Student Life Issues
Fall 2008
Building Bridges: Blacksburg and Beyond
This presentation explores the variety of ways that students can expand their intercultural understandings and experience intercultural exchange without ever leaving the New River Valley. We provide an overview of the many different opportunities for both one-time and ongoing intercultural experiences offered through both Virginia Tech and community organizations. In addition, we suggest strategies for making the most of these opportunities.
Rachel Christensen, Cranwell International Center, (540) 231-6527, rachrist@vt.edu
Cross-Cultural Communication
Use of a simulation game stimulates discussion regarding the difficulties faced in situations that demand cross-cultural communication. Tips for improving communication are also included.
Kim Beisecker, Cranwell International Center, (540) 231-6527, kbeiseck@vt.edu
Cyberstalking and Online Harassment
Facebook, MySpace, and other online communities are great ways to meet new friends and keep in touch with people. However, stalking, cyberstalking, and online harassment occur more often than we think! In addition to definitions and statistics, presenters will share examples through case studies and interactive activities. We will address cyber safety as well as available campus and community resources. This presentation can be tailored to fit the needs of particular audiences. Peer educators will help facilitate upon request and when possible.
Jennifer Underwood, Women's Center, (540) 231-7806, or Meghan Weyrens Kuhn, Office of Judicial Affairs, Student Programs, (540) 231-3790, www.stopabuse.vt.edu
The Diversity Certificate Program
This program is designed to provide an inside look into the new Diversity Certificate program. It will explain the specific components of how students can get involved with this effort to document their multicultural competencies. We will examine the framework behind the competency approach and how students can benefit from this new opportunity.
Ray Plaza, Office of Multicultural Affairs, (540) 231-7289, rp25@vt.edu
Get to Know University Unions & Student Activities
UUSA offers a variety of programs, services, and facilities for students and faculty/staff at Virginia Tech. This presentation will explore our diverse programs, helpful services, and student-oriented facilities, as well as provide interesting facts about UUSA. We will answer questions about what options students have to enrich the quality of campus life.
Jason Stancil, University Unions & Student Activities, (540) 231-5431, stancil@vt.edu
Harassment: Is It All About Sex? Discriminatory Harassment Prevention and Complaint Handling
An overview of Virginia Tech’s Anti Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy. This interactive session includes what to do about harassment or discrimination situations; how to handle complaints, in either the academic or workplace settings; special features of Virginia Tech’s policy; and how to avoid having a complaint filed against you. This presentation can be tailored for students, faculty, staff, managers, administrators, or other audiences. I’m happy to answer any questions!
Maggie Sloane, Associate Director of Compliance and Conflict Resolution, Office for Equal Opportunity, (540) 231-8771, msloane@vt.edu
Healthy Relationships/Relationship Violence
This interactive program looks at the continuum of intimate relationships – from healthy to abusive. Facilitators will present definitions and statistics, as well as lead students in hands-on activities and discussions to gain further understanding of the differences between healthy and abusive relationships. Campus and community resources will be covered and participants will learn what they can do to help someone in an abusive relationship. This presentation can be tailored to fit the needs of particular audiences. Peer educators will help facilitate upon request and when possible.
Jennifer Underwood, Women's Center, (540) 231-7806, or Meghan Weyrens Kuhn, Office of Judicial Affairs, Student Programs, (540) 231-3790, www.stopabuse.vt.edu
Introducing Student Programs
The Office of Student Programs is one of the largest areas on campus, employing more than 1,500 people, housing, feeding the nation’s fourteenth-largest on-campus population. This presentation provides an overview of all the departments within Student Programs (Housing and Dining Services, Residence Life, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Judicial Affairs and Career Services), fun facts about the Office of Student Programs, and a look at current and future projects.
Kimberle Badinelli, Student Programs, (540) 231-5258, badinell@vt.edu
Inside the Office of Multicultural Affairs
This program is designed to provide an inside look into the role of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the different services that it provides within the University community. The office was formed in 1998 and has been instrumental in providing a vision for different diversity initiatives and efforts. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the important and unique role of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Ray Plaza, Office of Multicultural Affairs, (540) 231-7289, rp25@vt.edu
Let’s Talk about Sex…(…Violence, and Pop Culture)
This interactive, multimedia presentation takes a look at representations of gender, sex, and college students in popular culture and the media. Through images, music, and videos, participants are shown how these aspects of popular culture are related to gender-based violence. Facilitators will lead participants in activities and discussions on the power of popular culture in our lives and its impact, both positive and negative, on society’s view of gender based violence. Peer educators will help facilitate upon request and when possible.
