Unity and Diversity has a new slogan this year: “Stand Up, Come Out, Join In,” and a program that will last the entire academic year.

The program, begun in 1987, has extended its weeklong program of activities to a year to ensure students and faculty do not forget about the various cultures on campus.

“I think it’s really necessary,” said Willard Draper, a member of the Unity in Diversity committee. There are alot of cultural issues at NIU that need to be highlighted throughout the year, he said.

Rev. David Schmidt, another committee member, said the activities will help build interest and make it easier to remember the purpose of the events.

The committee will try to build-up excitement for the event and for following years, Rev. Schmidt said. In mid-September, the committee is starting with a kick-off week Sept. 24.

Some events scheduled for the week are a multi-cultural fashion show, speakers, a twister game, the film “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and poetry readings.

Once the week ends, the committee is planning events during the year and organizations sponsoring events can become a part of the unity and diversity year by meeting a set of criteria.

Draper said the committee is looking for more student and faculty involvement.

There are no students with disabilities, veterans or Gay/Lesbian Union members on the committee. If student groups do not have representatives, it is difficult to plan events for them, Draper said.

“We want to get more faculty support” to teach students the diversity of America in the classroom, he said.

“We’re hoping to provide a nice mix” of students and faculty getting involved with the committee and events, Rev. Schmidt said. He said there also was no Jewish representation on the committee and few Asian representatives.