TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama Crossroads Community Center will host the Open Mic, Open Heart forum Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 6:45 p.m. in the Crossroads Lounge of the Ferguson Center to provide an uninhibited, unbiased and respectful environment to discuss campus issues.

All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to join the proactive initiative on Wednesday to foster understanding within the UA community. Crossroads provides the opportunity to discuss community, social, educational and ethical issues that arise on campus and does not represent any specific issue or organization.

Discussion topics can be submitted to Crossroads in advance or registered at the beginning of Open Mic, Open Heart. Sample discussion topics include the following: cultural relations on campus, dorm concerns, parking restrictions and interfaith understanding.

Crossroads Community Center provides campus cultural programming and intercultural education to facilitate relationship building through innovative programs and initiatives. Crossroads also provides resources for organizations regarding cross-cultural issues, provides leadership and coordination for professionals in multicultural affairs and prepares students for demographic shifts in a global society.

The Crossroads Community Center is an initiative of the Office of Community Affairs under the direction of Dr. Samory Pruitt.

To learn more about Crossroads Community Center, visit the organization’s Web site at www.crossroads.ua.edu, call 205/348-6930 or stop by the office at 232 Ferguson Center.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.