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Events
EXPERIENCE: Service in the City
As part of new student orientation, 457 first year and transfer students and 77 orientation leaders worked with 24 community
service agency partners in Birmingham during EXPERIENCE: Service in the City. The event introduces students to service-learning
and highlights the agencies making a difference in Birmingham. By gardening at Jones Valley Teaching Farm, sorting cans at the
Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, and other activities, students learn more about each other, the city, and the tradition
of community engagement at the College.
Fall Leadership Conference
In October, more than 20 students participated in a one-day leadership conference where they considered the relevance of a
liberal arts education, how to identify professional development opportunities as a student, how to build a professional social
media presence that demonstrates one’s value to employers, and tips about how to interview for internships. Guest speakers for
the event represented professionals and experts in higher education, small businesses, and non-profit management.
International EducationWeek
The College celebrated International Education Week, November 16-20 This year’s theme was Global Refugee Awareness. The
annual map project, which invites students, faculty, and staff to pinpoint where they have travelled worldwide, expanded to
include the routes refugees travel to find safety, shelter, and community. Students, faculty, and staff traced their footprints to show
their solidarity with those people who have been forced to leave their homes because of war, persecution, and natural disaster.
The week concluded with the vibrant International Bazaar sponsored by the College’s Cross-Cultural Committee featuring
activities, performances, and foods representing different international student groups at the College.
First-Year Leadership Challenge
The first-year leadership challenge provides first-year students with an opportunity to build their leadership skills and identify
how they can meaningfully contribute to Birmingham-Southern. The program is a partnership with the Office of Student
Development, and consists of six, two-hour sessions during January. Over 60 students participated in all six sessions this year.