The Tunnel of Oppression returns to the gloomy basement of the Kaibab-Huachuca Residence Hall this year following the completion of construction on Park Student Union that forced the event to relocate last year.
Now in its seventh year at the UA, the tunnel is a multi-media experience designed to challenge participants to think about different forms of oppression.
The tunnel uses videos and interactive skits to stimulate discussion about racism, homophobia, domestic violence and other social issues.
The tunnel will open Tuesday night and run through Feb. 17 from 6 to 9 each night.
Last year's construction on PSU, which is adjacent to Kaibab-Huachuca, 922 E. Fourth St., forced the event's organizers to find an alternate location.
It was held in the Student Union Memorial Center's Grand Ballroom last year, which provided more space, but what many people felt was a different experience, said Brian Shimamoto, the project adviser.
He said surveys distributed at the end of last year's tunnel indicate many people preferred the experience in Kaibab because it is smaller and feels more like a tunnel.
"You feel more connected to the people," said Alison Reese, one of the tunnel's student directors. "It's closer and a more intimate setting."
The goal of the tunnel is to sharpen awareness of acts of oppression in order to recognize those who suffer, by encouraging visitors to reflect upon the moral questions raised by situations dealing with hatred and ignorance, according to a press release.
"We can always be more aware and educate ourselves about our world," said Elizabeth Fedoruk, an economics senior and publicity chairwoman for the tunnel. "Sometimes we need to see it from someone else's point of view to understand."
Last year, more than 900 people went through the tunnel, said Brian Shimamoto, assistant director of multicultural education and advocacy for Residence Life.
In 2003, about 1,200 people passed through, Shimamoto said.
"It's a program that reaches all levels: students, faculty, staff and the community," said Tera Monroe, assistant director for residential education with Residence Life. "It really makes you look differently at everyday events."
Tunnel organizers hope to attract both new and returning participants for this year's event.
Reese did not want to ruin the surprise of the new aspects of the tunnel but said many changes have been made.
"It's become a lot more interactive this year," Reese said. "People will kind of become part of the tunnel. They'll be involved."
Monroe was a sophomore at Western Illinois University in 1994 when the idea for the first Tunnel of Oppression was hatched. Monroe said a group of students and their residence hall director were looking for a way to tackle issues of oppression. She said they decided to turn their cafeteria into a series of tunnels to address the problem.
In 1995, the tunnel received the National Program of the Year award at the National Association of College and University Residence Halls national convention, Monroe said.
"After that is when it became a program that many campuses began to duplicate," she said. "I think it's a phenomenal program, and I'm proud to be a part of something that's become such a legacy on so many campuses."
Students interested in becoming more involved with the tunnel can volunteer to be a part of it, Reese said.
Each year, about 40 students volunteer to act in the skits and guide groups through the tunnel, Reese said. She said more people are still needed to work this year.
Fedoruk volunteered two years ago as an actor and said the experience allowed her to see a different side of the tunnel.
"Going through you only see it once, and you only have your reactions to go off," she said. "But when you're an actor or a tour guide, you get to see the reactions of everyone that goes through."
Shimamoto said while the experience may be more memorable for tunnel viewers, it may take a bit longer to get everyone through.
"We can't accommodate as many people," he said. "There's a really good chance you'll have to wait. The earlier you come, the better the chance you'll get the time slot you want."
Tunnel organizers recommend that groups of 10 or more people make reservations to avoid a lengthy wait. Call 626-1464 and specify the size of your group and the day and time you wish to attend, Shimamoto said.