This post showcases inclusive events from departments and groups across Ball State’s campus that foster cross-cultural understanding. You can join interactive events, attend panel discussions, and experience cultural activities that broaden perspectives and build connections. These events encourage meaningful conversations and invite everyone to deepen their understanding of diverse cultures while engaging in enriching activities.
If you are looking for inclusive dates such as heritage months or religious observations, please see the Celebrating Diversity post.
If you are looking for our Professional Development opportunities, please visit our Professional Development post.
If there is anything you would like anything shared in future newsletters please email ie@bsu.edu.
On Campus Inclusive Events
From the Rinker Center for Global Affairs
Each month the Rinker Center hosts a series of events highlighting different cultures from around the world. All events take place in the Yuhas Room (102) at the Rinker Center in the Student Center!
Culture Exchange: 8 Wednesday Culture Exchanges this semester from 12 pm to 1 pm, each one providing a glimpse into the country, culture, and life experience of many international students. Culture Exchanges are a great opportunity to come and learn something new about the world around you! (10/02 Iran, 10/09 Argentina, 10/16 India 10/23, Philippines, 11/06 Sri Lanka, 11/13 Kenya, 11/20 Pakistan).
International Hangout: Monthly Friday events from 3 pm to 4:30 pm where people from any and all backgrounds are encouraged to gather together and learn about other cultures and seize the opportunity to try out beverages, snacks, games, and dances from countries around the world with the opportunity of winning a prize! (10/18 Uzbekistan, 11/15 India)
Language Night: We highlight a language that is not taught at BSU and explore its origin and cultural context. You will also get to learn some fun and useful phrases! This semester we are featuring Vietnamese on Friday, 09/27 from 4 pm to 5 pm!
Cooking Night: Join us for a night of learning about culture and food on Thursday, 12/05 from 5 pm to 6:30 pm and try your hand at cooking Varenyky, Ukrainian Dumplings! Spots are limited to 15 people for this event, so we ask you to RSVP at rcgaevents@bsu.edu by 12/03 to participate.
Other Inclusive Events on Campus
Benny Buddies Campus Scavenger Hunt
October 1st, 3:30 pm – 5 pm
Multicultural Center
Bring your Benny Buddy and explore key campus locations and work in teams to complete fun challenges. Enhance your campus knowledge and build intercultural connections. All Ball State Students are welcome to join!
Mindfulness in the Museum
October 4th, 12 pm – 1 pm
David Owsley Museum of Art
Take a midday break with Dr. George Wolfe, professor emeritus, to experience mindfulness meditation in the DOMA galleries. This event is free and open to the public with no registration required.
Come Join Us for A Conversation With Guylaine Saint Juste, President & CEO of NABA.
Thursday, October 10th, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Student Center
NABA, Inc. is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for Black Business Leaders in accounting, finance business, and entrepreneurship. Representing more than 10,000 Black Business Leaders in these fields, NABA advances people, careers, and the mission by providing education, resources, and meaningful career connections to professional and student members.
National Coming Out Day Celebration
October 11th 11 am – 1 pm
Health Professions Building first floor lobby
Please Join the College of Health Student Success Center for our second annual National Coming Out Day Celebration.
This event is to celebrate and recognize our LGBTQ+ Students, Faculty, Staff and Allies.
Stop by to get a Pride or Ally button, rainbow cookie, stickers, temporary tattoos, and have a photo taken with our Pride Frame and props. A raffle prize of a pride water bottle will also be given away!
Benny Buddies Benny Bake Off
October 15th, 3:30 pm – 5 pm
Rinker Center Student Center
Join a friendly baking competition where diverse teams create unique cookie recipes. Showcase your cultural creativity and enjoy a taste of different flavors. All Ball State Students are welcome to join!
Hispanic Heritage Month Poetry Reading
October 16th, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Emens Hospitality Suite (2nd floor)
Mauricio Espinoza and Iván Vergara will present and read from the 2024 bilingual anthology En el corazón de todo: Antología bilingüe de poetas hispanohablantes de Ohio / In the Heart of It All: Bilingual Anthology of Ohio Spanish-Language Poets. The anthology (co-edited by Espinoza and Ecuadorian poet/scholar Víctor Vimos), includes the work of 16 poets from throughout the Americas and Spain who live or have lived in Ohio for a number of years, writing original poetry in Spanish there. The anthology also includes the work of several prominent translators. Ball State’s own Dr. Jennifer Rathbun is one of the poets and translators featured in the anthology. Mauricio Espinoza will also be reading from his bilingual Spanish/English poetry.
ASU Growing Up Asian Open Forum
October 21st, 6 pm – 7 pm
Multicultural Center
Vulnerable Listening: Reflections on the Possibilities of Empathetic Encounter
October 28th 4:00 PM
Cardinal Hall B, Student Center
Join the History Department and Dr. Sidra Lawrence from Bowling Green State University for a lecture on the ways sound and music in Dagara communities in Ghana and the Burkina Faso shape feminist practices. They will explore how everyday sounds – like gossip, laughter, and ululating – build community, foster creative agency, and challenge traditional social norms. The talk will also consider how expansive listening practices can be integrated into interdisciplinary research to create ethical and empathetic human connections across cultures. There will be a reception following the event.
Cardinal Day of Wellbeing & Benefits Fair
October 29th from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Student Center Ball Room
Join the Office of Engagement, Wellbeing and Culture (Working Well), along with Employee Benefits, for the annual Cardinal Day of Wellbeing. All employees are invited and encouraged to attend. Programming will be offered around the five pillars of wellbeing – financial, community, physical, social, and career. You will be able to visit vendor booths, attend educational sessions, enjoy snacks, and register for prizes! Bring your lunch to the employee kickback, hosted by the Office of Inclusive Excellence, where there will be fun games and the opportunity to socialize. You can bring personal care items and non-perishable food items to donate to Cardinal Kitchen. Additionally, there is the opportunity to register to get your Flu shot.
For full event details and to access session registration and CVS Flu Shot registration, please visit the Cardinal Day of Wellbeing event page.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Employee Solution Center.
We hope to see you there!
Benny Buddies Cultural Games and Karaoke
October 29th, 3:30 pm – 5 pm
Rinker Center Student Center
Enjoy a social evening with stations for international board games and karaoke. Connect with others and have fun participating in a variety of activities. All Ball State Students are welcome to join.