In light of the current political climate, building relationships with others with whom we do not hold common bonds is more important than ever, according to Maurice Cooley, associate vice president of intercultural affairs.
“We want to bring people together who come from different cultures, races, ethnicities, religions and lifestyles so they can have open, friendly conversations with one another,” Cooley said. “Tea time holds a long tradition of bringing friends and family members together for conversation and it is considered vital for unity, cohesiveness and sharing.”
Cooley said the idea for the event originated from members of the university’s World Council, which is made up of students from at least 15 different countries, including the United States.
“World Council members believe relationship building exercises are critical to developing an inclusive campus community, particularly as we find that we all have so much in common,” Cooley said. “Conversations can be so simple, but serve the purpose of deconstructing social barriers and often lead to new and lasting relationships.”
Hayley Cornwell, 24, a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program, said events like this may aid in reducing misunderstandings, conflicts or feelings of tension among individuals.
“I find it interesting that international students typically socialize with other international students – it is the same for Americans. Once those barriers are broken down, we realize we are actually more alike than different,” said Cornwell, who is from Ronceverte, West Virginia. “I hope that students are able to leave this event with at least two or three new relationships established with individuals they normally wouldn’t talk to for some reason or another.”
Established in 2015, the World Council seeks to create a more inclusive campus community across all cultures and backgrounds in order to ensure the students of Marshall University thrive in our globally connected society, Cornwell said. She said they hope to plan at least two more events similar to “Campus Talk and Tea” next semester.
This event is free and open to the Huntington and university community. Business casual attire is encouraged with sweet and savory snacks to be served. RSVP by Dec. 2 to Cornwell at cornwell8@marshall.edu with your name and where you are from.
To learn more about the World Council and the Office of Intercultural Affairs, visit www.marshall.edu/intercultural.