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Intercultural Competence
Residence halls, and university apartments are laboratories for exploring differences. Through living together there is a real and daily opportunity to learn why communities which include the widest number of voices are the strongest ones because of their diversity of thought, perspective, custom and experience.
We believe that to gain intercultural competency we must first become aware of our own culture and background. Once we understand what we bring with us into every conversation about culture, privilege, and difference, we can become more open to learning. Residential students have opportunities to learn about culture, difference, prejudice, stereotypes, cross-cultural community in an environment which encourages and supports that learning.
Through participation in their on-campus residential communities,
students will be encouraged and supported to expand their awareness,
knowledge, and skills in the following areas:
- Understanding the role that each person's history, background and culture play in influencing who they are
- Understanding the role that social & political systems play in determining one's power and privilege in society
- Increasing their understanding of and appreciation for other backgrounds, lifestyles and cultures
- Recognizing their own stereotypes and prejudices
- Recognizing situations that discriminate against others
- Confidently responding to situations that are insensitive, discriminatory, and/or demeaning to others
- Understanding their role in the creation of a just society
- Broadening the diversity of their social group
- Analyzing situations from diverse perspectives
- Appreciating, valuing, welcoming, and celebrating the richness that differences bring to a community
Academic Success | Personal Well-Being | Community Responsibilty | Character Development
