Interfaith Dimensions of Campus Inclusion

Thursday, May 21, 2026
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Online
Faculty, Staff

GVSU Inclusion & Equity Institute Color Burst

In recent decades, our nation has experienced a surge in religious diversification, including increased immigration by religious minorities such as Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, as well as widespread disaffiliation from organized religion, especially among Millennials and Gen Z. These trends have also been clearly expressed on college campuses across the country, including at GVSU.

This session explores how we at GVSU can create welcoming environments for folks of all religious, spiritual, and secular backgrounds. Hosted by the Kaufman Interfaith Institute at Grand Valley State University, our conversation will emphasize the importance of remaining curious about worldviews other than our own, the challenges that arise as we navigate the meeting point of our various truths and commitments, and the centrality of humility and self-awareness in respectful interactions.

Through stories, data, and reflection, this session encourages participants to think about how identity, belief, and belonging intersect on campus. We will highlight the value of cultural humility approaching others with curiosity and openness rather than assumptions and offer practical tools for inclusive event planning, dietary accommodations, and religious observance within the classroom and without.

Ultimately, we hope to invite all Lakers to move beyond tolerance toward genuine engagement and interaction, helping build a culture where all students, faculty, and staff feel seen, respected, and supported.

Learning Outcomes - Participants will be able to:

Gain a working understanding of interfaith engagement and pluralism as promoted by the Kaufman Interfaith Institute.
Develop insights into how religious, secular, and spiritual identities shape Laker experiences on campus.
Learn strategies and tools to foster a culture of educational equity for students of all worldviews.
Become familiar with university policies and resources that support a healthy, inclusive, multifaith campus environment.

Presenters:

Liz English (She/Her/Hers) Campus Program Manager, Kaufman Interfaith Institute

RSVP for this event

This event is recurring on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Location Information

Registration on Workday Learning is required to receive a Zoom link.

Contact Information

Inclusion & Equity Institute

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 616-331-4111

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This event was added to the calendar by Ashley Jefferson (jeffeash@gvsu.edu) on Thursday, August 14, 2025 and was last updated on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 8:38 a.m.

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