Social Justice Immersion project is part of the course requirements for a graduate course, Cultural Diversity in Higher Education, required for students enrolled in the master’s program in Higher Education Administration and Higher Education Student Affairs Administration. To serve the purpose of better understanding others who are culturally different from oneself, students were asked to immerse themselves in other cultures, increase their social contact with others and possibly experience a new minority status by (a) attending activities or events related to a specific social identity group other than that of their own, or providing some type of service to a social justice related group or organization that addresses issues that do not pertain to their social identity groups; (b) reflecting on their own assumptions, biases and stereotypes regarding the activity or services; and (c) presenting the lessons learned from the experience with the class and in writing.
Archives
Universtywide School Supply Drive
The School Supply Drive is a two-month universitywide charitable drive for school supplies to benefit pre-K through eighth grade students at schools situated around our three campuses: Futures Academy, Bilingual Center, Martin Luther King Multicultural Institute, Highgate Heights Elementary and Westminster Community Charter School. UB employees drop off items in the designated collection boxes throughout the North, South and Downtown campuses that include paper, pencils, rulers, planners, markers, folders, and more. The 2013 program doubled in size from the previous year–with an unprecedented amount of supplies donated and distributed.
Operation Doorhanger
Preparing educated citizens, strengthening democratic values and civic responsibility by distributing safety information throughout the University Heights area and encouraging responsible behavior.
UB a Good Neighbor
UB a Good Neighbor involves UB students from various clubs, fraternities and as individuals, in the effort to help beautify the neighborhood adjacent to the South Campus.
UB Neighbors Day Block Party and Safety Fair
This event is designed to build community between the year-round residents of the neighborhood around the South Campus and the students who reside there. The event begins with a parade through the neighborhood featuring UB student athletes and the Thunder of the East Marching Band that encourages students and neighbors to follow to the lawn in front of Hayes Hall where live music, a barbecue and information from university and community service providers are available. The event includes games and activities and ends with a safety demonstration by Environmental Health and Safety and the Buffalo Fire Department. Additional locations: Hayes Hall lawn; South Campus
Universitywide Adopt-a-Family
Coordinated by the Office of Community Relations, UB’s Universitywide Adopt-a-Family helps make the holidays a little warmer and brighter for a number of local families in need. The Office of Community Relations collaborates with local nonprofits to identify needy families; those families are matched with participating UB departments to provide items from their wish lists. Since 2008, the program continues to grow, averaging over 20 participating departments and matched families each year. Additional location: Downtown Campus