In order to encourage departments or similar units to identify and invite outstanding scholars from diverse backgrounds to campus, the Women and Minority Artists and Scholars Lecture Series (WMASLS) will award up to $750 to supplement college/departmental support for the speaker’s expenses.
Invited speakers may be from any discipline, gender, race or ethnicity. Invitations to speakers whose scholarship incorporates race, gender, class, or international perspectives are especially encouraged. Those presentations that would appeal to a wider audience will be given preference. Fall visits are also especially welcome since the spring calendar includes both Black History Month and Women’s Month with visits from a number of non-academic speakers and special events.
While the visit may include any number of activities at the discretion of the departmental hosts and the willingness of the guest, it is expected that one or more of the campus events will be open and advertised to members of the campus community. Program support from the Women and Minority Artists and Scholars Lecture Series should be recognized in all program announcements.
2012 – 2013 Women and Minority Artists and Scholars Lecture Series
Call for Proposals
The Office of the Provost has issued the annual call for proposals for the Women and Minority Artists and Scholars Lecture Series (WMASLS) for 2012 – 2013. The deadline for applications is September 21, 2012. The fund provides up to $750 to supplement departmental or college funds in support of guest speakers or performances. Invited speakers may be from any discipline, gender, race or ethnicity and their presentation must advance the goals of the WMASLS.
The primary purpose of the program is to increase the number and diversity of scholarly voices and artistic expressions at Virginia Tech from underrepresented groups. Typically, as part of their visit to campus, guest lecturers or performers meet with students, faculty, and administrators; attend or assist in classes; and facilitate a public presentation open to the university and larger community. We also hope that the program might lead, in some cases, to new or strengthened scholarly collaborations or even a serious interest in pursuing an appointment to our faculty. Students should have a significant opportunity to interact with each of these guests so that we can increase their exposure to successful women and minority role models.
Questions: Please contact Ashley Wood at ashley50@vt.edu.