore perspectives beyond the U.S. borders, perspectives that have had little discussion. If you are interested in learning about why you should adopt a slow food menu, or why European countries ban the growing or importing food products while they are on the supermarket shelves in the U.S., or issues of clean water resources, e-trash dumping and other environmental issues, and perspectives on causes of poverty, this is the right session for you. We will take the global perspective to truly understand some world issues.Tuesday, October 6, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
257 Sykes Student Union
LGBTQA Ally Training
Offered by LGBTQA Services, this program will prepare participants to be allies to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered students and employees. Questions or reservations may be made by contacting LGBTQA Services at 610-436-3551.Wednesday, October 7, 5 - 8 p.m.
McKinney Gallery, Mitchell Hall
"Steel Age" and "An Era of Anointment"
Opening Reception for the photography of Andi Yang, depicting China under Communist rule. The exhibit continues through November 6.
Wednesday, October 7, 7 p.m.
Philips Memorial Library
Mental Health Awareness Speaker, Jordan Burnham
As a high school senior, Jordan Burnham had everything to live for. He was popular, had good grades and was a star athlete. However, Jordan secretly battled depression. As pressures mounted, Jordan attempted to take his own life by jumping from a 9th story window. Jordan's miraculous survival propelled him to begin to deal with his depression and learn healthier coping mechanisms. This program will educate the audience about depression, suicide and substance abuse. Please contact Kate Pawlowski, Chair, Mental Health Awareness Committee, 610-436-1002 or KPawlowski@wcupa.edu.Thursday, October 8, 1 p.m.
210 Sykes Student Union
Recruiting a Diverse Workforce Begins with the Search Committee
All hiring managers and search committee chairs will want to attend this program to learn about the latest developments in hiring procedures. Please register by calling the Office of Social Equity at 610-436-2433.Wednesday, October 14, Noon
252 Sykes Student Union
Lunchtime Lecture with Dr. Bessie Lee Lawton,
Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Studies
Educating the Children of Interracial Couples
Dr. Lawton will present a candid discussion of the challenges faced by interracial couples as they navigate educational decisions for their children.Thursday, October 15, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
The Women's Center, 220 Lawrence Center
Sexual Harassment on Campus
In cooperation with the Women's Center, this workshop is a discussion of sexual harassment: what it is, and how to deal with it on campus and in society.
Thursday, October 15, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
254 Sykes Student Union
LGBTQA Ally Training
Offered by LGBTQA Services, this program will prepare participants to be allies to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered students and employees. Questions or reservations may be made by contacting LGBTQA Services at 610-436-3551.Monday, October 19, 7:30 p.m.
Theater, Sykes Student Union
MILK
Panel discussion and viewing of the film MILK, the story of Harvey Milk, and his struggles as a gay activist who fought for gay rights and became California's first openly gay elected official. Sponsored by the Holocaust and Genocide Education Center. Please contact Dr. Jonathan Friedman at 610-436-2972 or JFriedman@wcupa.edu.Tuesday, October 20, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ballrooms, Sykes Student Union
Study Abroad Fair
Travel while earning college credits. Learn a new language. Learn about another culture. Enhance the value of your degree. Enhance your employment opportunities. Come to the Study Abroad Fair and meet representatives from the variety of Study Abroad Programs who will discuss the application process, costs, and answer your questions. Sponsored by the Center for International Programs, McKelvie Hall, 610-436-3515 or studyabroad@wcupa.edu.Thursday, October 22, 11 a.m.
