October 1, 2018
K-State Family hosting second KSUnite
Dear students, faculty and staff:
Since my arrival at Kansas State University last spring, many students have expressed to me the importance of continuing our march toward unity. Very soon the K-State community will once again come together for a second KSUnite event to mark our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
This signature engagement opportunity will be Tuesday, Oct. 9. Students, faculty and staff from each campus building are encouraged to congregate and proceed to the World War I Memorial Stadium when the Anderson Hall chimes begin ringing at 1 p.m. Upon arrival at the stadium, please gather on the turf area facing south toward the Alumni Center. The formal program will begin at 1:20 p.m.
In case of inclement weather, we will gather in the Student Union Ballroom. For those who cannot physically attend KSUnite's main program, online streaming will be available.
Prior to and following the main program, breakout conversations are scheduled on various topics. Please see the day's full schedule on the KSUnite website.
As mentioned in my previous joint letter with President Richard Myers and Provost Chuck Taber, university offices will be closed and classes will be canceled to allow all students, faculty and staff to participate. Times of the class cancellation are 1–3:30 p.m. and will affect classes scheduled from 1:05–2:20 p.m. and 2:30–3:45 p.m. For some labs and specialized classrooms, canceling class may not be feasible and instructors will make the determination in those situations. Faculty are encouraged to integrate diversity and inclusion into their classes throughout the day and to work with students who would like to attend the morning conversations. KSUnite is a K-State 360 badge event.
Members of the K-State Family come from many backgrounds: urban and rural, first generation, various nationalities, sexual orientations, abilities, generations, economics, religious backgrounds, gender and gender identities, race and ethnicities. KSUnite is not simply time out of class or work, nor is it a discussion solely about race. KSUnite is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and guests to be involved in designing and sustaining a climate characterized by respect and civility and to feel pride in their participation as we prepare students for global citizenry.
Thank you for creating and supporting an environment that values diversity and inclusion and I look forward to seeing our Purple Pride at KSUnite.
Sincerely,
Bryan D. Samuel, CCDP/AP
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer