Campus Conversations on Race: A Talk Worth Having

Background and Purpose

It is paramount for students who are preparing to be the leaders in the arts and communication industries to gain an understanding of the perspectives and cultures that will soon be the new majority in our society.* This rapidly changing paradigm will be the object of the purveyors of artistic and communication products for succeeding decades in this century, hence its significance to the learning experience of our students. Campus Conversations on Race: A Talk Worth Having (CCOR) was designed as a resource in educating students for work and life in a multicultural world. CCOR involves students in discussions on race and ethnicity. These discussions are all led by students. CCOR co-facilitators receive up to two non-tuition credits for their participation in training and co-facilitation of peer group sessions. The co-facilitators receive 16 hours of training and are then certified to lead group discussions. The purpose of Campus Conversations on Race is to provide Emerson students a forum for discussion of one of the most vital and critical issues we face in contemporary society, racial and ethnic prejudice and bigotry. Students interested in CCOR should contact center_diversity@emerson.edu

* Demographers project that minority groups will be the majority of Americans in 2042 when present students will be in the prime of their careers.

How CCOR Works

Each CCOR group is limited to eight volunteer student participants. The participants engage in five sessions (one session per week.) Each session lasts two-hours. The final session includes an opportunity for students to evaluate their experience and to formulate individual and/or group actions they will pursue after the sessions have ended. This phase is a call for students to engage in some positive action to effect race relations in their field of study and leisure pursuits. Sign up for CCOR sessions is a first come basis. Participants select a session that is compatible with their schedules. Participants are asked to attend all sessions. Absence from more than one session will result in a participant being asked not to continue in the group. This policy exists because group cohesiveness and continuity are important to a meaningful experience among participants. Students who participate are encouraged to place this activity on their resumes as it alerts potential employers to their awareness of cultural and ethnic diversity in society.

PROGRAM CHECKLIST

• Send an e-mail expressing your interest to: center_diversity@emerson.edu *
• Participate in peer led CCOR sessions
• Train to be a co-facilitator by Course: CC 323A
• Receive Training Certificate
• Co-facilitate CCOR Session Course: CC 323B
• Receive ONE Non-tuition credit
  

Optional

• Co-facilitate two additional sessions and receive  ONE additional non-tuition credit