Freshman Crossroads Retreat
The Emory Freshmen Crossroads Retreat is a five-day program for incoming Emory Freshmen. The retreat program begins on Monday, August 18 and ends on Friday August 22, 2008. The Retreat site is both the Georgia FFA Center in Covington, GA by Lake Jackson AND the campus of Emory University.
The Freshmen Crossroads Retreat activities are designed to familiarize
students with diversity concepts and to specifically examine who we are as a diverse community at Emory University. Our program encourages awareness and valuing of racial and ethnic identity and fosters an understanding of how “who we are” impacts our interactions with one another and with others in society. This retreat is open to ALL freshmen students. The Provost’s Office, Office of Multicultural Programs and Services, and MORE Mentors, a student big brother/big sister organization, are co-sponsors of the Emory Freshmen Crossroads Retreat.
There is only a $25 fee for participation in the Freshmen Crossroads Retreat which includes housing and almost all meals over the five-day
period.
All retreat participants must arrive at Emory at the Office of Multicultural Programs between the hours of 8:30am-11:00am on Monday August 18th for check-in. Please bring everything you will need for the fall semester as the retreat ends on Friday night, August 22th. Participants will be given residence hall keys and will be allowed to leave their belongings in their permanently assigned rooms for fall semester. [See Frequently Asked Questions for details.] A van is available to assist with moving luggage to the participants’ respective residence halls. After dropping off your belongings in your dorm room, participants will return to the Office of Multicultural Programs with luggage necessary for the two-day off-campus retreat. We will depart for the Retreat site from the office at 11:30am. Further updates and details will be posted here and sent by email to retreat registrants.
The Freshmen Crossroads Retreat is only open to incoming Emory Freshmen. Each day encompasses an important spectrum of activities and educational programs. Therefore, retreat participants will not be able to enroll in the Outdoor Emory program as the dates overlap and conflict. Details about the retreat are listed in the brochures sent to all incoming freshmen students and the website.
Mission
To examine who we are as a diverse community in the United States. To attempt to understand how “who we are” impacts our interactions with one another and with others in society. To encourage an awareness and valuing of racial and ethnic identity.
Goals
- To establish a diverse environment of freshman students from various backgrounds (cultures, religions, races, genders, socio-economic classes, sexual orientation);
- To promote respect for differences and similarities in perceptions, values and beliefs as assets to a diverse community;
- To assist students in developing a social conscience and a sense of community membership (rights and responsibilities as a member);
- To develop problem solving techniques, communication skills, and open attitudes to work harmoniously with each other;
- To provide opportunities for students to develop relationships and leadership skills;
- To develop an understanding and appreciation in each student for his/her own worth and value as a person, and promote methods that increase the self-esteem of each student;
- To develop an understanding and appreciation for the capabilities, talents, and preferences and differences of other students and people;
- To provide students with opportunities to learn about the Emory community, while developing an awareness and appreciation for differences.
Emory University Vision Statement
Emory: A destination university internationally recognized as an inquiry-driven, ethnically engaged, and diverse community, whose members work collaboratively for positive transformation in the world through courageous leadership in teaching, research, scholarship, health care, and social action.