Photo By: Ashley Alonzo
With the purpose of “facilitating a shared knowledge of diversity and cultural understanding,” as its constitution says, the Diversity Activities Board, or DAB, brings opportunities to students in Ottawa University to get educated, be encouraged and to engage in all multicultural activities that not only culturally address other countries in the world, but also the cultural diversity of all students in our university.
DAB already kicked off its year with Venezuela Day on Sep. 14 at the Hetrick Bistro, bringing food, music and traditions to students and professor to have a better understanding of other cultures. Other events such as the celebration of Black History Month, Native American Month and the diverse Christmas styles are future happenings that this board is planning to show how important, interesting and fun it could be to share a mutual understanding of each other’s cultures.
“We are different, because we want to celebrate domestic and international students, as well as to bring awareness about diversity,” says Ada Castro, one of the co-directors.
DAB operates in a committee structure which has three co-directors and up to 20 members. However, additional member approvals are up to the discretion of the co-directors and advisors.
Members of this committee must have a 2.0 GPA or higher and must be full-time students. If students are eligible and interested in joining the Diversity Activity Board, an application must be picked up at students’ affairs office and submitted as soon as possible. After the final due dates in October, interviews between the applicant, DAB adviser and DAB officers will take place to determine the membership of the applicant, according to their constitution.
Responsibilities such as mandatory meetings, organizing at least one event per semester, event preparation and clean-up, support of all DAB events and decisions, and being open-minded for new ideas are required to be part of the Diversity Activity Board.
In addition, DAB members wish to build bridges with other clubs and organizations on campus to make these events broader and better for the members of this university as well as for the members of DAB and the community.
Lastly, imagine a safe campus where students are free from judgement, can express their perspectives and experiences, and can also openly give their opinion on aspects of which they have full knowledge: That is exactly what the Diversity Activity Board is striving for. Joining the activities DAB organizes will help build unforgettable memories at the university.