A graphic showcasing events for Diversity Week 2023 | Photo Credit/ Student Government Association Multicultural Affairs
‘Diversity Week’ is an annual event that occurs at the beginning of Nov. during each fall semester. The week celebrates inclusion, diversity, and equity for students at UT Martin by providing socializing events, staff and student meet and greets, and fun games for all students to be a part of. ‘Diversity Week’ is hosted annually by the Student Government Association’s (SGA) multicultural affairs committee.
This year, ‘Diversity Week’ will take place during the first full week of Nov., beginning Nov. 4 with an Inclusive Prom in partnership with the Center for Women and Gender Equality. This event is to give students an opportunity to experience prom in a new and exciting way, such as individual students representing their culture(s) with traditional dress wear. Additionally, seniors who may not have had the opportunity to experience prom while in high school due to the COVID-19 pandemic are now given a chance to while also meeting new students at UT Martin who come from varying backgrounds. ‘Inclusive Prom’ will take place in the Boling University Center ballroom at 7:00 P.M., with refreshments and drinks to be served.
Next, on Nov. 6, Multicultural Affairs will be hosting ‘SGA Family Feud.’ This event will be hosted by Chancellor Yancy Freeman, with winners being given the chance to win $50-$100 Visa Gift Cards. Students can find this event beginning at 6:00 P.M. in the Watkins Auditorium in the University Center (UC).
Two events will be taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The first will be a UT Martin “Live the Creed” t-shirt giveaway from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Students can step into the main hallway of the UC to find SGA giving out t-shirts and signing cards with the UT Martin creed. Following this event, Mmachukwu Osisioma, otherwise known as Favour, will be hosting an Afrobeats Dance Workshop from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. in the UC Ballroom. A native of Nigeria, Favour has explained her excitement to be able to host and teach students dances from African culture.
The evening of Nov. 8 is reserved specifically for first-generation college students. A first-generation college student is a student whose parents did not complete a 4-year college or university degree. Beginning at 6:00 P.M. in room 206 ABC of the University Center, a special ‘first-gen’ dinner will be hosted to give students an opportunity to meet other first-generation students at UT Martin and talk about their experiences coming to university. Demetrius Robinson, Director of Career Planning and Development, will also provide a presentation on CPAD’s 4-Year Career Plan. Students can RSVP for this event on Runway.
On Thursday from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., students will be given an opportunity to sample foods from around the world. Multicultural Affairs will be hosting a food fair for students to taste dishes from Korea, India, Africa, and many more.
Closing ‘Diversity Week,’ on Friday, Nov. 10 at 11:00 A.M., the Welcome Center in the UC will host a meet and greet with professional staff that supports multicultural students. Students may enjoy coffee and desserts from around the world while also meeting some of the faculty and professors at UT Martin. The event will end at 12:00 P.M., closing Diversity Week 2023.
