All Roads Lead to the Union: Newsletter
ASUU Hosts their Annual 2019 C.O.D.E. Conference
Formerly known as the Conference on Social Awareness (COSA), the Conference of Diverse Excellence (C.O.D.E.) is an educational conference hosted by the Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU). ASUU is the official student government body of the University of Utah whose office is located on the east wing of the second floor in the A. Ray Olpin University Union building. The purpose of C.O.D.E. is to initiate “great dialogue and build consciousness around systems of oppression, privilege, and solidarity through a social justice lens” (ASUU C.O.D.E. Conference website)*. The theme for the 2019 conference held on Friday, February 1st, 2019, was “Unite for Justice” which focused on “bringing peoples of diverse backgrounds together in order to educate, uplift, and support one another” (ASUU C.O.D.E. Conference website).* C.O.D.E. aims to enrich the understanding of the communities we are situated in and showcase how diversity is embedded within our campus community to embrace our culture and identities. C.O.D.E. also strives to reimagine limitless futures which are not bounded by “systems of forced realities” in addition to creating a space to engage in critical dialogue, coalition building, and respect for one another. Students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to pop in for some free food, attend thought-provoking workshops, and hear Blair Imani — the exciting keynote speaker in the Union Ballroom.
Some of the workshops offered through the 2019 program included: Authenticity and the professionalism myth: A panel discussion with 4 first-time full-time professionals of color; A conversation on interpersonal violence and restorative justice; and White tears in the classroom: An unnecessary hindrance.
Attendees had the opportunity to connect with other student leaders, network with faculty and staff and p
ASUU, as the student government body at the University of Utah campus strives to build upon their social justice education and knowledge to create change on campus. The A. Ray Olpin University Union cultivates an environment that serves students by providing social, cultural, leadership and co-curricular opportunities in the building. ASUU’s C.O.D.E. conference ties in excellently with the Union’s mission to promote a safe and welcoming atmosphere where students are inspired to realize their potential.
*For more information about the purpose of C.O.D.E., please visit the ASUU website.
Written by Jose Morales Diaz