MARCH 2024
FEATURED EVENTS
Diversity, Coffee and Conversation
Tuesday, March 5 | 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty, staff and UA System employees
In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host Diversity, Coffee and Conversation focused on the 2024 theme: “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Pop Up Shop: Women’s History Month
Wednesday, March 6 | Noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff and UA System employees
The Intercultural Diversity Center continues its Pop-Up Shop Series focusing on Women’s History Month and its theme of “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. Participants will recognize women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions. This program features visual presentations, digital exhibitions, conversation starters and more. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
MORE EVENTS
Knap-In
March 1-2 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Moundville Archaeological Park
This stone tool-maker event will host flintknappers from all over the country. Knapping is the shaping of flint, chert, obsidian, or other conchoidal fracturing stone through the process of lithic reduction to manufacture stone tools. Admission to the park is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for students and military, and free for children under the age of five years. Native American visitors get in free with their tribal membership cards. UA Museums members get in for free with a museum membership.
Adapted Athletics Hollister Invitational
March 1-2 | Stran-Hardin Arena
UA Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team will take on the University of Missouri and Auburn University March 1-2. Games are Friday, March 1, at 2:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. The Friday night game is a ‘black out’ against in-state rivalry Auburn and is also Greek Night. The games Saturday are at 11:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Support UA seniors at the senior recognition game at 1:30 p.m.
Rainbow Connection
Fridays, March 1, 22 and 29 | 2 p.m.-3 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students
The Safe Zone Resource Center hosts Rainbow Connection, its weekly support and dialogue group for LGBTQIA+ identified students and their allies. This group provides an opportunity to form supportive friendships with other group members, learn resilience skills and strategies for self-care, and set personal goals. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Cinnamon Rolls Not Gender Roles
Mondays, March 4 and 25 | 1 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students
The Safe Zone Resource Center hosts its weekly Cinnamon Rolls, not Gender Roles program for individuals of all identities to come together, eat pastries and discuss topics concerning gender identity and performance in our current culture and climate. Participants will learn about special topics as they pertain to our understanding of gender.
Multicultural Coffee Hour
Friday, March 1 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
Featured Country: Iran
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff and UA System
The International Student and Scholar Services and the Intercultural Diversity Center hosts weekly coffee hours for students, faculty and staff to enjoy free coffee, tea, snacks and conversation with others from around the world. For more information, contact International Student and Scholar Services at international@ua.edu.
Study Abroad Pop-Up Advising
Tuesday, March 5, 19 and 26 | 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA students
Education Abroad hosts weekly pop-up advising sessions on studying abroad. The sessions are first-come, first-served walk-ins where students have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an Education Abroad advisor. For more information, contact the Study Abroad office at studyabroad@ua.edu.
International Women’s Day Lunch and Learn
Tuesday, March 5 | Noon-1 p.m. | The Forum, 3700 Student Center
This lunch and learn will be a Q&A style event featuring women students from all over the globe discussing their experiences. Lunch will be provided. This is event is sponsored by the Women and Gender Resource Center.
Support Digital Inclusion CHES Black Board Accessibility Training 2
Tuesday, March 5 | 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. | Doster Hall, Room 104
Dr. Rachel Thompson, director of the Center for Instructional Technology, will offer the faculty training on enhancing the accessibility of the Black Board courses. Snacks will be served. This event is sponsored by the College of Human Environmental Sciences.
Hallowed Grounds Tour
March 7, 21 and 28 | 4 p.m.-5 p.m. | Gorgas House
Black Faculty and Staff Association Ambassadors host The Hallowed Grounds Tour, a walkthrough of campus that delves into black history and the civil rights movement on campus. This tour is a product of Dr. Hilary Green’s research on the history of slavery at The University of Alabama. The tour is open to current students, alumni, faculty, staff, community members and potential students. The tour will take approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Ramadan: What to Know About Students Observing Ramadan
March 10-April 9, 2024
Ramadan stands as a sacred period in Islam, marking the revelation of the Qur’an. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, fostering closeness to God and nurturing qualities like self-discipline, gratitude, and empathy for the needy. It is a time of spiritual renewal, characterized by increased Quranic recitation and prayer.
For ways to support students during Ramadan, view information provided by Capstone International.
