Please take a moment to peruse the newsletter for good news updates that will hopefully lift your spirits, helpful D&I tips and free resources to continue learning and developing while we practice social distancing.
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In his Letter from Birmingham Jail,
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
eloquently penned,
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In a real sense all life is interrelated. All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly… this is the interrelated structure of reality."
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The words of one of the most acclaimed civil rights leaders of our time are especially relevant now as we navigate the local, national and world crisis that is the COVID-19 pandemic.
Never before has the network of mutuality - the intersection and interdependence of humanity - been more inescapable. As we bear witness to glaring health disparities exasperated by long-standing social determinants of health, it is clear that the impact of COVID 19 will vary from community to community. We will emerge with a history that includes people of every race, ethnicity, class, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, geographic location, country of origin, ability, and political and religious affiliation. And in this moment, we must be compelled to depend on and support one another so that we all see our way through. If one of us is in danger and suffering during this crisis, we are all in danger and will all suffer. It is, as Dr. King illustrated, "the interrelated structure of our (current) reality."
From the University of Nebraska campus community, to the state of Nebraska, to the nation – we continue to witness communities coming together to show compassion, empathy and grace regardless of difference.
While the current road we are traveling is difficult, I hope that each of us emerges from this crisis with a renewed sense of commitment to creating an inclusive community where
everyone
is supported and
everyone
can thrive.
We can and we will see our way through this – it’s what we do!
Stay safe and healthy,
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Stancia J. Whitcomb Jenkins
Assistant Vice President - Diversity, Access, and Inclusion
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Minority Business Enterprise University Launching To Prepare Business Owners for Success in Their Business and Communities
Incorporating diversity at every level is a priority to the University of Nebraska. One way we focus on supporting underserved and underrepresented businesses is through our commitment to minority-owned businesses. A recent example is the launch of the Minority Business Enterprise University which came about as a result of the partnership between the University of Nebraska System, University of Nebraska Omaha, and Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Diversity Council (MPMSDC). “We knew when creating this program that we wanted students to leave with the confidence to gain access to top-tier companies and bring dollars into their minority-owned business and their communities,” said MPMSDC Market President
Belinda Hooks
. “As a minority and former business owner, I hope this program equips students with the knowledge they need to grow their business, manage their team and develop their brand for long-term success.”
The concept of this program was discussed in spring 2019 and has since developed into a six-session curriculum to prepare diverse business owners to stimulate business growth and to contribute to the communities where they are located. Topics include: Planning for Growth, Professional Selling, Managing Your Money with Metrics, Human Resources - Keys to Building a Successful Business, Building Your Leadership and Entrepreneurial Skills and Customer Relationship Management.
Curriculum for this program was created by a team of staff who will also teach the course including:
Dr. Erin G Pleggenkuhle-Miles
, Management, Associate Professor;
Dr. Shannon Cummins
, Marketing & Entrepreneurship, Assistant Professor;
Dr. Dale Thomas Eesley
, John Morgan Community Chair in Entrepreneurship and Marketing & Entrepreneurship, Associate Professor;
Gina Scott Ligon
, Management, Associate Professor;
Herb Thompson
, Instructor / Speech Center Consultant;
Dr. Phani Tej Adidam
, Executive Management Education Professor and Marketing & Entrepreneurship, Professor.
This effort was supported by Director of Procurement Services and Strategic Sourcing
Maggie Witt
and consultation for creation of the program was provided by NU Online as well as UNO’s Small Business Development Center.
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Campuses Across the UON System Are Working
to Fight COVID-19
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GIVE BLOOD:
If you can safely do so, you can make an appointment to donate blood. Blood banks have been faced with a severe blood shortage due to blood drive cancellations. Healthy and eligible donors may make an appointment with the
American Red Cross
to provide lifesaving blood products to people in need.
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SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES:
If you have the means, you can continue to support local businesses in your area. You can do so by purchasing gift cards for future use (
NebraskaBuyLocal.com
), ordering take-out or delivery from local restaurants, and tip generously if you can afford it. You may also purchase a
Small Businesses, Big Hearts
t-shirt that was designed by one of Lincoln's small businesses. All of the profits go toward supporting Nebraska small businesses.
REACH OUT SAFELY:
Everyone is being affected by this pandemic, so make sure to reach out to family members, loved ones, and friends during this time. The
COVID-19 Mutual Aid Lincoln/Omaha Facebook Group
is one way to provide support to community members with specific needs. You can also communicate with people via Skype or Zoom for many reasons (start a virtual book club or arrange virtual playdates).
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DONATE SUPPLIES:
If you would like to donate personal protective equipment (PPE) to Nebraska Medical Center, they are accepting the following items:
• New, unopened, manufactured N95 masks
•
New, unopened, manufactured surgical/procedure masks
•
Unopened, manufactured hand sanitizing liquid that’s at least 63% alcohol; 70% alcohol is preferred
If you have these items and would like to donate them, information can be found
here
.
Please Note: Opened manufactured products, sewn or 3D printed masks will not be accepted.
