Weekly Three 08/25/22
We hope everyone has had an opportunity for some restorative rest this summer. As the Fall semester gets underway, we wish each of you a successful semester. In OIDI, we look forward to working with you to continue to strengthen Miami’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion this academic year. Over the summer, we distributed our annual report, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with partners across the university this year on many existing and new initiatives.
As part of Miami’s holistic climate study approach, we have started with stay interviews for racially minoritized faculty and staff this summer and will continue these interviews this semester. In the Spring, we look forward to launching a climate survey for all students, faculty, and staff. Information from these initiatives will be essential as we develop a DEI Strategic Plan.
For those of you joining Miami for the first time and for those of you returning, the OIDI team looks forward to collaborating with you and to supporting DEI efforts. We are excited to see you at Heritage Month events, and to invite you to participate in new anti-racism and diversity statement workshops and to sign up to be notified when we re-launch the award-winning DEI Module Series. To assist with your event planning, OIDI provides a religious holidays and inclusive scheduling calendar, which we encourage everyone to consult.
Thank you for all you do to make Miami an inclusive and welcoming community for all.
One: DEI Implementation
We invite you to visit the new Bias Reporting web page, which contains information on how to report bias incidents. The new Bias Incident reporting form includes an accessible, new format.
Now Accepting Submissions for Fall Semester Heritage and History Months Working in close collaboration with faculty, staff, and student partners, the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion provides opportunities for the Miami community to continue our learning and engage in meaningful programming that recognizes, examines, and values historical legacies of a diverse array of identities. Heritage Month programming supports Miami's inclusive excellence and DEI mission and connects to, among other areas, DEI Task Force Pillar 2: Cultural Consciousness, which encourages the Miami University community to enhance our awareness, knowledge, and skills to enrich and renew our intercultural competence. Submit your proposal considering priority deadlines for each proposed history and heritage month celebrations.
Hispanic / Latinx Heritage Month Programming: We invite the campus community to explore this web page to find more information about the events being held in honor of this heritage month. If you are hosting an event for Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, and you do not see it featured here, email Hiram Ramirez to have it added.
Two: Community Updates
Student Email Alias Now Available
In an effort to be inclusive of all students, Miami's IT department announced in June that students are now able to receive a UniqueID-style email alias that matches their preferred (chosen) name. Originally envisioned by the Technology Inclusivity Program Team, the proposal was vetted with IT Security, Office of General Counsel, Dean's Advisory Board, IT technical and operations teams, and other stakeholder groups prior to implementation. This student email alias provides a light-weight alternative to the far-more comprehensive and involved UniqueID change process that has long been the only way for students to align their email address with their identity.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
On July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline went live. This lifeline, which connects those in need to trained counselors in the existing network, is accessible by dialing or texting 988. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. Miami phone lines have been configured to route anyone who dials 988 from a desk phone or softphone to the National Suicide Prevention network. You do not have to dial routing numbers (like you would to get to off-campus phones). Simply dial 988! Visit the 988Lifeline website for more information.
Anti-Racism Workshop
Anti-racism work requires sustained, proactive education and engagement as well as systemic, intentional efforts at micro-and macro-levels. The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion is excited to continue providing this workshop for the new school year. New dates and an online option have been added to the sign up form, so check it out. If you are interested in OIDI providing this workshop specifically for your department, complete the Department Sign-up Form and we will follow up with you.
Diversity Statement Workshop
Wednesday, Sept. 21 | 1-2pm | Zoom | In an endeavor to complement the structural and capacity-building efforts made in Faculty Searches, the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion has created this workshop on diversity statements for students. This new workshop offering supports both undergraduates and graduate students entering our increasingly competitive and diverse job market. The workshop will also include elements on developing a diversity statement for graduate programs, to support students aspiring for entry into graduate programs Please RSVP to this workshop.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
On July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline went live. This lifeline, which connects those in need to trained counselors in the existing network, is accessible by dialing or texting 988. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. Miami phone lines have been configured to route anyone who dials 988 from a desk phone or softphone to the National Suicide Prevention network. You do not have to dial routing numbers (like you would to get to off-campus phones). Simply dial 988! Visit the 988Lifeline website for more information.
