On Campus
Ukraine, the Campus, and the World
As world events continue to unfold, Muskingum University remains focused on broadening our students’ awareness and understanding and on supporting those in our community who have personal connections to Ukraine.
Associate Professor of Political Science Richard Arnold – an expert in Russian and European politics, ethnic conflict, and sports and politics – will be leading a “teach-in” during the evening of March 17, 2022 for the campus community. Dr. Arnold’s Ukrainian colleague, Svitlana Kaiuk, from Oles Honchar Dnipropretrovsk National University, will speak to the audience. The event will also include background information on the conflict, opportunities for reflection and discussion, and information on how to help the humanitarian crisis.
Just before the conflict began, Dr. Arnold learned that he was a finalist on a Fulbright application to teach and conduct research at Dnipropetrovsk Oles Honchar National University. Dr. Arnold visited the cities of Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhia, and Odessa in 2018 and 2019 in preparation for a longer research trip. He also received a grant from the National Council of East European and Eurasian Research (U.S. Department of State) in support of his planned sabbatical research. Dr. Arnold will be studying the use of the Cossack archetype in Russia and Ukraine. Russian neo-Cossack formations took part in the 2014 annexation of Crimea and are now being utilized as ancillary security forces in the current conflict.
In a recent message to the campus community, President Sue Hasseler wrote “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the citizens of Ukraine, who are fighting for freedom and for their country, as well as with those members of our campus community who have family, friends, and colleagues in Ukraine. As a University community, we denounce all acts of violence and intimidation. This is an attack on democracy and the values we hold dear, as a caring community where individual fulfillment is encouraged, and human dignity is respected.”
While no University programs currently have individuals in Ukraine, Muskingum is closely monitoring our students who are studying abroad this semester to ensure their safety and well-being.
For information on supporting humanitarian efforts to Ukraine, visit the following resources:
