Inclusive Excellence Newsletter - January 2024
Dear SCU Community:
Happy New Year! We hope that you had a restful winter break. As we start this new year, it provides an opportunity to reflect on the past year and also to think about goals, intentions and aspirations for the year ahead.
This month of January allows us the opportunity to celebrate and honor the legacies of two civil rights pioneers. This upcoming Monday, January 15th, we honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin L. King Jr. and on January 30th, we honor the life and legacy of Fred T. Korematsu and his efforts fighting for justice for interned Japanese Americans. A series of campus and community-wide events have been planned and are listed below.
Our collective work in enhancing community and fostering belonging is built upon the legacy of these and other individuals that made a difference. Our goal is to honor and celebrate these leaders throughout the year.
On Monday, January 15th
- In partnership with the Ignatian Center, an MLK Day of Service event - Our City Forest - Planting trees is taking place from 8:00am - 12:00pm. It will take place at Kelley Park. parking is available at 748 Story Rd, San Jose. Please register by Saturday, January 13th.
- SCU is a table sponsor for the 44th Annual MLK Luncheon sponsored by the African American Community Service Organization (AASCA). This year’s luncheon is from 12 - 2pm on the San Jose State University Campus.
- Igwebuike and SCAAP will be doing a Movie showing: In Remembrance of Martin at 6pm in the Shapell Lounge.
- OML has prepared a special MLK resource list
On Tuesday, January 16th
- The Center for Social Justice and Public Service at the SCU School of Law will be hosting their Annual MLK program from 12pm - 1pm in Charney 101.
On Saturday, January 20th
- In partnership with the Ignatian Center, an MLK Day of Service event - Feed the Block - Cooking pancake brunch for our unhoused neighbors is taking place from 9:30am - 12:00pm. It will take place at the Grace Baptist Church: 484 E San Fernando St, San Jose, CA 95112. Please register by Friday, January 19th.
*****************************************
Saturday, January 27th
- SCU, in partnership with Asian Law Alliance (ALA), Council on American-Islamic Relations-California (CAIR), and the Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj) are excited to host the Ninth annual Commemoration of Fred T. Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Join us as we honor the life and works of Fred T. Korematsu and unpack the pivotal moments in civil rights history that followed. Panelists will engage with the issue of reparations from the perspective of Japanese Americans reparations to the current California reparations Task Force Proposals for African Americans.
- The program will be on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 11am – 1pm at the Wesley United Methodist Church located at 566 N. 5th Street, San Jose. Event is Free and attendees are encouraged to register.
|
UNIT UPDATES
I. Inclusive Excellence Division
- Shá Duncan Smith, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence will be holding Office hours this quarter on Tuesdays from 2- 3PM, 2nd Floor in the Walsh Administration Building. Please sign up for a 15 minute slot by using the following link: https://calendar.app.google/cq8ffHgbfoeRfn916
- Inclusive Excellence wants to extend a special THANK YOU to Nelda Harris for all of her support of the Division. Nelda has transitioned from her role and is now the Executive Administrator to the President. During her time with the Inclusive Excellence Division, Nelda has been a great partner, collaborator and asset to the IE Division. From the extra special care she has provided to the division wide activities, to the coordination she provides to the LGBTQ + working group, Nelda has touched many hearts and lives.
II. LEAD Scholars Program
- The LEAD Scholars Program is excited to welcome Paz Medina, our new Assistant Director of Student Advocacy. Paz completed her undergraduate degree at Sonoma State University and recently graduated with her Master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of San Francisco. Additionally, she joins us after serving as the Muscat Scholars Program Coordinator at USF; which also serves first-generation college students.
- Paz brings a strong commitment to serving the first-generation college student population. Her background in coordinating the Muscat Scholars Program at USF has equipped her with valuable skills that will contribute to the continued success of our team and program. We are fortunate to have Paz on board!
- In her role, Paz will be providing wrap-around care for our students including helping them address academic and personal concerns, distributing emergency funding, and planning and implementing programming related to life skills and wellness.
- This month, the LEAD Scholars Program will offer a range of programming for participating students including a welcome back event for LEAD Scholars, and book club discussion of campus read, Solito.
- LEAD will also offer a FAFSA Presentation in collaboration with the Financial Aid Office to SCU’s Pell Grant recipients and first-generation college students to help participants complete their FAFSA applications.
- Lastly LEAD is excited to begin the hiring process for their LEAD Week 2024 Staff this month! #LEADWeek24
III. Multicultural Center (MCC)
- The MCC Open House will be held on Wednesday, January 10th from 6pm – 7pm. All are welcome to engage with the respective MCC Organizations, and to join these groups during their weekly meetings.
IV. Office of Accessible Education (OAE)
- We hope that everyone had a great break and is ready for the new quarter. As always, we ask that you sign into your portal and request which of your accommodations you would like to apply to which class. This is not automatic and must be requested every quarter.
- If for some reason you are unsure on how to do this or have any questions, please email us at OAE@scu.edu and we will do our best to help you.
V. Office for Equal Opportunity and Title IX
- The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX is responsible for oversight of reports made to the university when incidents involve harassment and discrimination in all forms including gender and sexual based harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct. You can file a Request for Support & Assistance form for yourself or someone you know online.
- We are happy to discuss any and all options and possibilities for your individual case and needs. You can email: titleixadmin@scu.edu or you can also stop by our office at 140 Loyola Hall or call 408-551-3043.
