The Day of Common Learning on February 13 will give members of the Indiana
Wesleyan community a chance to learn about each other’s unique circumstances and
cultures.
Dr. Karen Dowling, the vice president for diversity and intercultural integration on
campus, said that students can expect to see a schedule for the Day of Common
Learning this week. The schedule will include session titles and locations.
“For each session, we hope that presenters will, you know, feel heard, and also those
listening will learn, so it is that common day of learning for all,” Dowling said.
Students can choose which sessions they want to attend, and Dowling said she hopes
the conversations that begin on the Day of Common Learning will continue in residence
halls or over coffee.
Mario Rangel, the executive director of the Intercultural and Global Office, said he
will participate in three sessions next Tuesday. He gets to moderate two panels — one
faculty panel that focuses on inclusion and one panel of students and staff connected to
the Latino Student Association. He will also join a group discussion involving hot wings
and hot topics, similar to a session that took place during last year’s Day of Courageous
Conversations.
“I’m always excited about authentic conversations,” Rangel said. He has never
moderated before but said he looks forward to the opportunity to engage diverse
perspectives.
“I feel like I’ve got enough of a bridge-type personality between different cultures and
races, ethnicities, that I’m able to kind of help keep the conversation flowing, so I’m
excited to see how that works,” Rangel said.
Dowling said the Theatre Guild has a hand in the events of the day as well. “Finding
Home,” an original play by IWU students, opens on Tuesday night. Those interested in
attending can find more information on the Guild’s Instagram page.
The Intercultural Committee led the planning for the Day of Common Learning
alongside the Academic Affairs Office and the Intercultural and Global Office. The
Intercultural Committee consists of IWU faculty who focus on promoting diversity across
campus.
Because of transitions in leadership and in the Intercultural Committee, Dowling said the
team behind the event decided to reconceptualize the former Day of Courageous
Conversations. This year, the Day of Common Learning focuses on the message of
Isaiah 1:17, with a theme of listening woven in as well.
Makayla Williams, the director of diversity and inclusion for student government and
IGO’s student leader said, “We’re trying to create a new culture that embraces three
Cs. And these three Cs are: cultivate belonging, celebrate diversity, and create
opportunities.”
Williams said she believes the three Cs are a great structure for growing as a
community and engaging different cultures. The Cs informed the question at the heart of
the Day of Common Learning.
“Could you help IWU students, faculty, staff, or wider community understand their
brothers and sisters in Christ more fully?” Williams said.
