News

Read Executive Director Shaun Carver's news from I-House Berkeley. In this issue: Reopening update; Special workshop on diversity, equity, and inclusion; Conversations Across Generations

In this issue, a message from Shaun Carver; Ways to support I-House for Big Give and beyond; Reopening Update; Notable Alumnae; Joe Lurie Spotlight

Applications are open now! Visit ihouse.berkeley.edu/apply to secure a housing contract for the upcoming school year. Still have questions about living at I-House or what we're doing to ensure safety during the pandemic? Please see Frequently Asked Questions.

In this issue, Roxanne Pifer, Director of Admissions and Housing Operations, provides an update on the application process for new and returning residents. Also in this issue is an invitation to participate in the inaugural Global DEI Practitioner Institute organized by the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership (CIL). I’d like to invite and encourage you to watch the next installment of our I-House Spotlight oral history interview series, featuring the third I-House Executive Director Joe Lurie, details below. Finally, this issue includes a “save the date” notice about Big Give this year focused on supporting our reopening efforts. Please visit the I-House Berkeley Global Community platform for some fun posts I’ll be making tomorrow and Sunday about Lunar New Year 2021, and in honor of Valentine’s Day and the many I-House couples who found one another under the Dome!

“I want to personally thank all of you for your dedication and support to keep I-House moving forward since the closure announcement last July.” -Shaun Carver International House Executive Director

In this issue of the I-House Connection, I would like to invite you to share any comments, suggestions, or concerns as we work to reopen the House safely, which we hope and anticipate will be in Fall 2021. Please take a few moments to participate in the short Reopening Survey, linked below. The purpose of this survey is to request your feedback and thoughts as we plan for the reopening of I-House following our temporary closure due to the pandemic. Thank you for participating as we strive to keep the I-House dream alive.

As a unique residential and dining facility with a prime location and rich tradition of leadership development experiences, the purpose of I-House is to foster a more just and peaceful world through intercultural understanding and mutual respect.To ensure that our residents and staff are as safe as possible in light of the pandemic, we are updating all cleaning and sanitizing standards to the highest levels; reimagining virtual and in-person resident programming; implementing new dining safety standards; and planning for an all single room environment for the Fall 2021 semester.

As we make the transition to 2021, we look towards our future with hope and intention. When we made the difficult decision to close I-House earlier this year, we understood that it was unprecedented but necessary to ensure our top priority—the safety of our I-House community. Yet throughout the closure, we remain focused on continuing to advance our mission through our programs and services, all while preparing for our reopening in the year to come. I-House is most grateful to all who have supported us through this challenging time.

This first issue of the International House Times Newsletter during my tenure as Executive Director highlights the remarkable resilience of the I-House global community during these challenging times. I welcome you to enjoy reading about some of the recent happenings, to reflect on our relaunch ahead, and to reconnect and reminisce about the magic of I-House.

“As I learn more about I-House’s unique and rich history, the distinct features and needs of this historic building, and our vital mission, the dedicated support of the I-House community is clear.” -Shaun Carver International House Executive Director

On the occasion of Giving Tuesday, I would like to convey my personal thanks to our alumni and supporters who have already provided financial contributions this fiscal year in support of our mission during this critical time.

In this season of gratitude, I am writing to thank you for helping to make the dream of International House a reality for our past and future residents from around the globe.

Embracing Diversity Amidst Profound Polarization

The I-House Connection: Join us for Virtual Global Homecoming and Courageous Conversations

Update from Executive Director Shaun Carver; New Platform to Reunite our Global Community; Alumni Spotlight: Kathryn Anthony (IH 1976-79)

As we now celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the founding of International House at UC Berkeley, our mission still rings true: to foster intercultural respect and understanding, lifelong friendships, and leadership skills for a more just and peaceful world.

It is a great pleasure to announce that effective August 1, 2020, Shaun R. Carver has accepted the position of Executive Director of International House at the University of California, Berkeley.

Please be advised that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors has announced the suspension of I-House operations temporarily for the fall academic semester and potentially for the remainder of the 2020-21 academic year. Until the end of the summer term, I-House residential, dining, programs, and hospitality services have been modified in accordance with public health in mind, and there are necessary restrictions to the usual service offering. Please review updated information on guidelines for health, safety, and services at the Temporary Closure & COVID-19 FAQ.