Intercultural Relations
Office of Student Life and Leadership
Student Center 3rd floor, Suite 330
Telephone: 404/413-1580
Fax: 404/413-1593
Web: www.gsu.edu/~wwwicr
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. Monday - Friday
Overview
The Intercultural Relations (IR) component of the Office of Student Life and Leadership is committed to providing opportunities for students to engage in meaningful dialogues, to actively participate in cultural programs and to provide opportunities to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the diverse individuals present at Georgia State University.
Intercultural Relations is based on the belief that students must be provided
the opportunity to broaden their conventional definition of diversity to include conversations related to gender, socio-economic class, sexual identity, religion and more. IR is viewed as the promotion of cross-cultural interaction, awareness, communication and mutual learning through the integration of engaging activities that allow individuals from various cultures to intentionally interact.
These goals are accomplished through three primary mechanisms:
• Traditional programming allows students to gain exposure to various
cultures through a variety of cultural programs. Annual programs include the
Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Week, which includes Convocation.
The monthly Lunch and Learn series focuses on various social justice and
cultural issues. Finally, cultural performances and art exhibits are held
throughout the year to highlight cultures that are not traditionally showcased
on campus.
• Dialogue opportunities provide students with opportunities to engage in
sustained dialogue related to a diverse range of cultural topics, with two
primary programs focused on this goal. Evolving Experiences: A Dialogue
Series is organized around dialogue groups that focus on gender, race,
religion, women’s identity, socio-economic class, sexual identity, black
identity, and similar cultural topics. The dialogue groups meet for six weeks
during the fall and spring semesters. The Social Justice Weekend creates
opportunities for students to learn the basic principles related to social
justice and how to become social justice advocates. This weekend occurs
during fall semester.
• Intercultural Ambassadors provides a leadership opportunity for students
to serve as peer educators and programmers for cultural and social justice
topics. Some past topics have included power and privilege, stereotypes,
creating inclusive environments, homelessness and immigration.
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