Diversity Education Through Travel

Posted: November 6, 2012

Diversity trip group picture
Students from Wolf Village visited Cherokee, NC, to learn more about the cultural of the Cherokee Indian Tribe.

University Housing is known for its residence halls and apartments across campus, but many parents and students are not aware of the numerous programming opportunities and offerings that go on “beyond the brick.” University Housing isn’t just about residence halls! Part of our mission is creating a holistic student through diverse programming, academic support, and supportive living communities.

One of the interesting offerings that University Housing provides is the opportunity for residents to take educational trips. This fall, 14 residents from the Global and Arts Villages traveled to New York City (NYC) for a three day whirlwind trip. The students flew to NYC on a Thursday and enjoyed brunch at Grand Central Terminal, went to the 9/11 Memorial, rode the Staten Island Ferry to view the Statue of Liberty, toured the Wall Street district, visited Time Square, and saw the Lion King on Broadway. Talk about a busy day!

The following days, students had the opportunity to explore some of NYC’s sites in small groups. Some chose Chinatown, the Museum of Art, 5^th Avenue, and Central Park. The small group tours allowed students to explore their interests while spending time with and learning about other residents. Many of the students participating are international students, making the NYC trip all the more educational and exciting.

Residents in University Housing’s Wolf Village apartments also experienced learning beyond the classroom on a diversity trip to Cherokee, North Carolina, in September. The trip was led by graduate students Sara Vogel and Kelsey Standingdeer with the goal of educating the residents about the rich history and culture of North Carolina through education about the Cherokee Indian tribe.

The group spent three days learning about diversity by experiencing Cherokee culture. Students had lunch with the Chief of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian (EBCI), Michelle Hicks, along with four members of the tribal council. They also toured the Kituwah Academy Cherokee Immersion School. This school began in 2006 with the purpose of teaching the Cherokee language to young children. Through presentations and a tour by school administrators and teachers, students took away the importance of reviving dying languages and how oppressive laws of the past led the Cherokee to nearly losing their language completely. Students also had the chance to enjoy Cherokee meals, tour a Cherokee history museum, visit a reenactment of an 18^th century Cherokee village, hike various trails, and see the Kituwah Mound - a sacred meeting site for the Cherokee council before the Trail of Tears occurred.

Overall, the trip introduced students to the Cherokee culture while using the Cherokee story to explore greater issues of cultural diversity, oppression, privilege, pride, and power. This trip is just one of the many examples of University Housing programs addressing diversity issues.

Encourage your student to look for opportunities within University Housing to explore life “beyond the brick.” There are endless learning opportunities that can often be found through travel and group activities. To see the types of programs offered in residence halls, visit our website.