Reproductive Rights Town Hall
Thursday, Sept. 1| 6:00pm-8:00pm| Fritz Pavilion in the Armstrong Student Center| The Reproductive Rights Town Hall will address the current federal and state laws concerning abortion access, provide clarity on the campus resources available to Miami students, and hold space for campus-wide Q and A. Student organizations, campus departments, and local resources will be tabling following the discussion to provide further support and answer individual questions. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please submit your questions prior to the event.
Cafe con Cultura
Wednesday, Sept. 7 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Upham Hall, University Seal (Outside Upham Hall) | Opening event for Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with community building and information sharing opportunities. At this event academic units, divisional departments, and student organizations will be in attendance to share information and resources related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you would like to have a table at the event, please visit our sign-up form.
Sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
What's Color Got to Do With It? A Legacy of Labels and Leadership
Tuesday, Sept. 13 | 4 - 6 p.m. | Shriver Center, Bystrom Room | This talk will illuminate the impact of the historic changes, current status, and future opportunities for women of color as authentic leaders. It will examine examples of overcoming implicit bias and challenge participants to reflect on the power of passion, purpose, perspective, and perseverance in their leadership journey.
Sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
Undesireables: A Queer History of Latinx Challenges to U.S. Immigration Policy
Thursday, Sept. 15 | 5 p.m. |Shriver Center Heritage Room | Professor Capó is a transnational historian whose research interests include modern U.S. history, especially the United States; relationship to the Caribbean and Latin America. His first book, Welcome to Fairyland: Queer Miami before 1940 (UNC Press, 2017), has received six awards and honors, including the Charles S. Sydnor Award for the best book written on Southern history. He is the recipient of the Audre Lorde Prize from the Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History and the Carlton C. Qualey Award from the Immigration and Ethnic History Society. Capó's research extends to his commitment to public history. He curated "Queer Miami: A History of LGBTQ Communities" for History Miami Museum and participated in a National Park Service initiative to promote and identify historic LGBTQ sites.
Sponsored by the Latin American, Latino/a, and Caribbean Studies and the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
Music y Ritmo: An Exploration of Latinx Music
Wednesday, Sept. 28 | 12-1 p.m. | Armstrong Student Center, 1086 | Latin music—from salsa to bachata and reggaeton—has greatly influenced pop music in America, culminating in record-breaking mainstream hits like “Havana” and “Despacito.” But do you know the connection between the various Latin American music and other types of music? We want to celebrate the richness and diversity of Latin American culture by connecting its roots to other music types. Dr. Thomas George Caracas Garcia, ethnomusicologist, guitarist and lutenist at Miami shares about Latin Music and the other forms of music that inform Latin American culture.
Sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
Inclusion Forum
Wednesday, Sept. 28 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Harry T. Wilks Theater | The Inclusion Forum is the largest student-designed forum of the year focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. With the opportunity to hear from student organizations to top administrators and faculty, the Miami community is invited to participate in this year's Inclusion Forum and theme of equity and access.
Sponsored by the Diversity Affairs Council and Associated Student Government
Annual Latin American and Caribbean UniDiversity Festival
Friday, Sept. 30 | 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Oxford Uptown Parks | The UniDiversity Festival is a collaborative initiative to promote diversity and inclusion in our community, and it is also a chance to learn more about the valuable contributions of the Latin American, Latino, and Caribbean peoples and cultures. Every year the UniDiversity festival is the kick-off of a month full of activities encompassed within the National Hispanic Latino American Heritage Month at Miami University, and Oxford Ohio. This community event is a portal for intercultural connections and civic engagement.
Sponsored by ALFAS (Association of Latinx Faculty and Staff), Alumni Association, Association of Latino and American Students, Center for American and World Cultures, Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, Global Initiatives, Global and Intercultural Studies, International Student and Scholar Services, Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, Performing Arts Series, Spanish and Portuguese
Three: Celebrations and Recognition
Movers and Makers Recognition
Three Miamians and ABFAS members were profiled in the August 2022 issue of a Cincinnati magazine, Movers and Makers, as three of the 25 Leaders in Cincinnati Tri-State Higher Education Institutions Making A Mark. Dr. Ande Durojaiye, Vice President and Dean, Miami University Regionals, College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science was recognized as one of the “Up-and-Coming Young Leaders (Under 50). Randi Thomas, Vice President, ASPIRE - Advancing Strategy, Partnerships, Institutional Relations, and Economy was recognized under the category of “Established Leader in a New Role. And Carolyn S. Craig, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and Academic Diversity Officer, College of Arts and Science was recognized as a “Recent Addition with Great Expectation. You can read or download the issue on the Movers and Makers Digital Edition webpage.
