Seven Proposals Receive Inclusive Excellence Grants From Office for Institutional Diversity

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 29, 2017) — Last semester, the Office for Institutional Diversity at the University of Kentucky selected grant recipients for the second round of Inclusive Excellence Program Grants. The office sought innovative inclusive excellence programs that focused on students and fostered collaboration and partnerships among groups, centers, programs and registered student organizations.

The Office for Institutional Diversity selected seven proposals to award the second round of grant funding. The winning proposals are as follows:

Global Kitchen Spring Season 2017

The Global Kitchen Spring Season hosted by the International Student Council sought to harness the unifying and storytelling capabilities of food to create connections among the diverse populations on UK’s campus. This initiative featured a cookout setting over the course of several days led by various international organizations and groups on campus. Each cookout featured two or more international organizations who presented the flavors, aromas and sights of their respective countries.

The Taste of Africa

The African Student Association hosted the seventh annual Taste of Africa. The event celebrated the diverse cultures in Africa. This year’s theme was, "Kings and Queens: A Royal Heritage." The event included various performances showcasing the beauty of Africa along with a reception where guests sampled the various cuisines of Africa.

Cross-Cultural Lunch and Learn

A series of cross-cultural lunch and learn workshops were hosted through the collaborative efforts of faculty and staff in the College of Education, College of Business and Economics and International Student and Scholar Services, along with student organizations — Global Educator’s Association and International Student Council. The workshops were themed around cross-cultural communication and designed to foster intercultural dialogue and issues of diversity which promotes a sense of belonging and awareness.

Celebrate Diversity at UK: Student Photo Contest

A student photo competition hosted by the Center for Equality and Social Justice encouraged students to submit an original photo that captures and celebrates diversity at the University of Kentucky. The contest aimed to foster an environment that supports diversity and increases visibility of diverse students and groups on campus.

The Human Library at UK

The Human Library™ was designed to build a positive framework for conversations to challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. In the library, 15 “Human Books” were available for checkout by a reader. Each “Human Book” shares with the reader stories, experiences and life lessons related to oppression, isolation, stigma and discrimination.

Diversity and the Educational Experience

This project created an engaging video exploring the rich diversity on UK’s campus through interviews of diversity leaders on campus. Interviewing primarily student organization leaders, the video connected students to organizations where they can learn more and seek opportunities to engage with other students. At the film’s premier, students were invited to engage with the collaborative partners and diverse organizations through a panel discussion.

Poetic Justice

The project created the Accountability Cypher which brings together musical artists and poets whose work is known for its ability to provoke thought and discussion providing a platform that exemplifies the power behind diversity. The Accountability Cypher will use the work of local artists to delve into a conversation around issues and subjects that affect and effect marginalized identities in America and abroad.