Weekly Three 07/21/21
Greetings Miami University,
Here is this week's diversity, equity, inclusion "weekly three" from the Office of Institutional Diversity:
One: DEI Implementation
"Behind the Scenes" Town Hall Sessions
Join us for the upcoming DEI “Behind the Scenes” Townhall with Mr. David Sayler, Athletics Director, on Thursday, July 29 from noon–1 pm. [TIME CORRECTION ADDED 7/26/21]
Rescheduled
The "Behind the Scenes" Townhall featuring Senior Vice President and President of Miami University Foundation, Mr. Tom Herbert is being rescheduled to August 18, from 11 am–12 pm.
Third Annual Across the Divide Conference
The Across the Divide Conference is the primary Diversity & Inclusion showcase for Miami University, with a goal to promote a deeper community understanding of the key issues and diversity activities across the institution. The theme for the 2021 conference will be “Achievement & Opportunity.” This theme allows us to celebrate the areas we are doing well, while also acknowledging areas of promise and examining pathways for improvement in those areas. This year’s conference will be in person on October 8, 2021, from 9 am–3 pm.
Call for proposals is now open until July 30 at 11:59 pm. (Deadline has been extended.)
Dialogues Across Difference
The goal of this series is to have models of dialogue and discussion, between people in our community who represent differing views in a given area (e.g., politics), to show the possibility that we can have a diverse community of people who can exist together peacefully and civilly. We are actively searching for a conversation between staff members. Please submit your ideas or suggestions for future dialogue topics.
Two: Community Updates
A Luxembourg Perspective
Raymond Manes, MUDEC’s first Luxembourgish executive director, takes Delano on a tour of Differdange Castle, where the university programme holds its courses. You can learn more about MUDEC, and other study abroad programs and opportunities via Global Initiatives.
Truth & Reconciliation Project Trip – March 2022
Miami University would like to announce a Truth & Reconciliation Project trip to Montgomery, Alabama in March 2022. This project is a continuation of the work of Drs. Anthony James and Valerie Carmichael and the Butler County Truth & Reconciliation Coalition. In line with the Equal Justice Initiative Community Remembrance Project, this trip will promote community-wide conversations about this period in U.S. History. Both Miami University personnel and residents of Butler County are eligible to participate in the trip. The Office of the President has contributed $25,000 towards this project; however, Miami is also soliciting additional sponsors to allow for more community participation. This project is led by Dr. Anthony James, Dr. Valerie Carmichael, Mr. Randi Thomas, and Mr. D’Angelo Solomon. Please stay tuned for more information about the trip and how you can participate.
Center for Teaching Excellence DEI Resource Update
In line with DEI Task Force recommendations, Pillar 2 (Cultural Consciousness) and Pillar 4 (Structural and Resource Support) The Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) highlighted two resources which advance fresh ideas and Miami’s commitment to becoming as diverse, equitable, and inclusive as we can be. The first resource, Strategies for Anti-Racist and Decolonized Teaching, is a Faculty Focus article that presents a framework with five key areas of action for creating antiracist and decolonized classrooms and campuses. Each area includes questions that support instructor reflection and action. The second resource is a comprehensive guide to Making Your Teaching More Inclusive.
Enroll to receive ongoing DEI resource links via the CTE’s Weekly circulation.
Feeling Through Short-Film Discussion on August 5
Miami University IT Diversity Committee in partnership with the Miller Center for Student Disability Services invites you to discuss this year’s film: Feeling Through this August 5th from 2-3:30 pm. Feeling Through is a short, Academy Award-nominated, coming-of-age film about the unlikely connection between a teen in need and a DeafBlind man. It is the first film ever to feature a DeafBlind actor in a lead role. You can watch Feeling Through on the movie’s website. During the Film Fest, we will watch it together (much like last year), but we highly recommend watching it beforehand as well—it’s only 20 minutes long. The Miller Center staff will facilitate conversations about the film with participants.
Three: Celebrations & Recognition
National Hispanic Heritage Month/Latinx Heritage Month at Miami University
Each year, the U.S. observes National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of those in our communities and beyond whose ancestors come from over twenty countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Currently, 18% of the U.S. population is of Hispanic/Latinx descent.
Miami University and OIDI will be holding Hispanic Heritage month/Latinx Heritage Month events throughout September and October. In efforts to promote allyship, a pillar of the DEI Task Force, The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion invite you to submit programming content (lectures, events, and initiatives) connected to Hispanic Heritage Month/Latinx Heritage Month. We encourage all members of our community to promote and participate in these events; please submit your event to the University Calendar and complete the Weekly Three Submission.
Annual Latin American and Caribbean UniDiversity Festival
This year's UniDiversity Festival will take place on Friday September 17, 2021 5:30-9:00 pm, Oxford Uptown Parks High St. & Main St., Oxford, OH Alternative location in case of severe weather: Hall Auditorium, Miami University Oxford OH 45056. 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, Latinx, and Caribbean peoples and cultures. Every year the UniDiversity festival is the kick-off of a month full of activities at Miami University and Oxford Ohio. This community event is a portal for intercultural connections and civic engagement. Full Program Coming Soon.
The Office of Student Wellness Coordinated Community Response Team
The Coordinated Community Response Team (CCRT) is an action team of key individuals from across Miami's campus and the greater community who commit to creating a campus culture dedicated to the prevention of and response to sexual and interpersonal violence. The CCRT held listening sessions for our international, African American, and male-identified students to gather information about sexual violence in these communities. Important insights gleaned from these listening sessions include the need to clarify how a person's immigration status is not affected by reporting and to decrease the perceived stigma of talking about sexual violence. While these insights will be utilized moving forward, the CCRT will continue to engage in a process of co-creating programming with students. Listening sessions will expand next semester to include students who identify as LGBTQ+ and graduate students.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion for Student Wellness
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Students (DEI) introduces students to key concepts related to inclusive excellence. The online program covers topics like identity, power, privilege, and oppression, as well as strategies related to ally behavior, respectful communication, self-care, and creating inclusive spaces. By building competencies around emotional intelligence via interactive scenarios and case studies, the course communicates the expectation that students will be engaged members of a diverse and inclusive community while providing important tools they can use on their journey. Students can access the course on July 21, 2021, and must complete Part 1 by August 16, 2021. To access the course, students log in to their orientation canvas module through MyMiami or click on the link in your email invitation. They can also check the Alphabetical Index to find the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion link under "D". If you have questions about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, contact the program administrators in the Office of Student Wellness at wellnessmodule@miamioh.edu or 513-529-7893.
The Ford Meditation and Reflection Room
When not reserved, the Ford Meditation and Reflection Room located in the Armstrong Student Center is a place for quiet contemplation, meditation, reflection, or prayer. All are welcome; the only requests for the Meditation and Reflection Room are that visitors please refrain from any of the following activities that could potentially distract from the serenity of the environment, including: food and drink, photography, excessive noise and conversation, audible music, candle, incense, or any open/closed flame.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