VI. Office for Diversity and Inclusion (ODI)
- Work is underway in finalizing plans for Black History Month which begins on February 1st. If you are interested in getting more involved with the Black History Month planning, please reach out to rplaza@scu.edu
- Department/Unit Climate Studies - since 2020, ODI has helped different academic and non-academic units conduct and implement a departmental climate study. If your department/area is interested in such a study in Winter/Spring 2024, please reach out to rplaza@scu.edu.
- The timetable for Winter Quarter - Safe Space and UndocuAlly Workshops will be shared via email and available via the ODI website after January 16, 2023.
- Eight SCU student veterans (graduate and undergraduate) attended the Student Veterans of America (SVA) National conference in Nashville from January 4 - 8. The conference consisted of local and national speakers, conference presentations and the SVA campus with companies, local and national Veteran organizations and other resources.
VII. Office for Multicultural Learning (OML)
- Well wishes for 2024! January brings several cultural awareness and heritage celebrations. Learn, honor and celebrate these upcoming cultural celebrations with the SCU and greater Bay Area community
- Introducing New 2023-24 Student Staff: We are thrilled to welcome four new student staff members to the OML/RRC team! Our Student Inclusion Educators (SIE) generate programming ideas, execute events, lead workshops/trainings, and staff the front desks of OML and RRC. Congratulations!
- Suzan Amiri (fourth year), Janelle Abbott (third year), Riley Conrad (first year), Elias Greenbaum (first year)
- SCAAP and the RRC are pleased to announce the annual Drag Show taking place on Saturday, January 20th from 5 - 8pm at Locatelli. This year’s theme is Royal Dragalia. The event is free and open to the entire SCU community.
- Formal Mentoring Programs: Our formal mentoring programs, The Finding Affirmation and Meaning Network (F.A.M.) and Rainbow Buddies are launching in Winter ‘24. Join Bronco Exchange today to create your profile and be on the lookout for participation details!
VIII. Office of the University Ombuds
- Don't let communication issues prevent you from meeting your goals this year. Small issues can slowly (or rapidly) become large and unmanageable, so don't wait. The University Ombuds provides multipartial, informal and confidential communication support services to faculty and staff to prevent the small issues from becoming big problems. The Ombuds assists visitors by listening and helping to clarify goals, identify issues and to explore options when addressing communication challenges, including conflict. Visitors can explore interpersonal tools to navigate challenging situations and the Ombuds may provide mediation and facilitation services to promote dialogue, dignity, and respect among participants. Good communication from the very beginning is one of the best ways to prevent issues and to foster collaboration, so don't delay.
- If you would like to set a confidential meeting with the Ombuds to explore your situation, contact the Office of the Ombuds at ombuds@scu.edu; 408-551-3542.
DEI RESOURCES FROM THE LIBRARY
The Library is embracing a new year with new beginnings with a book display at our Library Help Desk. This theme highlights library resources that celebrate embracing a new year, new goals, and discovering tools to keep you motivated!
Remember to Ask a Librarian for Additional Resources!
eBook Recommendations:
Tackle what's next : own your story, stack wins, and achieve your goals in business and life
Description: In the book, Wood draws on his own experiences transitioning out of his NFL career and provides you with the tools you need to achieve success in your own circumstances. You'll explore: How to pivot between opportunities when life forces you to unexpectedly change direction Strategies for closely examining what you're good at, what you're great at, and what you can contribute to the world with your unique combination of gifts and talents Ways to adjust your perspective to maintain resilience and toughness in the face of adversity
How to be a Coffee Bean
Description: "Create positive and permanent change in your life with proven concepts from The Coffee Bean In How to be a Coffee Bean, bestselling coauthors of The Coffee Bean, Jon Gordon and Damon West, present 111 simple and effective principles to help you lead a coffee bean lifestyle--one full of healthy habits, positive change, and genuine happiness. From athletes to students and executives, countless individuals have been inspired by The Coffee Bean message. Now, How to be a Coffee Bean teaches you the tactics and strategies behind The Coffee Bean to help you create real and lasting change in your life. How to be a Coffee Bean presents thought-provoking ideas to help you create positive change,"-- Provided by publisher.
Motivate yourself : get the life you want, find purpose and achieve fulfilment
Description: "Do you want to feel more productive, more present and more inspired by your own life? Motivate Yourself offers practical strategies to improve your productivity and gives you the know-how to create the life you want. Learn how to move past your self-doubt and propel yourself into living your dream. With practical exercises featured within each chapter, this book will help break those emotional barriers that hold you back and set you on the path to becoming fully engaged and more productive. Kick start your productivity journey today and: Quieten that negative inner voice that inhibits your personal growth Wake up to the possibility and opportunity of a different way of living Learn how to motivate those around you with productivity at the center of everything you do Challenge yourself to discover who you really are and what you are truly capable of achieving"-- Provided by publisher.
Streaming Media Recommendations:
SCU Library Motivational Playlist: Songs selected by library staff that keeps us motivated! We invite you to listen and to share some of your favorite songs that motivate you!
SPOTLIGHT: BRONCO ACADEMY OF MENTORSHIP
BAM is a program that centers around connecting first year and second year students to mentors at SCU who were once in their shoes. They are currently recruiting first and second year students to apply to be a mentee for the 2023-24 term. To learn more, please reach out to mmayo@scu.edu.
CAMPUS DIVERSITY CALENDAR
The Inclusive Excellence Division is committed to expanding awareness of the different diversity-related programming taking place on-campus. For those that use the Live-Whale Calendar, you can use the “diversity” tag to ensure that events will appear on the Diversity calendar on the Inclusive Excellence website. You can also send your program information to inclusiveexcellence@scu.edu
|
|
