Global Engagement Week

UVU's annual Global Engagement Week (GEW) is a part of the worldwide International Education Week (IEW)

IEW is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint inititative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of the efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the U.S.

GEW is a unique opportunity to 1) promote campus-wide international programs that prepare UVU students to become productive citizens in the global society; 2) foster collaboration and integration among international students, conventional students, faculty, staff, and administrators at UVU on international issues; and 3) encourage cultural awareness among UVU students and community members. 


GEW 2009: Nov. 15-21

Monday, November 16
International Community Festival * (Student Center, Ballroom) - 6.30-8.30 p.m. 
* Attendees will experience a wide array of international cultures through interaction with UVU students from around the world. 
The Festival will feature numerous booths filled with authentic crafts, country information, and ethnic finger foods.  Lot's of activities for kids and adults! 
Cultural performances by Remembering Our Culture ( ROC ) will entertain attendees throughout the night. 
The Festival is free and open to the public. 
Free parking across from UVU new library (watch for signs "International Festival Parking)

Tuesday, November 17
International Food Extravaganza* (Student Center, Centre Stage) - 11.00 a.m.-1.00 p.m.
* A t least nine groups of students will prepare an authentic dish from their home countries and compete for the first, second and third prizes.
This year will feature authentic foods from Zambia, Japan, Korea, Columbia, Italy, Jamaica, Ethiopia, Russia and Chile. Cost $5.00 per plate. 
UVU students, employees and campus guests will participate as taste testers and judges.

Wednesday, November 18
Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, Head of Mission for Southern Sudan ( LI 506 (UVU new library, 5th floor)) - 11.00 a.m.-12.00 noon
"Sudan: Before and After 2011. Understanding the Critical Factors Shaping the Future of Sudan"
Sudan is facing one of the most important periods of time in its history. National elections are scheduled for April 2010 and a referendum for Southern Sudan and Abyei is scheduled for January 2011.  Genocide continues in the Darfur region of Sudan and the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Sudan’s President, Omar Al-Bashir. Learn how these and other important events are affecting Sudan and the Horn of Africa.
The lecture is free and open to the public (seating is limited)

Japanese Cultural Night* - (Student Center, Centre Stage) - 6.00 to 9.00 p.m.
* Come and enjoy authentic Japanese dinner ($3) and performances (piano performance, band, Geisha Dance team, etc.).
All of the proceeds will go into the cancer fund for the former UVU international student Urangoo from Mongolia (http://saveuvugirl.blogspot.com/).
Meal tickets are available for purchase at the International Center (WB 147). Dinner seating is limited, so please purchase your meal tickets ahead of time. 

Thursday, November 19
Executive Lecture Series ( Ragan Theater)  - guest speaker UVU President Holland, 12.00-1.00 p.m. 
"Find Your Passion: Become a Global Citizen"
The lecture is free and open to the public

Friday, November 2 0
Appreciation Dinner (by invitation only, Student Center, Centre Stage) - 6.00-8.00 p.m. 
* UVU faculty and staff members who made significant contribution to internationally-related programs will be honored this evening.
Two awards will be given out “Faculty Member of the Year and Staff Member of the Year: Global Engagement” to encourage participation
of UVU employees in internationally-related projects throughout the academic year.
Annual international photo contest winners will also be honored that evening.

Friday, November 20
Native American Pow Wow *   (Grande Ballroom) - 6.00 p.m. blessing of arena, 7 p.m. Grand Entry
*The evening will include inter-tribal (social) and exhibition dancing. 

Saturday, November 21
Native American Pow Wow* (Grande Ballroom) - 12.00 noon 1st Grand Entry, 6.00 p.m. 2nd Grand Entry
*All-day event with entertainment, food, competitions, raffles, cake walk, arts and crafts!
$5.00 for adults, $4.00 for students with ID. Elders and children 5 years old and under are free. 


Orem Institute of Religion Events

Sunday, November 15
International Musical Fireside *  (North Chapel) - 7.00 p.m. 
* This fireside meeting will merge the musical and speaking talents of students from all over the world.

Tuesday, November 17
International Futsal* Tournament (Gym) - 2.00 p.m.
*Futsal is the indoor soccer.  It is played on all the continents of the world in over 100 countries by more than 12 million players. 
Futsal is played on a basketball-size court.  
It is a great skill-developer, demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking, and pin-point passing.  
Sign up sheets will be at the UVU International Center (WB 147)

Thursday, November 19
International Ping Pong Tournament (Game Room) - 2.30 p.m. 

Friday, November 20
Devotional Speaker from Kosovo Lavdie Huff (North Chapel) - 12.00 noon


Past GEW Celebrations

GEW 2008: Nov. 17-21 (full report)

GEW 2007: Nov. 12-16 (full report)

GEW 2006: November 13-17 (full report)

GEW 2005: November 6-12 (full report)

Click here to access the official IEW website

IEW facts

International students and administrators from UVU, Snow College and University of Utah Utah watch Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. sign an IEW declaration (2007)