Jennifer Underwood, Women's Center, (540) 231-7806, or Meghan Weyrens Kuhn, Office of Judicial Affairs, Student Programs, (540) 231-3790, www.stopabuse.vt.edu
The Money Game
This fun, exciting, interactive learning experience helps participants unlock the secrets of how to be financially secure.
Celia Ray Hayhoe, Department of Apparel, Housing and Resource Management, (540) 231-3497, chayhoe@vt.edu
National Brands on Campus
This presentation discusses national brands (Pizza Hut®, Au Bon Pain®, etc.) in nontraditional markets and explores the history and current posture of national brands, as well as discussing the difference between licensing and franchising.
Rick Johnson, Student Programs’ Housing and Dining Services, (540) 231-7549, culinary@vt.edu
Sexual Assault Education and Awareness
This presentation provides a general overview of sexual assault, including definitions, statistics, and available campus and community resources. Multiple interactive activities and discussions are used to help illustrate gender-based violence issues. Time is also spent teaching participants what they can do to help someone who has been sexually assaulted. Upon request, we will also address drug-facilitated sexual assault, including information on the drugs used and some general safety tips. This presentation can be tailored to fit the needs of particular audiences. Peer educators will help facilitate upon request and when possible.
Jennifer Underwood, Women's Center, (540) 231-7806, or Meghan Weyrens Kuhn, Office of Judicial Affairs, Student Programs, (540) 231-3790, www.stopabuse.vt.edu
To Be a “Have” or “Have Not”: The Choice Is Yours
This presentation is based on the premise that the “Haves” are the savers and investors in society and the “Have Nots” are the spenders. This program provides basic information essential to developing positive money management habits. The one-hour class consists of a video and PowerPoint presentation. The materials emphasize the importance of starting a savings program early and how credit affects your ability to save.
Celia Ray Hayhoe, Department of Apparel, Housing and Resource Management, (540) 231-3497, chayhoe@vt.edu
Understanding the Lee Hall Controversy
This program is designed to provide an in-depth view into the issues involving Claudius Lee and the surrounding Lee Hall Controversy. It will include a 20 minute DVD documentary presentation followed by a discussion and Q&A about how the students and University responded to the situation. The program will also provide a status check on where the University stands on the implementation of the Lee Hall recommendations.
Ray Plaza, Project, Office of Multicultural Affairs, (540) 231-7289, rp25@vt.edu
The UPSL Companion
This session explains, in plain English, policies that students frequently ask or complain about. Common topics include policies on alcohol and sexual misconduct, but Judicial Affairs staff will arrange presentations about any policies contained in University Policies for Student Life.
Frances Keene, Office of Judicial Affairs, Student Programs, (540) 231-3790, fkeene@vt.edu
The Virginia Tech Principles of Community
This program is designed to provide an in-depth overview and discussion surrounding the Virginia Tech Principles of Community. This session will explore aspects behind the Principles and engage in a dialogue on ways to further educate the community about the importance of the Principles.
Ray Plaza, Office of Multicultural Affairs, (540) 231-7289, rp25@vt.edu
Women’s Issues
This general presentation on women’s issues can be tailored to fit the needs of your particular group. Potential topics could include sexism, violence against women, women’s activism and leadership, and women’s health and wellness. We will work with you to tailor a presentation to fit your unique needs. Peer educators will help facilitate upon request and when possible.
Jennifer Underwood, Women's Center, (540) 231-7806, jwunder@vt.edu
Your Download (P2P) Software Shares Files While You’re Away: Appropriate Use of the Internet
“Can I legitimately download music or movies from the Internet?” “How can I cope with all this unwanted email?” This presentation explores policy issues, practical actions, and potential consequences of using the campus network and the Internet. Frances Keene, Office of Judicial Affairs, Student Programs, (540) 231-3790, fbabb@vt.edu; Jeff Kidd, Communications Network Services, (540) 231-3932, kiddj@vt.edu; or William Dougherty, Network Infrastructure & Services, (540) 231-9239, william@vt.edu.