A Much-Needed Day of Dialogue

On February 20, the Office of Campus Life and the Campus Life Resource Group sponsored the second annual All-College Day. Founded to bring together the various people living and working on Vassar’s campus, All-College Day offers a day of information, food, events, and, most importantly, discussion.

 

“In essence, it is a grand attempt to bring many different constituencies together for information exchange, discussion, and fun as well,” said Edward Pittman ’82, associate dean of the college. The day started in the Villard Room with information tables representing student groups, administrative offices, and academic areas. Meanwhile, downstairs in the College Center students erected a large canvas for members of the campus community to contribute to a

mural. That evening, a talent show held in the All-Campus Dining Center included musical performances and readings by students and employees. The combination of art, music, food, and conversation created a relaxed environment to promote “discussion of community as it might relate to multiple issues of identity, all forms of diversity, and campus life,” Pittman said.

In addition to the structured discussion groups and a community forum, All-College Day provides an opportunity to put a name with a face. “It’s a chance to meet a lot of people you may see all the time but have never stopped to have a conversation with,” said Michelle Ransom, administrative assistant in the Office of Campus Activities. For Theresa Lee ’02, a representative from the ALANA Center — a cultural center to support students of color — working on such a large-scale program has been personally rewarding as well. “Although as a senior I found it difficult to stay focused on school activities, all the hard work combined with meeting a lot of campus employees made it a huge success for me,” she said.

With over 300 participants, this year’s All-College Day was deemed a success. The Office of Campus Life and the Campus Resource Group Office — the group formed as a result of discussions about promoting civility and dialogue on campus and comprised of representatives from the student body, administration, faculty, and support staff — have already begun planning next year’s event. Slated for February 19, 2003, the third annual All-College Day hopes to build on its success and continue to “change the way we see the campus culture…and create spaces where everyone feels included in the shaping of campus community,” said Pittman.

Photos by Diane Pineiro-Zucker.