Keys of Student Success
Monday, March 18 | 2 p.m.-3 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA Students
The Intercultural Diversity Center and the Capstone Center for Student Success kick off their new Keys of Student Success series. This program offers students a firsthand opportunity to connect with peer coaches and learn about various academic resources and ways to succeed through printed materials and worksheets. Keys of Student Success occurs every third Monday. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
TEDTalk Tuesday: How to Overcome Apathy and Find Your Power
Tuesday, March 19 | Noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff and UA System employees
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Intercultural Diversity Center continues the TEDTalk Tuesday Series featuring civil rights activist Dolores Huerta. Participants will learn about Huerta’s life’s work through wit and humor, offering inspiration to overcome apathy, get involved in the pursuit of civil rights and find their own power. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Coffee and Mental Health
Wednesday, March 20 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff and UA System employees
The Intercultural Diversity Center and the UA Counseling Center present Coffee and Mental Health where participants have an opportunity to speak with therapists in a one-on-one setting. The program provides an environment for participants to ask questions, get to know UA therapists and learn about counseling as a student resource. In addition, the program offers a space for guests to learn about the many mental wellbeing resources the counseling center has and ways they can connect with the counseling center. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Multicultural Coffee Hour
Friday, March 22 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
Featured country: Nepal
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff and UA System
International Student and Scholar Services and the Intercultural Diversity Center host weekly coffee hours for students, faculty and staff to enjoy free coffee, tea, snacks and conversation with others from around the world. For more information, please contact International Student and Scholar Services at international@ua.edu.
38th Annual Sakura Festival
Saturday, March 23 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Warner Transportation Museum, Jack Warner Parkway
The theme of this year’s Sakura Festival is “Uketsugu” or “Preserve.” The spring celebration of Sakura, or cherry blossoms, reminds us of the value of each moment, while the return of spring awakens us to fresh possibilities in life. This year’s theme reminds us to cherish and carry on the connection that was built between the community of Tuscaloosa and its sister-city, Narashino, Japan.
The festival features a Haiku contest and is open to entries online. The last day to enter is March 15.
Tuscaloosa’s Annual Sakura Festival provides an opportunity to experience Japanese culture through educational demonstrations, performances, and activities for all ages.
TEDTalk Tuesday: The Beautiful Balance Between Courage and Fear
Tuesday, March 26 | Noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff and UA System employees
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Intercultural Diversity Center continues the TEDTalk Tuesday Series featuring disability activist and United Nations humanitarian Cara E. Yar Khan. Participants will learn about Khan’s story of being diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that deteriorates muscle and hear her philosophy for working on the projects that matter to her, while letting courage and fear coexist. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Women Who Speak Up: A Women’s History Month Read-In
Tuesday, March 26 | 5 p.m.-6 p.m. | Camellia Room, Gorgas Library
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join us to share the written word of women authors. Participants can read their own work or share the prose, poetry, or any piece of literature by a woman. To be included in the formal program, register the piece you will read. There may be an opportunity for additional, unregistered readers to share at the end of the program if time allows. This event is sponsored by the Women and Gender Resource Center.
EveryWoman Book Club
Thursday, March 28 | Noon-1 p.m. | Legends Bistro, Hotel Capstone
Hosted by the Women and Gender Resource Center, EveryWoman Book Club is open to faculty, staff, community members, and graduate students. This month’s featured book is “Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward. The book is a journey through Mississippi’s past and present that is both an intimate portrait of a family and an epic tale of hope and struggle.
The group meets monthly to discuss books written by women. Book themes often correspond to cultural heritage or awareness months. The Center usually reserves at least one copy for Book Club members at our library, which can be reserved and picked up by calling 205-348-5040. You can join the book club simply by emailing our Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Lester.
AAPI Heritage Month Celebration
Thursday, March 28 | 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.| Location TBA
Although Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month occurs annually in May, the UA AAPI Association has elected to celebrate at the end of March to avoid conflicts with final exams and other end-of-semester activities that occur in May.
The campus is invited to enjoy food, performances and art by UA students and faculty as well as from the AAPI community in Alabama, showcasing AAPI culture, differences and similarities.
Follow the Association: @UA_AAPI on Instagram or visit aapi.ua.edu.
Multicultural Coffee Hour
Friday, March 29 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
Featured country: Italy
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff and UA System employees
International Student and Scholar Services and the Intercultural Diversity Center host weekly coffee hours for students, faculty and staff to enjoy free coffee, tea, snacks and conversation with others from around the world. For more information, contact International Student and Scholar Services international@ua.edu.
Transgender Day of Visibility
Friday, March 29 | 3 p.m.-4 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff and UA System employees
In support of Transgender Day of Visibility, the Safe Zone Resource Center will have Trans-inclusive resources and information available in the Safe Zone Student Lounge. Trans and Nonbinary pride flags and buttons will be available for participants in the center while supplies last. Guests can learn about advocating with the trans community and prominent trans and nonbinary activists working today.