Syracuse University welcomes world-renowned psychology researcher Bruce K. Alexander, Ph.D., professor emeritus at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada, to campus on Nov. 12-13, for a series of events on the topic of addiction.
Alexander’s pivotal “Rat Park” studies inspired new ways of thinking about mental health, addiction, recovery and wellness, countering the dominant “medical” or “disease” model. There are three different opportunities to hear him speak about the social model of addictions and explore how society makes and keeps us disconnected and sick—and ways that can be changed.
Panel Discussion: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2:30–3:30 p.m., 114 Bird Library
An interactive panel discussion will be moderated by Elizabeth Taets Von Amerongen, director of the Disability Cultural Center. In addition to Alexander, the panel includes:
The discussion is open to anyone seeking to learn about complex addiction-related topics from a diverse panel of practitioners and researchers.
Lunch & Learn: Wednesday, Nov. 13, noon-1 p.m., 114 Bird Library
Faculty, staff and graduate students are invited to attend a discussion about what addiction is, why it’s so widespread and how we can think differently about recovery and wellness. Learn more on the University events calendar or register now. Please note this session is limited to 30 participants.
Open Discussion and Q&A: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Maxwell Auditorium
On Wednesday evening, the dialogue will continue with an open discussion and Q&A with Alexander in Maxwell Auditorium, free and open to the public.
Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services will be provided. Please contact Kate Pollack to request any additional accommodations. All three events are co-sponsored by the Barnes Center at The Arch, the Disability Cultural Center, the Falk College addiction studies program, the Office of Disability Services, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Student Association.
