Attending university isn't just about going to class and finding a career path. While parents are certainly grateful when those goals are accomplished, much of the educational experience happens outside the classroom.
"When international events — whether a war or a tsunami — generate tension on campus, they also create teachable moments," says Rahim Reed, associate executive vice chancellor for Campus Community Relations.
Whether listening to a speech on the quad, participating in rallies or demonstrations, or attending panel discussions, students use this time to form their outlook on the world and are discovering ways to express their opinions and listen to other points of view.
Principles of Community
Numerous geo-political events generate strong opinions — the Iraq War, the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, Chinese control of Tibet, U.S./Mexico border conflicts — the list goes on. Reed says resulting tensions are opportunities to reinforce the Principles of Community, a campus commitment to respect one another and the differences among everyone in the campus community and to uphold the right to free speech.
"Whether students are debating a human-made event or dealing with a natural calamity, we can come together as a community to talk, support each other and even disagree with one another in a respectful manner," Reed says.
International students
Wes Young, director of Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS), says expressing political views about global events may actually be more difficult for many international students and scholars.
"Expressing their political opinions may not be acceptable in their own country," Young says. "They may express opinions differently than Americans."
Young stresses that his office is available as a first resort and point of reference for these students who may be unsure of what expression is acceptable or what forums are available.
SISS also works to foster a better understanding of different cultures represented on campus. For example, a workshop last fall presented a view on Arabic cultures that is often missing in mainstream media.
Forums for discussion
By helping students develop the proper forum, time, place and manner in which to express their views, Reed says, opposing views can be heard, confrontation avoided, and a learning experience shared by all.
His office and the Student Programs and Activities Center, which works most directly with hundreds of student organizations, develop those forums and communicate to all student groups the guidelines for conducting demonstrations — from the reservation of space to the use of amplified sound.
"Approaching tension on campus in this way has been very successful," Reed says. "Not that we haven't had our challenges. People can feel very passionate about issues, but we've been able to be respectful of the dignity of others."
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