May commencement exercises are a time of annual celebration. Family and friends gather to applaud the accomplishments of students who graduate and begin the next stage of their lives. At the School of Nursing commencement, we also recognize a student whose academic study examines a subject through the lenses of race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality and culture. The monetary award recognizes interdisciplinary themes that explore the values of interrelatedness and inseparability of race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality and culture. Essays can focus on experiences, role models, areas of study or broad perspectives.
“We have a fantastic cadre of students who are creative, innovative and unique in their approaches to delivering culturally sensitive care to various populations. To encourage and invigorate their efforts, the Kindred Spirits Award, another School of Nursing diversity plan component has been established,” said Rumay Alexander, EdD, RN, director, Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are eligible to submit work that has been completed during and for a course of study. Submitted works are reviewed by a panel of judges who will select a winner. Students may submit their work directly, or they may be nominated by any faculty or staff member.
What to submit? Research papers, personal or academic essays, and other written work from all courses may be submitted. Poetry, visual arts, architectural plans, computer programs and statistical or laboratory work should be accompanied by an interpretive essay. Work in languages other than English is accepted, but must be accompanied by an English translation. Only one entry may be submitted per student. Past winners are not eligible for future competition.
Submission deadline is March 24, 2008. For submission guidelines or for more information, contact the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing Office of Multicultural Affairs, or (919) 966-7767 or see the Web site at http://nursing.unc.edu/departments/oma/index.html
