Location: Smathers Library (East) 1A Calendar: UF Calendar Contact: matthew.delvaux@ufl.edu - Matthew Delvaux Description: Presented by: Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere UF has an incredibly diverse student body and it reflects the state's population and history. This panel and audience discussion will look at the history of different racial, ethnic, and gendered populations at the University of Florida, and the relationship of curricular programs (like African-American Studies, Jewish Studies, and the Center for Women's Studies and Gender Research) to the growing and changing UF faculty, staff, and student body. In looking at the history of different student populations and programs at UF, participants will discuss the relationship of the culture of a university to diversity at that institution, and curricular and student-led mechanisms to help all UF students acquire a more global understanding. A key part of this conversation will be the role of mentoring and empathy in educating isolated student populations and creating bridges between faculty and students. In looking forward, this panel will discuss how to balance the history of racial exclusion at UF with ongoing socioeconomic issues that limit who can attend college today. Following five ten-minute presentations, there will be time for a question and answer period and more broad discussion of these issues.