1,100 people attend Teach-In sessions

man speaking into microphone, people seated at table
MarcQus Wright, director of TRIO Student Support Services, speaks during a presentation about first-generation students at the Teach-In on January 19 in the Kirkhof Center. More than 1,100 people attended, and more than 60 sessions were held.
Image credit - Amanda Pitts

More than 1,100 people attended the January 19 Teach-In, which was centered around the theme of "Power, Privilege and Difficult Dialogues."

Karen Gipson, chair of University Academic Senate and professor of physics, said although attendance was down from the 2016 event (1,450), she said it presented opportunities to learn, share and grow.

"The intimacy of many of the sessions allowed for more personal interactions," Gipson said. "I witnessed and experienced a number of meaningful exchanges where participants came away with new understanding of challenging topics."

The fourth annual event was sponsored by UAS and Student Senate. Student Senate President Ella Fritzemeier said she enjoyed the depth of presentations, and cited a few examples including the meaning of rape culture, bias in the news, and first-generation students speaking about their experiences.

Fritzemeier and another student senator gave a presentation with Inclusion and Equity and Dean of Students staff members that focused on framing and negotiating campus issues.

"We related organizational theories to the musical 'Hamilton' on how difficult decisions are made as well as gave personal examples," she said. 

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