Events
Stay up-to-date on upcoming Dietrich College lectures and events. A full listing is available on the Dietrich College Events Calendar.
4/16 - CMIST Scientists & Strategists - Beyond Dual Use: Rethinking the Way We Understand and Govern Security Concerns in Science and Technology
CMIST Scientists & Strategists - Beyond Dual Use: Rethinking the Way We Understand and Govern Security Concerns in Science and Technology
Tuesday, April 16, 5 to 6:15 p.m., Posner Grand Room (Posner 340),
Why have we used the term "dual use" for over half a century to discuss security concerns in science and technology, and what are its limitations? Join us for a talk with Dr. Sam Weiss Evans, who will outline why the term has such purchase with a wide range of governing mechanisms today, provide examples of its limitations, sketch some alternatives we might explore and consider how a change in language can be part of a bigger shift in the institutions and practices of security governance of science and technology today.
About our speaker:
Sam Weiss Evans is a senior policy advisor for the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, where he focuses on efforts to prevent misuse and promote responsible innovation. He has spent the past twenty years studying and building experimental governance capacity in bioengineering and several other areas of emerging technology and holds a D.Phil. from Oxford University.
Light refreshments will be served prior to the event, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the 3rd floor foyer of Posner Hall
4/16 - Documentary Film Screening: Sonita
Documentary Film Screening: Sonita
Tuesday, April 16, 5 to 7 p.m., Askwith Kenner Global Languages & Cultures Room (1024 Tepper)
Join us for a screening of the documentary "Sonita."
This informal screening is open to all and forms part of 82-265 Whispers and Echoes - Third Cinema: People, Language and Culture in Documentary Storytelling.
"Sonita" is the story of an Afghan teen living in a strictly Muslim household in Iran, having fled the Taliban. She dreams of becoming a rapper, writing music, sharing her songs and inspiring a generation of girls.
This is a hard-hitting film that tackles the subject of arranged marriage, oppression and forced domesticity. It also challenges the role of a filmmaker and shows the power of documentary.
"The kid is a force of nature, and it's impossible not to be swept along by the powerful tide of her story." - Leslie Felperin, The Guardian.
4/16 - Multicultural Community Potluck
Multicultural Community Potluck
Tuesday, April 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Connan Room, CUC
Food is culture. It is healing, grounding, delicious and fun to share!
Health Promotion, Dining Services and The Center for Diversity and Inclusion are collaborating with you for CMU's multicultural food potluck.
The goal is for folks to get a taste of each dish, not a full meal. If you want to bring a dish to share, use this form to submit a recipe that means something to you: maybe it is a staple at your family gatherings, or the first thing you learned to make, or a dish from home that you really miss.
If you're interested in joining, but don't want to commit to bringing a dish, that's totally fine! We hope to see you there :)
Sign up to bring a dish here: tinyurl.com/cmupotluck
4/17 - Online Book Symposium: Nico Slate
Online Book Symposium: Nico Slate
Wednesday, April 17, 12 to 1:30 p.m.
A conversation with Mytheli Sreenivas and Nico Slate about the life and legacy of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay.
4/17 - President's Lecture Series with Steven Pinker: Human Rationality and Academic Freedom
President's Lecture Series with Steven Pinker: Human Rationality and Academic Freedom
Wednesday, April 17, 5 p.m. McConomy Auditorium, Cohon University Center
President Farnam Jahanian invites you to the next distinguished lecture in the President’s Lecture Series
Human Rationality and Academic Freedom
by Dr. Steven Pinker Harvard University professor and experimental psychologist
Following the lecture, President Jahanian will join Pinker for a fireside chat. Help shape the conversation by pre-submitting question to Slido (using code #PLS2024).
4/18 - Provost's Office Hours
Provost's Office Hours
Thursday, April 18, 8:30 to 10 a.m., Student Academic Success Center
Provost Jim Garrett is holding monthly office hours for all faculty, staff and students. He welcomes you to use this time as an opportunity to tell him what's on your mind and share your experiences, ideas and aspirations for Carnegie Mellon.
4/18 - Celebration of Education Awards Ceremony
Celebration of Education Awards Ceremony
Thursday, April 18, 4 to 5 p.m., Rangos Ballroom, CUC Second Floor
Join us as we recognize outstanding teaching, mentorship and educational innovation across the university. A special congratulations to our Dietrich College award winners, Richard Scheines, recipient of the Doherty Award for Sustained Excellence in Education, and Mame-Fatou Niang, recipient of the Ryan Award for Meritorious Teaching
Join us in congratulating these educators at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 in Rangos Ballroom.
4/18 - Research in Social and Decision Sciences: What Is It? How do I Get Involved?
Research in Social and Decision Sciences: What is it? How do I get involved?
