I&E Institute Learning Opportunities
Interfaith Dimensions of Campus Inclusion
Date and Time
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
RSVP
You can RSVP for this event
Location
Registration on Workday Learning is required to receive a Zoom link.
Description
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
This event also appears on the main events calendar tagged as inclusion.
Contact
Inclusion & Equity Institute
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 616-331-4111
Recurring
This event also occurs on 10/21/25 and 5/21/26