University of Richmond to Launch Common Ground Office With Three Days of Events
October 27, 2006
University of Richmond students, faculty and staff can show support for inclusive diversity by participating in three days of events Oct. 30–Nov. 1 to launch the Office of Common Ground.
Open houses, discussions, a diversity resource fair and university-wide celebration also will provide opportunities to learn how members of the university community can get involved, said Glyn Hughes, director of Common Ground.
“Common Ground is charged with transforming the university. This will affect the way students experience their education here. Their involvement is key.”
Two open houses will be held in the Office of Common Ground and “Think Tank” in Tyler Haynes Commons: Oct. 30 from 2–4 p.m. and Oct. 31 from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Hughes and members and former members of Common Ground committees will be available to discuss inclusive diversity initiatives, opportunities and service.
A brown bag lunch discussion on “Commitment to the Long Haul” will be held Oct. 31 from 12–1:30 p.m. in the Think Tank on the second level of the Commons. Drinks and dessert will be provided.
A diversity resource fair and university-wide commitment celebration will be held Nov. 1. Students and staff from a variety of offices and organizations, such as Safe Zone, Collegetown, human resources services and the Center for Civic Engagement will set up tables at University Forum to offer information on special events, services to the campus and assistance to the greater Richmond community. The fair will continue from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Rain location is the Alice Haynes Room.
“The resource fair is a great opportunity for students who want to get involved. Never before have organizations involved in the Common Ground mission assembled in one place,” said Hughes.
President William Cooper, Provost June Aprille, Hughes and other special guests will lead a celebration of Common Ground from 1–2 p.m. in the Forum. The university’s D-Squad dancers and Umoja Gospel Choir will perform.
“Just showing up to the event is a show of support for the effort for inclusive diversity,” said Hughes. “The more people who show up, the more we can demonstrate to one another that we are committed.”