Welcome to the Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR) website, formerly known as Multicultural Student Services. This site serves as a portal to information and resources regarding multicultural and diversity issues throughout Old Dominion University and in the community. This site also offers an extensive collection of links to national and world organizations to provide access to those who seek information about multiculturalism on a more global level.
Old Dominion University is an institution of diverse communities, and it is our diversity that promotes excitement, energy and a creative environment. Yet we must always strive to maintain our competitive edge by ensuring that diversity remains deeply embedded in everything that we do. As you explore "The Spectrum," you will see that this year we presented to the University community awesome programs and events that celebrated our diversity with food, folks, and fun. Most importantly, we created opportunities for meaningful dialogue and authentic interactions that moved us beyond our cultural comfort zones to begin the development of internal skills to foster an inclusive community.
OIR has a mandate to cultivate a climate of understanding and respect that yields authentic interactions with diverse individuals and groups. We invite you to join us in supporting a vibrant and diverse campus by joining those who are committed, cultural agents of change.
-Lesa Clark, Assistant Dean, Office of Intercultural Relations
Message from the Assistant Dean
As our world population increases, so do the problems of mankind. Unfortunately, as United Nations Secretary Kofi Annan has soberly stated, "the bigotry, hatred, prejudice - these are the ugly symptoms of a sickness humanity has always and everywhere suffered." It is for this reason that Intercultural Relations remains committed to preparing and empowering students to understand, and respect other cultures, and to learn how to move beyond tolerance, which states I won't resist you anymore, and sensitivity, which states I will work at understanding that you have unique needs and preferences, to embrace diversity through education that focuses on individual and cross cultural acceptance.Old Dominion University is an institution of diverse communities, and it is our diversity that promotes excitement, energy and a creative environment. Yet we must always strive to maintain our competitive edge by ensuring that diversity remains deeply embedded in everything that we do. As you explore "The Spectrum," you will see that this year we presented to the University community awesome programs and events that celebrated our diversity with food, folks, and fun. Most importantly, we created opportunities for meaningful dialogue and authentic interactions that moved us beyond our cultural comfort zones to begin the development of internal skills to foster an inclusive community.
OIR has a mandate to cultivate a climate of understanding and respect that yields authentic interactions with diverse individuals and groups. We invite you to join us in supporting a vibrant and diverse campus by joining those who are committed, cultural agents of change.
-Lesa Clark, Assistant Dean, Office of Intercultural Relations
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20 NOVEMBER 2009
The Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe is holding an Indian Inter-Tribal Corn Harvest Fall Festival Powwow, open to the general public at Cape Henry, Virginia Beach, VA. The event is scheduled for November 20-21, and is sponsored by the First Landing Foundation. Click on the image to the left to view the complete flyer.
17 NOVEMBER 2009
A new international student needs your help! Connect with another country and culture by temporarily hosting a new international student in your home for up to one week in January 2010. Learn more about the Student Homestay Program, an OIR initiative, by attending an information session on Thursday, November 19 from 12:30-1:30 PM in the Intercultural Center, 2114 Webb, or by clicking here. Contact Erika Young at eyoung@odu.edu with questions or to request an application.
11 NOVEMBER 2009
The Office of Intercultural Relations is proud to support International Education Week during November 16-20. We have a whole host of events planned for you.
10 NOVEMBER 2009
The Global Student Friendship is sponsoring its International Thanksgiving Banquet to be held on Saturday, November 21 from 5:30 - 8:00 P.M. at 7000 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA (Tabernacle Church of Norfolk). For more information please contact Kurnia, President of Global Student Friendship, or visit their Facebook page.
9 OCTOBER 2009
OIR is seeking Monarch Mentors to assist our foreign students with their transition to life at ODU. This program is to provide a welcoming and friendly environment on campus for new International students; by providing a one-on-one connection between current Old Dominion University students with new International students. Mentors are a personal contact for new International students, who help guide them through the campus experience and help them foster a sense of community at ODU. The program enhances intercultural communication skills among domestic and international students. You can read all about it here.
Local News
October 9, 2009 - Students Step Outside of "Cultural Comfort Zone" at Diversity and Counseling Institute in IrelandJuly 28, 2009 - Va. Gov. Kaine's remarks to National Council of La Raza Annual Conference
Diversity News
Nov 16, 2009 - Study Abroad Participation Up, Except Among Minority StudentsSource: Diverse Education
Nov 9, 2009 - Obama To Host Nation-To-Nation Conference
Source: Diverse Education
Oct 16, 2009 - Stalled Pursuit of Higher Learning
Source: Diverse Education
Oct 13, 2009 - Exploring U.S. Latino Diversity on CNN’s ‘Latino in America’
Source: Diverse Education
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