Director says GIC is ignored resource

The saying "there is no place like home" does not apply to students who make use of the Greenfield Intercultural Center, according to GIC Director Larry Burnley. Apparently, not all students feel that the GIC is home. The GIC, which is located at 3708 Chestnut St., serves many purposes. It is a center of cultural resources, a center for stimulating intergroup dialogue and discussion and a center for advocating the needs of students of color, according to Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta. "It is a warm, comfortable and inclusive place," Moneta said. But not all students take advantage of the GIC, Burnley said. He said there is a common misconception that the GIC is only for students of color. As a result, students of color are the primary students that utilize the facility. Black Student League Vice President Anika Francis said one reason why the GIC is perceived to be only for students of color may be that the United Minorities Council is housed there. "It is not that all students are not welcomed and encouraged to come to the GIC," explained Francis, a College junior. "It is just that they don't come or haven't so far." Burnley also proposed that the center is not as diverse as it desires to be due to its location. "We are not near the center of campus activity," Burnley said. "It's really sad, but we have a huge part of the University that continues to miss out on this resource. "We [at the GIC] are still trying to find ways to get the word out that we are here," Burnley added. BSL President and Wharton senior Kendrick Cox said the GIC was close enough to the edge of campus to make it seem as if it were off campus. But he still urged all students to make use of the GIC. "There are so many resources there," Cox said. "Students can go there to relax, study, use the computers, or watch television. I can't imagine not having it around." There are many different cultural groups represented at the GIC. Every constituent group of the United Minorities Council has office space there and Programs for Awareness in Cultural Education is also housed there. "This place is bustling in the evenings," Burnley said. "Student groups hold their meetings, rehearsals, discussions and movie nights at the GIC. "[I think] the GIC will play a critical role contributing to Penn as a University, towards having a more centered position in intellectual discourse on multiculturalism and diversity," he added.