Join The University of Olivet for meaningful conversation about the world we live and learn in at an upcoming Lecture and Symposium event. The OC mission and compact outline the ways in which an Olivet education includes not just a course of study in the classroom, but rather ways in which students can transform into global citizens, capable of understanding and creating positive change in the world. The Lecture and Symposium events are just a few ways OC provides students the opportunity to experience diversity education and training, fostering both individual and social responsibility.
Crisis, Conflict and Reconciliation: A Dialogue Between Faiths
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Mott Auditorium
A three-person panel presentation and discussion with a rabbi, an imam and an Anglican minister, moderated by Dustin Byrd, associate professor of humanities.
Although we live in an increasingly secular society, the world religions continue to form the worldviews, morals, and actions of millions of people. Because of this, the study of religion continues to be an important part of a liberal arts education. In this “trialogue,” representatives from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam will discuss a variety of issues, including the tension between the world religions, the struggle of being religious within a secular society, their spiritual traditions, and how they can work together for a more peaceful society.
Communicating with Honesty and Integrity in a Diverse World: Confronting Microaggressions
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Mott Auditorium
This is an interactive event on identifying and confronting microagressions, and will be delivered by Melanie Morrison, Ph.D., and Dionardo Pizana.
Melanie Morrison, Ph.D., is the founder and executive director of Allies for Change, a national network of social justice educators and trainers. She is a seasoned educator and author with 30 years of experience designing and facilitating transformational group process. She has provided training and consultation for a wide variety of educational and nonprofit organizations.
Dionardo Pizaña is the diversity and personnel specialist for Michigan State University Extension with 25 years of experience developing, teaching, and facilitating diversity education programs. He is a nationally recognized multicultural consultant, speaker, and trainer whose work is grounded in his conviction that deep and lasting institutional change requires a strong commitment to “working on oneself” while nurturing authentic relationships across difference.
Microaggressions are verbal, nonverbal, and environmental insults or indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate derogatory or negative messages to people based solely upon their marginalized group membership. Building on Olivet’s longstanding commitment to nurture critical thinkers in an inclusive and culturally diverse environment, this workshop will assist students in recognizing, naming, and confronting microaggressive encounters within the higher education environment. Utilizing input from the workshop leaders, current research about microaggressions, film clips, and structured learning activities, the event will explore how individuals can use their personal agency to interrupt microaggressive behaviors and help nurture an equitable and inclusive learning environment.
The Lecture and Symposium events are free and open to the public. The Mott Auditorium is located on the main floor at the south end of the C.S. Mott Academic Building. For more information, contact Laura Barlond-Maas, associate professor of English, at 269.749.7678 or lmaas@uolivet.edu.