The Multicultural Resource Center’s annual Civility Week will feature an array of programs and events focused on reminding the University community about the value and virtue of civility.
“Civility Week was initially implemented last academic year as a partnership between the Office of Student Conduct and the Multicultural Resource Center,” said Vidal Dickerson, director of Multicutural Resource Center. “Civility is a value and goal of both offices, and it seems like a necessary conversation to present as our students are witnessing and even experiencing so many contentious situations. This year, the BEST (Building Educational Strengths and Talents) Program will also join in providing programs and dialogues in support of the week.”
Motivational speaker Ty Howard is the featured presenter for Civility Week. He will lecture on “Civility: Your Key to Success in College” at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, in Cone University Center McKnight Hall. The Center for Leadership Development’s PILOT program is co-sponsoring this talk, which will cover topics such as the meaning of civility, how to avoid “civility pitfalls” during college and how to achieve personal success that also improves the university brand. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding on the importance of accountability and responsibility and will learn tips and techniques to address and remove behaviors that undermine credibility and productivity.
Howard is founder, publisher and editor of the online magazine Motivation. He is considered an authority on self-development and business development, and he is a habits consultant, relationship expert and personal/professional development expert.
The full schedule of Civility Week (April 1-5) events is listed below. All events are free and open to the public.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday, April 1-4: Civility Pledge Table
Noon, Tuesday, April 2: Not-So-Random Acts of Kindness
Student Union, Room 200
In a world of competition, immediacy and technology, have people lost their basic humanity? Is being nice a “flaw”? This interactive session will examine practices of civility and encouragement.
3:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 2: “The Power of Forgiveness” featuring Lisa Dubois
Student Union Movie Theater
A special showing of the award-winning documentary “The Power of Forgiveness,” followed by a panel discussion facilitated by Lisa Dubois.
Thursday, April 4: Speak Your Peace Public Readings
Belk Tower
The third annual “Speak Your Peace” event will include a public reading of works celebrating civility, peace, love, forgiveness and courage from an eclectic mix of writers. Students, faculty and staff can submit material as well as volunteer to read.
For more information, visit the websites for Civility Week or the Multicultural Resource Center.