Thursday, April 18, 5 to 6 p.m., Zoom
Professors Kevin Jarbo, Peter Schwardmann and Vini Singh will be at this event to discuss their research, and any research opportunities they have for undergraduates. This event is a great way to learn more about the different kinds of research that goes on within the Department of Social and Decision Sciences. If you are interested in participating in undergraduate research, or you would just like to know more about what research in SDS is like, then we encourage you to attend this event!
Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 970 8088 7989
Passcode: 636153
4/18 - The US Militia Movement and the Dangers Militias Pose in 2024
The US Militia Movement and the Dangers Militias Pose in 2024
Thursday, April 18, 5 p.m., Steinberg Auditorium (Baker A53)
Dr. Amy Cooter, Director of Research, Academic Development, and Innovation at Middlebury's Center on Terrorism, Extremism and Counterterrorism, will give a talk exploring the state of the modern militia movement in the US, including the militias’ motivations, ideology and possible actions as the 2024 Presidential Election approaches. Understanding how militias participate in systems of white supremacy that inhibit full civic participation yields insights into likely flashpoints of violence in the coming months.
4/18 - The Pauline B. Adamson Awards
The Pauline B. Adamson Awards
Thursday, April 18, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Adamson Wing, Baker Hall 136-A36
A reading and celebration of writing, featuring a reading by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tyehimba Jess, and presentation of student awards for excellence in writing. Reception to follow. Free and open to the public.
4/18 - CMU College Democrats Host Jaime Martinez
CMU College Democrats Host Jaime Martinez
Thursday, April 18, 7 p.m., Tepper 2701
The CMU College Democrats have invited Jaime Martinez from Johns Hopkins University to tell us about how he campaigned here in Pennsylvania for school board as a full time student during last year’s election. It’s guaranteed to be a super interesting conversation and Jaime will be answering all your questions about what it’s like to be a GenZ-er in politics! Show up! April 18, 7 p.m., Tepper 2701.
4/19 - Seminar: Settling for Nostalgia - How Nostalgia and a Rural Mentality Shape the Militia Movement
Seminar: Settling for Nostalgia - How Nostalgia and a Rural Mentality Shape the Militia Movement
Friday, April 19, 12 p.m., Baker 254Q
Join us for lunch and a discussion of an excerpt from Nostalgia, Nationalism and the U.S. Militia Movement (Routledge, 2024). Readings are available on the Humanities Center website.
This discussion will be capped at 15. If the discussion is full, please email David Shumway (shumway@cmu.edu) to be added to the waitlist.
4/19 - Philosophy Department Colloquium: How to Blow Up Climate Despair
Philosophy Department Colloquium: How to Blow Up Climate Despair
Friday, April 19, 3:30 to 4:50 p.m., Baker Hall A51
Benjamin McKean, The Ohio State University
Abstract: Is hope a prerequisite to political action against climate catastrophe? Is despair of making no difference a major obstacle to such action? At one pole, philosophers including Catriona McKinnon and ecologists like Andreas Malm argue that we need to demonstrate the efficacy of individual action today to thwart despair. At the other pole, philosophers like Allen Thompson draw from Jonathan Lear’s conception of “radical hope” to argue that we have reason to be hopeful about a future beyond our present understanding. I evaluate these strategies and argue their shortcomings point to the need for a different approach.
The “efficacy” approach has two important flaws. First, it doesn’t engage effectively with our contemporary political context, in which few people have experience of political efficacy. Second, the efficacy framework lacks an adequate moral psychology, which I show through an analysis of Malm’s critique of pacifism. The “radical hope” approach likewise faces two problems. First, as I show through a reading of Lear’s critique of Sitting Bull, the “radical hope” approach lacks sufficient resources for making political judgments. Second, radical hope is predicated on the idea that the world is of such abundant goodness that future people will find new instantiations of what we find good today. But climate despair concerns our apparent inability to transition out of the present rather than our inability to imagine a good future. The paper concludes by arguing for a more present-oriented approach to motivation.
The colloquia program is organized by Adam Bjorndahl. Inquiries may be directed to abjorn@andrew.cmu.edu.
Sponsored by the Center for Ethics & Policy
4/24 to 4/26 - Center for Black European Studies and the Atlantic Launch Conference
Center for Black European Studies and the Atlantic Launch Conference
April 24-26 2024
Join us as we celebrate the arts, humanities and Global Black Studies with scholars, artists, legislators and curators from Cabo Verde, France, Portugal, Brazil, Belgium, the United States, Senegal, Mali, Martinique and the Netherlands.
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Family Matters
Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m., in-person
This is a supportive space to explore how your relationships with families have shaped who you are today, so that you can more intentionally grow into the person you want to be and have the type of relationships you want. This group can help you understand your role in relationships: Are you the peace-keeper? Scapegoat? Rebel? Outcast? Processing interactions in-the-moment during group provides an opportunity to learn boundaries, practice expressing yourself to others, experience supportive relationships, and navigate conflict in a healthy way. A pre-group consultation is required. Contact Abigail Cruz, PhD for more information.
