Gonzaga University UMEC Brochure

UMEC Vision Statement Diversity Monologues is a competition that provides Gonzaga students the unique opportunity to develop and express their creative voice. Contestants ultimately perform live and share poetic stories of depth through their cultural lens that stirs the audience to reflect upon the human experience.

Deconstructing Series The Deconstructing Series provides an educational forum to explore dominant traditions and ideologies from an alternative perspective. The intent is to stimulate dialogue, inquiry and reflection. Topics cultivate critical thinking and expand understanding of some prevalent historical traditions that continue to manifest in modern society in multiple ways. Ideas for topics are welcomed!

Build a community of equity and inclusion that guides and challenges all to respect and value human difference.

Unity Multicultural Education Center

Office Location 709 E. Desmet Ave. (across from the COG ) 509.313.5836 509.313.5844 FAX unityhouse@gonzaga.edu Mailing Address Gonzaga University 502 E. Boone Ave. MSC 2466 Spokane WA 99258-0102

www.gonzaga.edu/umec Join the UMEC Facebook Group Follow us on Twitter Mission In alignment with Gonzaga’s faith-inspired commitment to diversity, provide educational opportunities that cultivate mindfulness, intercultural development and support the benefits of a pluralistic and inclusive environment.

Key Programs Building Relationships In Diverse Gonzaga Environments (BRIDGE) is a pre-orientation program primarily to assist multicultural and first-generation new students with the transition to Gonzaga University and Spokane. It complements New Student Orientation by introducing students and parents to multiple campus resources, staff and faculty. The program’s personalized approach provides essentials that help students successfully adjust to college life while building lasting friendships.

UMEC Core Values Respect Inclusion Student Development Equity & Justice

Nourishing an inclusive community takes intentionality. Our Intentional Initiatives workshops, facilitated by UMEC staff, provide opportunities for individuals to enhance their understanding of the complexities of social justice relative to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sessions can be customized to meet needs of various audiences, including students, staff, faculty and off-campus clients.

Annual Events

LEADS

Leadership, Education, Academic Development, and Success Skills (LEADS) is a structured mentoring program focused on connecting students of color and first-generation students with a peer mentor, and faculty or staff mentor during their first year. Mentoring relationships have proven to provide numerous intangible benefits and a circle of support which enables students to effectively develop and acclimate academically and socially.

Multicultural Honor Society promotes high scholarship; an appreciation for scholarly work and academic endeavors of others; recognizes leadership and service; and values human difference. Membership is selective and nominees must have completed at least forty-five (45) credits with a minimum 3.2 GPA. Emphasis is placed on identifying and recognizing students from traditionally underrepresented populations at Gonzaga.

International Day of Tolerance is recognized worldwide on November 16. Rain, snow or shine campus and community members link arms as a symbol of solidarity to raise awareness about the implications of intolerance, bias and various forms of hate locally and globally.

GU Iron Chef: A Cultural Cooking Battle GU Iron Chef is a fun opportunity for anyone in the Gonzaga community to display their culture’s culinary tradition competitively! Two champions—Chef’s Favorite and Peoples’ Choice—hold bragging rights until next year. Winning recipes are later featured by campus dining services.