DONATE TO NONPROFITS:
If you can, donating to Omaha nonprofits is a great way to help others in this time of need. Many businesses are in need such as ALS in the Heartland, Alzheimer's Association Nebraska Chapter, American Cancer Society, and many more. If you would like to assist Omaha nonprofits, more information on how can be found
here
.
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Continue to support local businesses in your area, check up on loved ones, and donate to local nonprofits if you can.
Coronavirus information from the University of Nebraska at Kearney can be found
here
.
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Inclusion, Equity, and Access While Teaching Remotely
As campuses around the country grapple with the impact of COVID-19, an increasing number of institutions have decided to move classes online. Remote teaching presents several challenges for faculty, including the logistics--both pedagogical and technological--of how to transition course lectures, discussions, and lab or studio learning experiences online. One issue that needs particular attention is that of equitable access to the learning environment. How can faculty and instructors ensure that all students have access to the materials they need to succeed in the course when the learning contexts are rapidly changing?
Pedagogy that prioritizes inclusion--whether the courses are online, in-person or a combination of the two--asks us to consider how we can help all students succeed. For in-person classes, inclusive approaches include (but are not limited to) creating inclusive learning spaces where students feel valued and included, setting clear expectations about course work and deadlines, and making the learning and assessment accessible and relatable to all students. When in-person classes are canceled and learning shifts to online spaces and methods, these ideas can still be applied--but access and equity can look very different in online teaching contexts, and become increasingly complicated when/if students are no longer on-campus.
Continue reading for more tips on
Inclusion, Equity, and Access While Teaching Remotely
here.
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Working from home, teaching and learning remotely, and managing professional obligations may present many challenges. Below are suggested virtual learning opportunities and events to participate in so that you can continue to exude inclusive excellence during the COVID-19 crisis.
VIRTUAL LEARNING AND EVENTS
OFCCP Documentation Best Practices
Hosted by LocalJobNetwork
April 15, 2020 l 10-11 a.m.
Join LocalJobNetwork as we discuss documentation and record keeping best practices for outreach efforts during the hiring process, posting to the ESDS, effective applicant reporting, and more. Federal contractors will acquire helpful tools for achieving compliance and gain insight into the data OFCCP expects when they examine applicant data.
Bringing LGBTQ Upstanders into Your Classroom: A Conversation with Eric Marcus
April 20, 2020 l 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us for a conversation with
Eric Marcus
, host of the award-winning
Making Gay History
podcast. Eric mines his decades-old audio archive of rare interviews to create intimate, personal portraits of both known and long-forgotten champions, heroes and witnesses to history. We’ll explore the importance of teaching and learning LGBTQ history to create a more inclusive and equitable picture of US History, reflect student identities in the history we teach, and inspire future Upstanders.
You will be eligible to receive one hour of professional development credit for participation if you actively watch the webinar. After the webinar, you will be able to download a certificate of completion from the webinar console.
Self-Care and Healing Practices for CDOs in the Time of COVID-19
Hosted by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education
April 16, 2020 l 4 p.m.
CDOs have had to pivot quickly to a new "normal" during the time of COVID-19. We are reminded daily in different, but powerful ways, of what is most meaningful and relevant. In this webinar,
Dr. Anneliese Singh
explores self-care and healing practices that CDOs can integrate into their everyday personal and professional lives. Dr. Singh provides examples of these practices from liberation movements around the world to help participants integrate sustainability, health, and wellness into their equity and justice leadership during the time of COVID-19. Participant dialogue and experiential learning are included.
Safeguarding Quality, Equity, and Inclusion as Learning Moves Online
Hosted by Association of American Colleges & Universities
As the undergraduate experience goes virtual in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, how can colleges and universities ensure that the rapid scaling of online learning to unprecedented levels doesn’t come at the expense of their commitment to quality, equity, and inclusion? This webinar will address a wide range of student success issues and opportunities now confronting faculty, staff, and administrators across the higher education landscape. Presenters will offer practical advice and effective pedagogical strategies for creating and sustaining high-quality, equitable, and inclusive learning environments online.
DEI During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Hosted by Paradigm
With the coronavirus outbreak, people leaders are in uncharted waters. Join Paradigm's founder and CEO Joelle Emerson for a candid conversation around the most common diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges we're seeing, and guidance on how people leaders can have the most impact.
Anticipatory Anxiety – Evolving & Exacerbated Mental Health Crisis Created by the COVID19
Pandemic & Ways to Address It
Hosted by PaperClip Communications
PaperClip Communications knows how difficult and uncertain this time is, and we’re happy to offer this complimentary on-demand training session to help our colleagues during this crisis. Our on-demand webinar, "Anticipatory Anxiety: Evolving & Exacerbated Mental Health Crisis Created by the COVID19 Pandemic & Ways to Address It Effectively" addresses the anxiety that surfaces when we continuously think, worry and panic about something unknown or uncertain – like the coronavirus – that we haven’t previously experienced.
