Marshall University’s World Council met for the first time Tuesday after almost a year of planning between the Student Government Association and the Office of Intercultural Affairs.

The World Council was formed to better understand and hear the voices of the students at Marshall who were involved in different national organizations like the International Students Association, Black United Students, Saudi Arabia Student Association and more.

The first meeting was for members to get familiar with one another and included activities such as icebreakers, winning gift cards and planning for future events. World Council decided its future meetings will be more business-like, and will have only two students as representatives from each national organization, so that no one group is over represented while another is under represented.

Second-year grad student for the Office of Intercultural Affairs Shaleena Ross said, “I am looking forward to better understand meaningful things about different cultures. As an American I know the story behind our flag, I know what each thing means and I take pride in that. I want to know about another country, what their flag means and about the things they take pride in. I want to hear stories of the personal nature.”

Zafron Bhatti, graduate student and member of the International Student Association, said, “I believe this is a big step to better understand towards other countries, cultures and any differences that we all have. This council will do great things to help break down stereotypes.”

Sophomore SGA member and accounting major Alex O’Donnell said, “I think that everyone who came out tonight really left with understanding of what this council will be like and what our discussions will pertain to as a group of international students and student government. I really hope to see Marshall be a more inclusive campus because of this council.”

In the future, students would like to discuss ways to break the gap between American students and international students. Students said they believe that to better understand how someone thinks and acts, you have to better understand where that person is from and his or her culture.

Michael Brown can be contacted at [email protected].