Most educators believe that diversity in the classroom not only exposes students to a variety of perspectives, it also promotes empathy and better prepares them to participate in the global economy.
That’s why USF St. Petersburg Regional Chancellor Martin Tadlock signed a proclamation recognizing Welcoming Week 2018, an annual series of events throughout the country that bring together immigrants and U.S.-born residents to build new connections and affirm the benefits of inclusivity.
“By welcoming students of different nationalities and backgrounds to our campuses, we are building a robust learning community and a more vibrant culture,” said Tadlock. “These students also help increase understanding on a personal level. They make our University and our community stronger.”
To celebrate the University’s commitment to diversity, the Office of Global Initiatives hosted a Coffee Social on September 6 for the campus community to welcome new international students and welcome back continuing international students and returning education abroad students. Through a partnership with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Student Life and Engagement and the Office of Global Initiatives, two additional events are planned for Welcoming Week, which begins Sept. 14:
Culture Shock, a panel and open dialogue on stereotypes, macroaggressions and appreciation versus appropriation, will be held in Davis Hall, Room 130, on Wednesday, Sept. 19 from 5:30-7 p.m. The event will feature students from India, Russia and Latin America, as well as African-American students, who will discuss their experiences at USF St. Petersburg, including some of the biases they encountered.
The Real Impact of Fake News is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 24 at the USC Ballroom. This will be an interactive experience that will allow participants to understand the difference between what is happening in society, what is being reported in the news and the real impact on marginalized and targeted populations. This event will be a safe space for students to learn and make their voices heard, while challenging them to identify their role in upholding or dismantling these systems.
Wendy Baker, Director of Global Initiatives at USFSP, said she believed it was especially important for the University to show its commitment to diversity at a time when the number of international students enrolling in U.S. universities is declining. A survey by the Institute of International Education found the number of newly arriving international students on U.S. campuses dropped seven percent in fall 2017.
“In the current environment, international students may feel they are not welcome in the U.S.,” Baker said. “As we are trying to grow our global presence and expand our international enrollment, we just want to let everyone know that we are an inclusive campus.”
USF St. Petersburg has launched several international initiatives, including partnerships with universities in Malaysia and China. In addition, USF St. Petersburg students have participated in study abroad programs in Vietnam, France, India, Spain and elsewhere.
Angelica Rodriguez Jimenez, International Student Advisor, said the University plans to create even more opportunities for outreach during the semester and the following year. But she’s hopeful this year’s events will launch a dialogue on campus regarding diversity and inclusion.
“Our hope is that we can create a more global mentality among all of our students and that everyone will be accepting of different cultures,” said Jimenez. “We want all of our students to feel comfortable here, and to tell their friends about their good experiences at USF St. Petersburg.”
Below is the proclamation signed by Tadlock for Welcoming Week 2018:
Our university’s success depends on making sure that all students feel welcome here. Today, students and scholars from all over the world are a vital part of our community — bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas, leading clubs and organizations, and contributing to the vibrant diversity that we all value. This week, we honor the spirit of unity that is bringing neighbors together across of community. During Welcoming Week, I invite all students of USF St. Petersburg to join this movement of schools nationwide by renewing our commitment to our core American values and by taking action in the spirit of welcoming. By working together, we can achieve greater understanding and make our university the kind of place where diverse people from around the world feel valued and can learn in harmony with their fellow students. Regardless of where we are born or what we look like, we are the faculty, staff, and students of USF St. Petersburg, united in our efforts to build a stronger campus and greater future. By recognizing the contributions that we all make to creating a vibrant culture, we make our community more prosperous and more inclusive to all who call it home. Let us come together to build campuses where every student has the opportunity to contribute at his or her best. Let us come together to create more unified communities and to reaffirm that USF St. Petersburg still stands as a beacon of education and opportunity. As Regional Chancellor of USF St. Petersburg, I call upon the USF St. Petersburg faculty, staff and students to join together during the week of September 14, 2018 to celebrate Welcoming Week. As an inclusive community, this speaks to who we are.