Western students, faculty, administrators and staff are encouraged this year to consciously incorporate actions and words into their daily lives that are responsible and helpful, from the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses to the world.

“This year’s theme, ‘Global Challenges and Personal Responsibility,’ calls on every member of the University community to think globally and act locally,” said Dan Maxwell, director of student activities and co-chair of the University Theme committee.

“We can be passionate about global challenges - - such as hunger, AIDS and human rights - - and act locally in many positive ways. The process involves determining, discussing and creating action plans for personal responsibility in addressing the global challenges that we would like to address,” Maxwell added.

This year’s theme will continue with emphasis in the areas of cultural diversity in 2006-2007 and environmental sustainability in 2007-2008.

“Over the next three years, through coordinated efforts from the First Year Experience (FYE), the American Democracy Project, the implementation of our University Strategic Plan, and commitment from our faculty, staff and students, our community will explore the global challenges and our personal responsibility in meeting those challenges,” said President Al Goldfarb.

“We are committed to providing opportunities for personal growth. Our University supports the development of ethical decision making and personal responsibility. We are also committed to serving as a resource for our local communities and beyond,” Goldfarb added.

“Global Challenges and Personal Responsibilities” will be incorporated into multiple experiences throughout the academic year, including the First Year Experience program for incoming freshmen, weekly campus dialogues, group discussions, readings, special speakers, films, fine arts and cultural events and other programming.

Events, activities, an online discussion board and featured statements about “Global Challenges and Personal Responsibility” are available on the web at theme.wiu.edu.