Building Bridges Between Communities




A forum focused on Islam

March 9-11, 2006


A three-day forum dedicated to the goal of building bridges between communities, with a special focus on Islam and its followers.

Open to all students and the community. One credit option available.


Time and Venue:

  • Thursday, March 9, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
  • Friday, March 10, 2:00-6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 11, 9:00-2:00 p.m.


    • Thursday's and Friday's events will take place in Alston Hall (room 10). Saturday's events will take place in Bidgood Hall, and will include a tour of the Islamic Society of Tuscaloosa's Masjid (Mosque) on Bryant Drive.

    What You'll Learn About and Discuss:

  • Islam's primary texts and tenets
  • Islamic communities in the US
  • Intercultural communication skills
  • What puts barriers between communities

    • Forum Schedule:

  • Thursday, March 9, 7:00-9:00 pm at 10 Alston Hall
    • Opening speakers
    • Address by Evita Byrd, Interculturalist, University of Virginia
    • Address by Dr. Jamal Badawi, Professor, St. Mary's University, Nova Scotia, Canada; leading speaker on Islam and the West.
  • Friday March 10, 2:00-6:00 pm at 10 Alston Hall
    • Lecture by Dr. Badawi
    • Interactive session on stereotypes and preconceptions, Bettina Byrd-Giles, Director, Crossroads Cultural Center, UA
    • Q&A Session with Dr. Badawi
  • Saturday March 11, 9:00-2:00 pm at 310 Bidgood Hall
    • Address by Dr. Marsha Houston, Chair, Communications Department, UA
    • Address by the National President of the Muslim Student Association
    • Small group discussions
    • Lunch & Trip to the Masjid (Mosque)

    Who can participate:

    The forum is open to all students and members of the community at large. There is no cost to participate. You may attend all or part of the forum.

    One-hour course credit option:

    Students may earn one hour of credit or Honors credit (if already in the University Honors program) by completing the assigned readings; attending the three-day forum, and writing a 5 page paper chronicling the insights you gained from the readings and the forum. Contact Dr. Fran Oneal in the Honors Program for details.

    What You'll Gain:

    You'll gain a solid understanding of Islam as a religion and as the cultural cornerstone for Muslims abroad and here in the US. You'll meet Muslim students, faculty, and community members have the chance to discuss key issues. You'll get keen insights from leading experts in the area on inter-cultural communication and cooperation.

    Sponsors and Participating Groups:

    The International Honors Program, the Crossroads Community Center, Campus Programming Council, the Capstone International Program Center, the Islamic Society of Tuscaloosa, the Muslim Student Association, New College, and the Honors College.

    Registration:

    A registration form can be printed from the website or you can register online here. Registration by Tuesday, March 7 (midnight) is requested for planning purposes. For other questions, contact Dr. Fran Oneal, 275 Nott Hall.
    Advanced registration is required, register online here  

    Info and questions, contact  
    Dr. Fran Oneal  
    275 Nott Hall  
    (205) 348-5554