Guilford College English Professor and Founder of Every Campus a Refuge (ECAR) Diya Abdo will take part in an upcoming U.S. Department of Education webinar about how the higher-education community can support Afghan newcomers and other refugee groups.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to have this platform provided by the Department of Education to showcase how campuses can support refugees — especially refugee families," Diya says. "The ECAR model mobilizes colleges and universities to provide temporary housing and integration support to newcomers. I look forward to speaking about ECAR and moderating the conversation among several campuses participating in this innovative work.”
The webinar is planned for 1 p.m. Friday, March 4. Diya will moderate the discussion portion of the event.
“I love the ways this work that Diya has been doing at Guilford College continues to expand and create more opportunities for colleges and universities to live out their values and share their expertise in practical ways,” shares Guilford Provost Maria Rosales.
The webinar will explore how higher-education partners can extend their services to Afghan evacuees and refugees and support their successful transition into the U.S. Participants will learn how institutions and systems are rising to the occasion and providing an array of support and opportunities to Afghan evacuees. They will also discuss how the education system can support evacuees and refugees in pursuing new skills and credentials.
Guests will include:
- Diya Abdo, Every Campus A Refuge and Guilford College
- Shelly Calabrese and Ali Schaeffing, Russell Sage College
- Jennifer Fish, Old Dominion University
- Patty Perillo, University of Maryland
- President DeRionne Pollard and Anthony Ruiz, Nevada State College
- Nancy Zimpher, National Association of System Heads
For questions about this event, please email Keeping the Promise.
ECAR mobilizes partnerships between colleges and universities and local resettlement agencies to provide newcomers with free temporary housing on campus as well as community support. The program provides a softer landing and more dignified beginning for newcomers and enhances the educational, research, and service missions of colleges and universities. The flagship campus at Guilford College has hosted 66 refugees thus far and is currently hosting 16 Afghan evacuees. To learn more, please visit the ECAR website.