Spectrum - Volume 20 Issue 32 June 4, 1998 - Diversity Roundtable

A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor , a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

Diversity Roundtable
to meet monthly

Spectrum Volume 20 Issue 32 - June 4, 1998

The Diversity Roundtable will continue to meet during the summer on the second Wednesday of each month (June 10, July 8, and August 12) from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Black Cultural Center, 126 Squires.
Presently, participants are sharing their first experiences, knowledge, and understanding of people different from themselves, although other topics, such as a news article or event, may be brought to the table at any time.
The Roundtable first met in October 1997 as a collaborative effort of the Dean of Students Office, Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Office, and Cranwell International Center. It is open to all faculty and staff members who want to be part of an on-going conversation on diversity.
"The purpose is to engage in dialogue and create a comfort zone to discuss issues related to diversity--for people to have an honest dialogue and to think about where they fit in the paradigm," said Barbara Pendergrass, associate dean of students.
"It's an opportunity to have uncomfortable conversations in a comfortable setting, to take risks, and share experiences and perceptions," said Pendergrass, who is co-convener with Elyzabeth Holford, director of EOAA, and Darlene Grega, director of the Cranwell International Center.
There is no agenda. Some topics were generated when the group identified issues that make discussion difficult. This semester, the issue has been race.
"The goal is greater personal awareness and comfort," Pendergrass said. "The roundtable is an opportunity to interact with a diverse group of people from across the campus."