The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) in partnership with Unity Roundtable Consortium will host Diversity Week from Monday through Thursday, featuring daily programming designed to celebrate all identities and drive thoughts and dialogue about diversity and inclusion at the University of Miami and beyond.
Supported by the campus-wide mission to increase a “culture of belonging,” this year’s theme is “Pieces of Me: Intersectional Take on Diversity.” The week will be filled with informative and synergetic events that are open to students, as well as faculty and staff members.
“I’m excited to have worked so hard on organizing this week for programming,” said Gabrielle Yamar, a senior studying biochemistry and molecular biology. “We are excited to offer four impactful events that celebrate uniqueness while raising awareness of issues of multiculturalism and inclusion.”
Attendees can expect to enjoy the documentary screening, “A New World to U,” at the Lakeside Patio on Monday evening, which will feature University students. On Tuesday, in collaboration with the Counseling Center, the “BIPOC Healing Circle” program will take place in the Activities Room North. On Wednesday, the units will host Trans Day of Remembrance in collaboration with the LBGTQ Student Center in the University Center Breezeway.
“This week of celebrating and bringing diversity into the forefront has been around since the inception of the Unity Roundtable Consortium,” said Kennedy Robinson, associate director of MSA. “Each year, the support increases. And we look forward to sharing all of the great things we have been up to.”
Stephanie Nuñez, assistant director of MSA, said that she believes the work that MSA Productions, a student-led media group, has produced this year is going to be one to remember.
“They have gathered students from different identities and backgrounds to offer their audience a snippet of what their daily life is like,” said Nuñez. “They speak about their experiences and how it has shaped them during their time at the U.”
This is Nuñez’s first time helping to plan Diversity Week. And she said that working with them “has been a really great experience. They’ve been really careful and thoughtful of how they showcase the diversity at the U and how they utilize the resources.”
Merissa Williams-Yancey, MSA’s graduate practicum student assistant and the senior program coordinator of student organizations at the School of Law, expressed how major understanding of others and their backgrounds builds community and helps to foster a sense of belonging for all.
“Diversity Week helps to encourage conversations about equity and inclusion on campus, and it promotes exploration, education, celebration, and understanding of the different identities and experiences of students, staff, and faculty,” said Williams-Yancey, who is studying to receive a post-master’s certificate in higher education administration.“This is a necessary initiative and a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about one another and how we are all interconnected.”
The following is a list of Diversity Week events:
- Monday, Nov. 14: MSA Productions presents: “A New World to U.”
- 6 p.m. at the Lakeside Patio
- Tuesday, Nov. 15: In collaboration with the UM Counseling Center: BIPOC Healing Circle.
- 12 p.m. in the Shalala Student Center Activities Room North
- Wednesday, Nov. 16: Culture Pop-Up, Unity Canopy.
- 12 p.m. at the Lakeside Patio
- Thursday, Nov. 17: Trans Day of Remembrance, co-sponsored by the LGBTQ Student Center.
- 12 p.m. at the University Center Breezeway
