Campus Connection

A listening session Wednesday, Feb. 24, aims to better understand multicultural, race or ethnic issues happening across campus that affect the learning environment and workplace. Anyone who would like to share their thoughts is welcome to attend the session anytime between 3-6 p.m. in Cameron Hall of Nations, Centennial Hall. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences in roundtable discussions or in writing. UWL’s Joint Multicultural Affairs Committee is hosting the session. The 14-member group of faculty, staff and students felt it was important to get broader input regarding these issues, says Eddie Kim, assistant professor of mathematics and a member of the committee. The committee is particularly interested in hearing from more faculty members. Kim says he hopes the listening session will create a place for honest discussions. “Everyone’s experiences are valued,” says Kim. “After hearing people’s experiences with race relations or multicultural incidents, the hope is that we can create a direction for the committee and help set the landscape as far as future priorities for the campus.” Joint Multicultural Affairs Committee helps advise campus officials as well as UWL’s Office of Multicultural Student Services on issues related to diversity and inclusion. It also serves as a liaison between various diversity and inclusion groups on campus. An example of the type of racial, ethnic and multicultural issue brought before the committee in the past is whether UWL should have a chief diversity officer. Kim anticipates that this item will come up again during the listening session. Light refreshments will be served, sponsored by the Office of the Chancellor.