Kaleidoscope Project to host lectures on diversity

Kaleidoscope Project to host lectures on diversityMarch 21, 2003Michele M. Jachimmmjachim@syr.edu

In a continued spirit of collaboration to create and maintain an inclusive learning environment at Syracuse University, the divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs have announced the Kaleidoscope Project, a joint venture that will provide matching grants up to $5,000 to bring visiting lecturers to campus to broaden understanding of diversity and promote healthy dialogue about related issues.

“We strongly believe that learning in a diverse environment is beneficial to students not only while they are studying at SU, but also following graduation because they learn to appreciate and work with people who are like and unlike them,” says Ronald R. Cavanagh, vice president of undergraduate studies. “It is critical for students to possess a higher level of appreciation for those who are different from them. Intentional efforts like the Kaleidoscope Project will help foster this much-needed appreciation.”

The Kaleidoscope Project supports the diversity priorities outlined in both SU’s Academic Plan and the Division of Student Affairs’ Strategic Plan. The goal of the program is to encourage students, faculty, and staff to provide opportunities to the campus and local communities to become more educated about and engage in meaningful discussions by sponsoring lecturers who will talk about a wide variety of diversity-related issues, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and disability.

“The Kaleidoscope Project is good news for the University as we continue to find ways to promote the awareness and celebration of diversity on our campus,” said Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs. “We are excited to work with recognized student organizations and University departments as they identify new and creative ways to bring the campus community together to share in rich diverse experiences with an unlimited view of knowledge and exploration through a series of guest speakers focused on different facets of diversity.”

The grants will be available for the Spring 2003 semester. For more information about the Kaleidoscope Project, or for an application packet, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Undergraduate Studies in 304 Steele Hall, or the Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs in 306 Steele Hall.