Effectively Managing Your Remote Team Inclusively
Hosted by Catalyst – Work Places that Work for Women (the organizations is making this Supporter-only content available to all audiences as a public service)
Quickly get up to speed on leading remote teams inclusively. In a time of accelerating change, technology has completely restructured where, when, and how work gets done. As with co-located teams, it’s possible to develop an innovative, collaborative, and inclusive remote team environment, but managers need the right tools and the right skills. This Knowledge Burst includes a downloadable tool, Communication Charter Template for Remote Teams, to help managers and their reports establish communication norms that increase the remote team’s performance.
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TEDx Tuesdays
Take TED Talks to the next level by having the speaker join the discussion! We will be hosting a watch party for a TEDx Talk
every Tuesday in April at 3 p.m. CST
and then a live discussion with the speaker. These sessions are free and open to all but registration is needed to access the webinar link.
The time doesn't work for you or your campus? Host a watch party and discussion with just your campus or class by emailing us! A campus-specific session will have a fee but we strive to work with your budget.
SUGGESTED REPORTS AND ARTICLES
Alissa Carpenter, Learning Facilitator and Keynote Speaker
By Katie Livornese, Content Manager at Jennifer Brown Consulting
SUGGESTED READING
The Warmth of Other Suns
by
Isabel Wilkerson
Redefining Realness
by
Janet Mock
There There
by
Tommy Orange
Beauty Sick: How the Cultural Obsession with Appearance Hurts Girls and Women
by
Dr. Renee Engeln
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Our country would not be what it is if it weren’t for the diversity that defines us. The people all around you — your neighbors, best friends, classmates, fellow citizens, and coworkers — all come from various walks of life. April is the month to recognize and honor them. Looking for a good way to celebrate? Perhaps pick a holiday from the list below and learn more about it. And to help your employees be more aware and inclusive, check out our
online diversity training
.
4/4:
Maya Angelou’s Birthday
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Our April diversity days including the birthday of a true diversity leader,
Maya Angelou
. She's remembered for being a writer, poet, civil rights activist, Renaissance women, and winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As a Black American, Angelou gained international recognition and acclaim for her work. In her honor, search online for a poem or two of hers or check out one of her books from the library.
4/8:
The Birth of Buddha
April diversity topics include several religious observances. Around the world, more than 535 million people are Buddhist. Yet it all started with a single prince who turned into a monk. Named Siddhartha Gautama, he realized that peace could be found through spiritual discipline. Thus he renounced his worldly life and sought a spiritual quest. For more interfaith events, see our
religious calendar 2020
.
4/9:
Passover Begins
April diversity events also include Passover, a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight days. It marks the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Passover begins the previous evening with a Seder, or a meal, where the Haggadah (the book of Exodus and related writings) are recited in order. During this holiday, it is forbidden to eat leavened food products (think bread, pasta, etc.). If you’ve never tried matzah, give it a try during this week to recognize Passover! This is an unleavened bread that Jewish families often eat during this time.
4/12:
Easter
Christians (except Greek Orthodox) will celebrate Easter on this day. This is the most important Christian holiday in the world’s largest religion. Easter always falls on Sunday, with the preceding Friday the day Jesus was crucified. Then, according to scripture, “On the third day He rose again from the dead.” The third day is Easter Sunday, and Christians rejoice!
4/24:
Ramadan
Our April multicultural calendar includes the first day of Ramadan, which is considered the holiest month of the Muslim year. During this month, no water or food may be taken from sunrise to sunset. It is during this month that the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad by Allah. If you are curious about the fasting process that Muslims undertake during Ramadan, try it for a day!
4/23:
Native American Gathering of Nations
Our April multicultural month concludes with this event, at which over 500 tribes will gather for three days to honor the culture of Native Americans. It is an annual gathering, and tribes travel from both the United States and Canada to participate. There are different events like dance competitions, Miss Indian World, knowledge of tribal traditions, and Indian Traders Markets for different crafts and art.
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NU System Invites Proposals for Inclusive Excellence Development Grants
Four grants of up to $3,000 each will be awarded to initiatives that advance campus climate, student recruitment and retention, and/or faculty and staff recruitment and retention. Eligible proposals must involve collaboration across campus units or among multiple NU campuses, and may involve external partners.
“Inclusive excellence requires us to be proactive and collaborative in building a university community that is welcoming and accessible for all,”
Stancia Jenkins
, associate to the president and assistant vice president for diversity, access and inclusion, wrote in a letter announcing the call for proposals.
“We must be intentional about investing in this work and celebrating our successes.”
Only initiatives that are free and open to the university community are eligible to be funded. Grants cannot be used for off-campus travel or to support salaries.
Past funded projects have included campus dialogue series on issues related to diversity and inclusion, an inclusive excellence “pledge program,” and a symposium about best practices in supporting first-generation students.
Detailed information about the spring
2020 Inclusive Excellence Development Grants
, including application materials, is available on the University of Nebraska system’s website
here
.
***In light of the COVID-19 response, the submission deadline for the spring 2020 Inclusive Excellence Development Grants has been extended to June 24.***
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