ITHACA, N.Y. -- A diversity-education initiative for new students at Cornell University, called "One Vision, Many Voices," will begin its sophomore year on campus during Orientation 2003. Its goal is to facilitate discussion among students about issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

"We had a great response from students last year and are looking to surpass attendance numbers this year," said Ednita Wright, assistant dean of students for diversity education and outreach at Cornell.

The cornerstone of the "One Vision, Many Voices" initiative is theatrical performances and facilitated discussions by CITE (the Cornell Interactive Theatre Ensemble). Each new Cornell student is required to attend one of the 21 scheduled performances held over four weeks, Aug. 24-Sept. 18, on campus. Each performance will consist of acted-out scenarios dealing with issues of race, religion and sexual orientation, followed by discussions facilitated by CITE. And top Cornell administrators will be on hand at each performance to provide closing remarks.

"The goal of 'One Vision, Many Voices' is to initiate students into our value system, our expectations of inclusiveness," said Wright. "We want students to appreciate all the differences in our population, from race to ethnicity to gender to class, and all points in between. The CITE performance is just the first step. We want to get students talking and keep them talking."

There also will be 12 open discussion groups scheduled during October and November to help continue discussions of diversity on campus, as well as a six-week diversity training session for students interested in further broadening their horizons.

"One Vision, Many Voices" is a collaborative effort of many units across campus, including the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, the Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity and Faculty Development, the Division of Student and Academic Services, the Office of the Dean of Students, CITE and Campus Life Community Development.

For more information on "One Vision, Many Voices," contact Lynn Delles in the Office of the Dean of Students at (607) 255-5808.