252 Sykes Student Union
Lunchtime Lecture with Dr. Lei Zhu,
Assistant Professor, Department of Economics and Finance
The Study of Vietnamese Small Business Owners in America: Their Patterns of Strategic Decisions
This study examines some critical motives for Vietnamese Americans to become business owners, the factors leading to their success, and the problems encountered when opening and running their businesses.Wednesday, October 28, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
257 Sykes Student Union
LGBTQA Ally Training
Offered by LGBTQA Services, this program will prepare participants to be allies to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered students and employees. Questions or reservations may be made by contacting LGBTQA Services at 610-436-3551.Wednesday, October 28, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Theater, Sykes Student Union
Darfur In Crisis
Featured speakers, Kathryn Harrison and Ibrahim Hamid of the Darfur Alert Coalition, will share a brief video on the Darfur situation followed by a discussion of their personal experiences and a presentation on ways in which the public can help to promote peace and justice in Darfur. Sponsored by the WCU Contemporary Issues Committee and the United Methodist Church of Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, Church and Society Work Team. Please contact Dr. Arlene Rengert at ARengert@wcupa.edu.Wednesday, November 4, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
257 Sykes Student Union
LGBTQA Ally Training
Offered by LGBTQA Services, this program will prepare participants to be allies to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered students and employees. Questions or reservations may be made by contacting LGBTQA Services at 610-436-3551.Thursday & Friday, November 5 & 6
Sykes Student Union
PASSHE Women's Consortium Conference
Creativity and Change: Women Shaping the Future
The annual PASSHE Women's Consortium conference is designed to address issues and concerns facing women students, staff, and faculty. We hope that you will join in the conversation. Please contact Dr. Nancy Rumfield at 610-436-2491 or NRumfield@wcupa.edu.Monday, November 9, 7:30 p.m.
The Women's Center, 220 Lawrence Center
Speaking Up About Peer Sexual Harassment
In cooperation with the Woman's Center, this workshop will present a discussion of student-to-student sexual harassment and how to address it on campus.
Tuesday, November 10, 3 p.m.
Ballrooms, Sykes Student Union
Student Roundtable Discussion:
Are You Ready for a Global Job Market?
This roundtable discussion will provide a forum for University students to discuss issues of global perspectives needed for a diverse workforce. It will allow participants to hear various points of view, meet students from across the campus, and come together to discuss life on campus, in the classroom and on the job. Please register with the Office of Social Equity at 610-436-2433.Tuesday, November 10, 3 - 4:30
209 Sykes Student Union
LGBTQA Ally Training
Offered by LGBTQA Services, this program will prepare participants to be allies to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered students and employees. Questions or reservations may be made by contacting LGBTQA Services at 610-436-3551.Wednesday, November 11
Ballroom C, Sykes Student Union
Wounded Warriors: Traditional Healing and Indigenous Knowledge;
Implications for Integrative Healthcare
Ken Oliver Crow Eagle, Physician's Assistant and Medicine Man from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, will discuss traditional and Native American medical perspectives.- 10 a.m. Introduction to Traditional Lakota Perspectives of the World
- 11 a.m. Traditional Lakota Perspectives on Health and Wellness
- 1 p.m. Traditional Lakota Perspectives on Illness and Healing
- 3 p.m. Traditional Lakota Perspectives on Service, Commitment, and Community
Monday, November 16, 7:30 p.m.
Main Hall Auditorium
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Lecture by Dr. Ilan Pappe, University of Exeter
Sponsored by the Holocaust and Genocide Education Center. Please contact Dr. Jonathan Friedman at 610-436-2972 or JFriedman@wcupa.edu.Thursday, December 10, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Lawrence Dining Hall
Kwanzaa Celebration
Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates family, community, and culture. This holiday is a living cultural tradition that reflects the best of African thought and practice in its reaffirmation of the dignity of the human person in community and culture. This program will present an opportunity to learn about the celebration of Kwanzaa as well as West Chester University's rich culture, community and family. Co-sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Residence Life and Housing.Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available on request by calling the Office of Social Equity at 610-436-2433. Please make your needs known as soon as possible, but not less than one week in advance of the event, to allow time to make the necessary arrangements.
If you would like further information on any of our programs, or if you would like to register for any of the presentations in our series, please call West Chester University's Office of Social Equity at 610-436-2433.
