Monthly Newsletter | September 2021
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‘‘No matter how much pedagogy we know, no matter how many degrees we have, unless our students know that we care, they will not learn from us.’’
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Creating a Community of Care
By Belinda Higgs Hyppolite, Ed.D.
Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The University of Oklahoma has spent the past year introducing a new strategic plan to the OU community. Within this plan, Pillar IV focuses on “Becoming a Place of Belonging and Emotional Growth for all Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni.” This month’s VP’s corner serves as a reminder that creating a community of care is everyone’s responsibility. I encourage each of you to attend to the environments you are a part of. It is not the sole responsibility of leadership to cultivate an inclusive environment; it is the responsibility of all. If you notice someone is struggling, offer a helping hand. If you see someone is withdrawn, invite them to participate or inquire to understand. If you notice a way to make improvements, take ownership and help lead the change. Together we can help to cultivate a community of care. An unknown author stated, “No matter how much pedagogy we know, no matter how many degrees we have, unless our students know that we care, they will not learn from us.” Let’s continue cultivating the community we desire to have! Together we can create a community of care for all!
Belinda Higgs Hyppolite, Ed.D.
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Noon-1 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 22
Virtual Event
Target Audience: Faculty and Staff
Mental Health Professional
Patricia Alvarado will discuss how to create connectedness by decreasing stigma within the Latinx Community.
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7-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 22
Meacham Auditorium, Norman
FREE (limited seating)
Target Audience: Students
Actor and comedian Gadiel del Orbe will entertain the audience with "An Evening with Gadiel del Orbe."
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2:30-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 25
Oklahoma Memorial Union Courtyard
Norman Campus
Target Audience: Students, Faculty, Staff
Let's enjoy some food together, engage in fellowship, and have fun at the OU vs. West Virginia tailgate!
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Noon-1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 29
This event involves free lunches in a limited number.
Target Audience: Students, Faculty, and Staff
To enjoy a free lunch, please stop by one of the following locations:
Norman Campus: South Oval
Health Sciences Center: Bird Library Patio
OU-Tulsa Campus: Founders Student Center
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News and Involvement Opportunities |
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Recognizing the Leaders
of the Future
For the past 10 years, NextGen under 30 Oklahoma has spotlighted talented Oklahomans who serve the community and inspire its members. This year, Danielle Pullen was honored with the award for her consistent contributions to the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, for her commitment as a board member of the CARE center, and for her mentorship to at risk youth with the Comeback Kid Society. Congratulations, Danielle!
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How a Solid Campus Support Can Make the Difference
In 2012, Jonique Scott arrived at the University of Oklahoma campus as a transfer student with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Despite the mountains that presented themselves, she was determined to make life on this campus and to graduate.
While her husband carried out his obligations...
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What I Gained by Not Going to a School Field Trip to NYC:
My Experience with Upward Bound
Amy Lyons-Ketchum
Assistant Director of Training and Development
In my last year in junior high school, my drama class teacher planned a trip to New York City to see a Broadway play. I was beyond excited! At every school event from football games to club meetings, I was there selling snacks and soliciting donations. I participated in every carwash and bake sale. I even stayed after school to work the small snack bar in the commons for
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Accessibility and Disability
Resource Center Syllabus Statement
As part of a community of care, ADRC provides disability resource supports for students on all of OU campuses, including state, national, international, and online locations. Support systems include academic and housing accommodations, digital accessibility, outreach and education, advocacy, training, structural accessibility, and ADA coordination. What if students are unaware of the services that the ADRC can provide to better their learning and campus experience?
Faculty: Please include the ADRC statement in your syllabus. Click on “Syllabus Statement” to retrieve it.
Students: Please visit the Student Information pages to find helpful information about scholarships, accommodations, and other resources. The process to register with the ADRC as a student with a disability is found at Student Registration Process.
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OU Employee Resource Groups
At OU, the Employee Resource Groups are an open forum for individuals with a shared identity to build community and a place of belonging.
ERGs are available at all three campuses and include Black faculty and staff/ African American faculty and staff (OUHealth), Latinx Coalition, Indigenous faculty and staff Circle, LGBTQ+ faculty and staff, Middle Eastern North African faculty and staff, and Asian Pacific Islander Desi Indian faculty and staff.
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Mental Health Series
A Series for Faculty and Staff on Supporting Student Mental Health
Noon - 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 6
Virtual Panel
OU mental health professionals will discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of college students. Designed for OU members in student-facing roles, the panel will end with practical advice.
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Diversity Ally Series
Unlearning Ableism
9 - 11 a.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 12
Virtual Workshop
Developed for faculty and staff, the Diversity Ally program is designed to improve campus climate by providing skills and resources to avoid bias, to support students and colleagues, and to disrupt harmful dynamics when they arise.
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Request Customized Training
With DEI
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In a community of care, members are engaged in continuous education via workshops and training sessions like the ones scheduled by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Those options are listed on the DEI calendar.
Sometimes, however, training needs to be customized to fit the experiences of a college or administrative department. To request a customized training or to facilitate conversations, we invite you to complete an online form. |
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Request a customized training session by clicking on the bottom below: |
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team is looking forward to your requests! |
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Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | United We Stand
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