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program
Congratulations to Miami’s LSAMP program for receiving INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine award for its commitment to underrepresented students. The Inspiring Programs in STEM honor is awarded to universities that have established cutting-edge programs, events, and initiatives devoted to the work of improving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in STEM.
Leroy F. Aarons Award
Congratulations to Dr. Bruce E. Drushel, Professor and Chair for the Department of Media, Journalism and Film, for receiving the Leroy F. Aarons Award for career achievement in LGBTQ+ teaching and scholarship. The Leroy F. Aarons Award recognizes one individual for their career achievement in education and research affecting the LGBTQ community. This award is presented by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC).
Joseph B. Gittler Award
Dr. Rodney Coates was named the winner of the 2022 Joseph B Gittler Award. The award selection was based on Dr. Coates’ dedication, scholar activism, and constant presence in communities by offering his time, ideas and support of education and social justice. This award was established in 2007 through an endowment by Joseph B. Gittler in recognition of The Society for the Study of Social Problems member for significant scholarly achievements on the ethical resolution of social problems. Please join us in extending congratulations to Dr. Coates on this important award.Grand Gold CASE Circle of Excellence Award
Miami University is excited to announce that it has received the Grand Gold CASE Circle of Excellence Award this year. The award was given in the Special Events category for A Day of Reflection: 175th Anniversary of Miami Tribe’s Removal. This initiative was led by various units throughout the institution. In particular, UCM developed the concept and led the execution of the event, and the Myaamia Center provided an immeasurable amount of guidance on the event and managed all communications with the Miami Tribe. The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion assisted with the planning of the event. Physical facilities, campus services, procurement, Campus Police Department, Athletics, IT Services, the Art Museum, Regionals, Advancement, and Student Life all played crucial roles in the execution of this event as well.
The Telly Awards
Miami University’s new online Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) course earned Bronze from the Telly Awards, the world's largest honor for video and television content across all screens, in the Online Series - Education and Discovery category. The online course is self-paced, and seeks to empower individuals to lead and support diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. It provides insights and best practices from experts in the field, and includes topics such as antiracism, LGBTQIA+ Identities, and Ableism. The breadth and depth of the modules reflect Miami's holistic and intersectional approach to diversity. There were over 860 Miamians who registered for the DEI Online Module Series this semester. You can learn more and sign up to be notified about the next launch on our webpage. Read about the award on Miami’s News and Events’ website.
Upcoming Religious Holidays and Holy Days and Inclusive Scheduling
August Spotlight
August 1: Lughnasadh (Lammas) (Wicca/Neo-Pagan)
A harvest festival.
August 5-6*: Tish B'Av (Jewish)
Day of mourning to commemorate many tragedies that have befallen Jewish people, many occurring on the ninth of Av (fasting and work restrictions).
August 7-8*: Ashura (Muslim)
For Shias, a commemoration of the martyrdom of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at Karbala.
August 11: Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)
A celebration of harmony. The tying of rakhi (woven bracelets), signifying a special bond of unity and affection between two individuals.August 12: Ghost Festival (Buddhist)
A day when the living perform rituals to relieve the suffering of the ghost of those who've died, as well as to honor parents and ancestors.August 13-15: Obon (Buddhist/Shinto)
Commemorates one's ancestors returning to this world to visit their relatives.August 18-19*: Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)
Celebrates the birth of Krishna. An incarnation of the God Vishnu, Krishna represents love and bravery.August 31: Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu)
Birthday of Lord Ganesha, god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune, and the remover of obstacles.
“*” denotes holidays that start sundown the day before. Please note that individual practices may vary. Please see the academic affairs calendar and complementing interfaith narrative calendar for policies and for more information, and regarding religious holy days and holidays observed by Miami Community members.
With Love and Honor,
Cristina Alcalde, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Vice President for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
Professor, Global and Intercultural Studies
vpDiversity@MiamiOH.edu