Signature Programs

Dream Week

Each January, the Social Change and Intercultural Engagement (SCIE) office hosts Dream Week, which is an annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that traditionally kicks off every year with SMU’s participation in the MLK Day Parade hosted by the City of Dallas. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are also invited to join the annual Unity Walk with President R. Gerald Turner. This time together is a great demonstration of our commitment as a university to the work of Dr. King.

In January 2024, there will be three events hosted by SCIE.

SMU Dream Boards: Share the goals that you have for yourself in 2024 by writing them down on the "Dream Boards" that will be placed around the Hughes-Trigg Student Center anytime throughout the week. You might end up inspiring someone else in the process with your dream! 

Unity Circle: Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to join the annual Unity Circle with campus leaders including President Turner, Dr. Mmeje, and student representatives from the Association of Black Students (ABS) and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). 

Dr. Brian Williams Keynote: Please join SCIE in welcoming Dr. Brian Williams, a renowned advocate for change, as he delves into the urgent and timely topics of gun violence, systemic racism and inequity during his keynote address. Driven by his personal experiences and professional expertise, Dr. Williams will shed light on the disproportionate impact of gun violence on marginalized communities, while sharing his remarkable journey and the transformative influence of his time in the Air Force. This week of celebration together is a great demonstration of our commitment as a university to the work of Dr. King. To learn more about Dr. Brian Williams, visit his website. 

Cultural Heritage Months

In the United States, cultural celebrations matter greatly, because they help better explain the stories and histories of diverse ethnic and identity cultures. These cultural celebrations provide the opportunity to recognize the complexities and richness of each cultural identity. It is important to understand and appreciate these stories within the greater American narrative.

The Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement create spaces of appreciation and education for the below Cultural Heritage Months:

Black History Month (February)
Asian Heritage Month (May)
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 -October 15)
Native American Heritage Month (November)

Learn More About Each Heritage Month

Multicultural Celebration

The Multicultural Celebration acknowledges the value and uniqueness of underrepresented student experiences and serves to commemorate and highlight the accomplishments of individuals within their familial and cultural context. Social Change and Intercultural Engagement encourages all SMU Mustangs to learn more about how to apply and participate in this culturally-based graduation celebration.

 

Workshops and Trainings

The SCIE Leadership Summit is an educational experience that occurs every spring and targets all multicultural student organization leaders. During this event, SCIE collaborates with various Student Affairs and campus partners to train and educate newly elected officers.

The Suite 218 Retreat is a day-long experience for various WLGBT and SCIE student organizations for team building and leadership development.

Information coming soon

Information coming soon