Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Getting Involved:
What is the GIC?
The mission of the Albert M. Greenfield Intercultural Center is to serve as Penn's resource for enhancing student's intercultural knowledge, competency, and leadership through our programs, advising, and advocacy. To this end, the Center offers courses for credit, signature intercultural programs, and other services related to diversity and intercultural education. The center also works closely to advice and support student organizations interested in planning campus wide intercultural activities. Center staff are also available to consult and assist in designing and implementing workshops on diversity issues for student organizations and administrative offices on campus. For graduate students interested in doing applied work in intercultural education, the center provides a small number of unpaid intercultural opportunities. For more detail on courses, signature programs and services, go to www.vpul.penn.edu/gic
How do I get involved in the center?
The center has many courses and programs and the application deadlines are listed on our website. To get involved with student organizations associated with the GIC, contact the chair/president of that organization. If you still have questions, contact one of the staff at the center and we would be happy to help you identify either opportunities at the center or elsewhere on campus or in Philadelphia.
I heard about PACE, but how do I register? When does the class meet?
PACE admits students through an application and interview process. Please follow-relevant links to apply. Application deadlines are typically in early November for the spring semester. Class meeting times are told to students once they are interviewed, but in the past they have been Tuesdays 12noon-3pm. This time is NOT guaranteed every year.
Can I take the iBelieve course but NOT attend the Spring Break trip?
No, all students are required to attend the spring break trip – which will be Sunday afternoon – Thursday morning.
Is the United Minorities Council (UMC) only for minorities?
No, the United Minorities Council is an intercultural umbrella organization for various groups and individuals committed to intercultural understanding. Anyone can join at any time.
Does the GIC offer trainings and workshops?
Yes. The GIC has staff with expertise in intercultural and diversity workshop design and delivery. We have worked with different departments across the university to design sessions and programs that meet the student and staff needs. Examples of workshops include how to work with a diverse community for RA/GA training in collaboration with the College Houses and Academic Services; Cross-Cultural Communication for the Summer Institute for Business and Technology RTAs in collaboration with Wharton and the School of Engineering; and Facilitators' training for the Latino Dialogue Institute and the Intercultural Leadership Program, among others. If you are interested in a workshop or in consultation services related to diversity programming, please contact Sarvelia Peralta-Duran at snp@exchange.upenn.edu.
Does the GIC collaborate with other Penn departments and outside organizations?
Yes, depending on the breath and nature of the program. The very nature of intercultural work requires collaboration and the leverage of diverse resources and talents. All our programs have been born of collaborations between GIC and other Cultural Resource Centers, Schools and Departments as well as partnerships with local schools and arts organizations. If you are interested in a program in collaboration with GIC, please contact the Director Valerie De Cruz at decruz@upenn.edu.
Graduate Students:
Are there opportunities for graduate students to get involved?
Many graduate students take our courses and apply to our signature programs. There are also a few unpaid internships at the center for graduate students who are interested in doing applied work in intercultural education. To learn about our courses and signature programs, contact our Associate Director Fatimah Muhammad at flm@upenn.edu. For questions about the unpaid internships at the center, contact the Director Valerie De Cruz, decruz@upenn.edu.
Administrative Support:
Are there funding opportunities at the GIC, and if so how do I apply for them?
The GIC funds programs with an intercultural goal. To request co-sponsorship, send an email to the Director Valerie De Cruz at decruz@upenn.edu with a description of the event, itemized budget and other sources that you are approaching for funding. This information should be sent three weeks before an event.
How do I reserve a meeting space?
The GIC can accommodate meetings and programs and room reservations must be submitted through an online request form. You can choose to reserve from living room, library, student lounge (3rd floor), patio room, or outdoor patio.
Can I have computer access at the GIC?
A computer cluster is available on the third floor of the GIC for use by students. It is equipped with three computers and a printer. Should you experience concerns with the equipment, please contact a staff member.
Does the GIC have a video library?
The GIC has a collection of VHS videotapes and DVDs available for use in multicultural programming. Please refer to this page for detailed instruction on the check-out-policy, hours and fees.