Enrollment ends 02/24 or when full
Korean Drama and Conversation Club
Mondays, 5 p.m., Askwith Kenner Global Languages and Cultures Room (Tepper Bldg 1024).
This club is a great opportunity for students who are interested in Korean language, K-dramas, K-pop, Korean food and other aspects of Korean culture to meet up weekly.
Open to all CMU students
Neurospicy: Neurodivergent Undergraduate Support Group
Tuesdays, 12 to 1 p.m. and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Neurospicy is a supportive space for students across the neurodiverse umbrella to discuss their experiences traversing neuro-typical and allistic landscapes.
How to Join
To join this group, please email the facilitator, Jayme Jenkins, PhD, or call 412-268-2922 and schedule your pre-group consultation.
Invisible Fight: Surviving and Thriving with Chronic Illness
Tuesdays, 4 to 5 p.m.
This support group is an opportunity for students who experience chronic conditions (i.e. asthma, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer and others) to gather in community for support and validation. It is a space to explore the challenges of navigating various aspects of our world (health care systems, academic environments, personal lives, etc.) while also caring for the self.
How to Join
To join this group, please email co-facilitator, Dr. Erin Unkefer, or call 412-268-2922 to schedule your pre-group consultation. This consultation is an opportunity to make sure the space will fit your needs and to answer any questions you may have.
Enrollment ends 02/24 or when full.
LGBTQIA+ Support and Social Group
Tuesdays, 6 to 7 p.m.
This group is intended to be a safer space for LGBTQIA+ folks to socialize and support one another.
How to Join
To join this group, please email the facilitator, Jayme Jenkins, PhD, or call 412-268-2922 and schedule your pre-group consultation.
PhD Student Support Group
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
This is a supportive space to build community and discuss the CMU experience as a PhD student, confidentially. Group members typically share their experiences, offer and receive support and connect with others during group meetings. The group is able to accommodate no more than one student per program/lab.
How to Join
To join this group, please email the facilitator, Kym Jordan-Simmons, PhD, or call 412-268-2922 to schedule your pre-group consultation. This consultation is an opportunity to make sure the space will meet your needs and to answer any questions you may have.
Enrollment ends 02/24 or when full.
Let's Talk
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m.
Drop-in for an informal, confidential conversation with a CaPS counselor at various campus locations and on Zoom* on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1-3pm.
For more information and locations, please visit www.cmu.edu/counseling/services/lets-talk.html
Beginner's Meditation Circle
Wednesdays, 5 to 5:30 p.m., The Mindfulness Room, West Wing
Meditation is the practice of intentionally spending time with our mind. We take pause out of our busy days to sit and to practice. Doing this helps us become more aware of our thoughts, act more compassionately toward ourselves and others, and connect with the present moment. Join us to learn about the different ways you can practice meditation. No previous experience required. Cushions/chairs are provided. All are welcome.
Understanding Self & Others
Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00pm, In-Person
A supportive space for students to deepen their awareness and acceptance of themselves while also having the opportunity to practice new, more satisfying ways of connecting with others. This group can help you: overcome fears and doubts in social situations, develop a better understanding of how others perceive you, identify your feelings and express yourself to others, increase assertiveness and deal with conflict effectively, and understand the connection between your interpersonal style and your emotional well-being. A pre-group consultation is required. Contact Grace Wei, PhD for more information.
Enrollment ends 02/24 or when full
Paws to Relax Pet Therapy
Wednesdays, 7 to 8 p.m., The Mindfulness Room, West Wing
Volunteers through Animal Friend's Therapet program join us weekly on Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. to offer some friendly dog companions for the hour. Take a break and join us!
Weekly Gratitude Practice
Thursdays, 12:30 p.m., Virtual
Expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits. Studies have shown that taking time to appreciate and be thankful can improve sleep, mood and immunity.
Join CMU community members as we take time to pause and take stock of what is good in our lives and in the world. Sessions are casual: we start with a brief centering practice, often use a prompt to spark conversation and share as we are ready to do so.
Gender in Process
Thursdays, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
This is a supportive space for healing from internalized cissexism and transphobia, together.
How to Join
To join this group, please email co-facilitator, Abigail Cruz, PhD, or call 412-268-2922 and schedule your pre-group consultation.
Enrollment ends 02/24 or when full.
Tertulias
Thursdays, 7 to 8 p.m.
Students of all levels who are interested in practicing Spanish are invited to join Tertulias, an informal conversation group organized by the Hispanic Studies program. The group meets on Thursdays, from 7-8 p.m., in the Modern Languages Resource Center & Humanities Commons (POS 343).