GRADUATE STUDENT PROGRAMMING

Intersectional Reflections: Celebrating Diversity in Graduate Studies

Intersectional Reflections is a series of community conversations aimed at providing graduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with an in-depth and intimate look into the identity experiences of members across the University's graduate community. Conversations explore the intersection of various identities and the impact they have on the academic and professional journeys of students, staff and faculty. Shared stories promote new insights into how we can successfully navigate graduate education and professional development experiences in spaces where our identities may be minoritized. This series invites us to explore the influence of our own identities along our academic journeys and how we can be allies to those who do not share our identities.

Objectives 

• Create a space to increase visibility for the many identities in our community. 
• Engage the Graduate CLAS student body in critical thinking about the ways in which we can unite as a community and promote empathy and empowerment as we all seek enlightenment. 
• Promote greater educational agency in our community as we share our unique experiences.
   

Intersectional Reflections Series

The Intersectional Reflections Series invites us to explore the influence of our own identities along our academic journeys and how we can be allies to those who do not share our identities. The first reflection of the year was held at the Kick-Off Dinner Discussion in November 2023.

Planned reflections for the spring 2024 semester:

• Reflection #2 (February 22, 2024): AAPI, BIPOC & Hispanic Identity
• Reflection #3 (March 20, 2024): First Generation Student Identity
• Reflection #4 (April 16, 2024): LGBTQIA Identity

All reflections will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Grad Center Student Lounge in Vasey Hall.

Intersectional Reflection #4: LBGTQIA+ Identities

Our fourth Intersectional Reflections Dinner and Discussion will focus on LBGTQIA+ identities. Join us as we enjoy a great meal and hear about the academic journeys of a panel of faculty, staff and graduate students who come to Villanova, an Augustinian Catholic institution, from diverse sexual and gender identities. Graduate students, staff and faculty of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to attend this event. The reflection will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 in the Grad Center Student Lounge in Vasey Hall. Seating is limited, and registration is required for planning purposes.