The inaugural Community Impact Symposium aims to strengthen community connections
In support of the university's commitment to strengthen campus communities, the inaugural Community Impact Symposium and Awards will offer a day of programming designed to foster connections and a welcoming space for employees, students and beyond.
One faculty member, one staff member and one student will be honored for their community-building efforts at the symposium.
The free April 28 event, organized by the Office of the Provost, will feature keynote speakers, community conversations, a service project and awards celebrating campus community members' efforts to expand opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. The symposium will take place in the North Ballroom and additional rooms in the Student Union Memorial Center.
"We wanted to create an event that celebrates the people on campus," said Thomas Harris, senior director of learning and engagement in the Office of the Provost. "We wanted to get people together as a community and talk about how the work we do every day contributes to building a welcoming place to work and live."
The symposium will begin with a keynote presentation from Arika Wells, executive vice president and chief operating officer for the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, who will discuss the work the organization does and how to build community through networking and volunteering. After lunch provided by local vendors, there will be a series of community conversations facilitated by campus community group leaders.
"We really want to celebrate communities across campus and build connections, so we can support each other and learn from our unique experiences," said Jenna Hatcher, vice provost.
Thomas Harris, Senior Director of Learning and Engagement, Office of the Provost
Attendees can vote on topics to be covered in the conversations, including building community outside of your unit, creating environments where people from all backgrounds can thrive, and implementing self-care practices at the university.
University groups will be on hand at a resource fair to share the services and support that they offer.
For the symposium's community service element, attendees will be encouraged to bring hygiene items such as toilet paper, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, face wash and shaving cream. During the symposium, participants will organize donations into care packages for Youth On Their Own, a Tucson nonprofit dropout prevention program supporting youth experiencing homelessness in Pima County. Attendees can also write encouraging notes to students involved in the program.
Jenna Hatcher, Vice Provost
Community Impact Awards
The symposium will also feature the inaugural Community Impact Awards, celebrating the community-building contributions of one faculty member, one staff member and one student.
Nominations are being accepted online through April 7. Self-nominations are welcome.
Winners will be announced the week of April 14 and recognized during the symposium. Honorees will receive a plaque and a $500 professional development stipend.
The awards ceremony will include a presentation from Arezu Corella, senior associate vice president for enrollment management and associate dean for undergraduate admissions, who will discuss the importance of building community with colleagues across the university.
"I think the symposium will strengthen the U of A and help us fulfill our land-grant mission," Hatcher said.
While admission to the symposium is free, those interested in attending are asked to register.