The IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) Newsletter is a monthly newsletter that is designed to curate the diversity, equity, and inclusion opportunities, resources, and initiatives that help to improve the campus climate at Loyola.
The Office of Equity and Inclusion would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the 2024 Diversity Reading Groups and the Cupcakes and Community Book Exchange! We had over 90 participants in the reading groups and more than 40 member of the Loyola community join us for the book exchange.
A special thank you to Red Emma’s Bookstore in Baltimore, MD, for partnering with us!
Cura Conversations Series
Thank you to everyone who attended the November Cura Conversations!
Session 4: Post Election-Pulse Check!
Friday, November 8th, 2024; 12:00-1:30PM; Sellinger VIP Lounge
Facilitated by Jason Summers and Toya Dailey-Smith, pulse check was a reflective and community-centered session that assessed the overall sentiment within the LUMD community in the wake of recent Cura Conversations and the post-election climate. Participants explored past reflections from previous sessions, addressed current concerns, and discussed future steps for self-care and community building.
IDEA Resources
Below are links to resources, initiatives, support networks, and campus updates, that help to foster inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility across Loyola.
EVENT
Restorative Justice & Practices: Level 1 Training
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 9:00am
to Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 12:00pm
Restorative Justice and Practices (RJP) is a structured process for building community, strengthening relationships and addressing difficult situations. It actively engages individuals in the process of building community and provides opportunities to address challenging issues and restore trust.
At the end of RJP Level 1 Training, participants will: understand the historical context and key principles of RJP, learn and practice the skills needed to be a RJP community building facilitator, learn the key elements of community building circles and practice putting together an RJP community building circle.
If you have questions, please email rjp@loyola.edu.
The Fava Chapel is an Interfaith Prayer Space, to be used by Loyola community members of diverse faith traditions for worship and spiritual practices. The space is stocked with prayer mats, scarves, meditation labyrinth, yoga mats and Zen Meditation pillows and other religious articles. A variety of scriptures and religious literature are also available for worshippers to read and learn from.
Please note that Fava Chapel is a "shoe-free" space. Please remove shoes before entering the Chapel as a sign of respect to various faith traditions practiced in this scared space.
Loyola ID is needed to access the Chapel.
If you need more information or would like to schedule an informational tour of the space for your class, please contact: Saima Sitwat, Assistant Director of Interfaith and Ecumenical Ministry, ssitwat@loyola.edu.
EVENT
Friday Prayers for Muslim Community
We invite Loyola’s Muslim community to join us from 1:30-2:30 pm each Friday to join in Jummah (Friday Prayers).
Join us every Monday at 12:45pm at the Peace Pole (located outside Alumni Chapel) to pray for peace! The Weekly Peace Pole Prayer offers an opportunity for the Loyola community to come together and pray for a variety of issues, conflicts, and concerns going on today.
Embrace the enchanting spirit of the season at our 36th Annual Lessons and Carols on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 at 5:00pm in the Alumni Memorial Chapel.
This annual ecumenical service, rooted in the great English choral tradition, combines music and scripture readings of the Advent Christmas Season in a beautiful candle-lit setting. The Loyola University Chapel Choir and guest artists, under the direction of Laura McCormack, Associate Director of Campus Ministry, will perform seasonal music from a broad range of musical styles and traditions.
You may join us in-person or live-stream for this very special event. Doors open at 4pm, it is first come first serve seating.
On Monday, December 9, for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we will offer Mass in English at 12:10 pm and Mass in Spanish at 8 pm in the Alumni Chapel. The Mass in Spanish at 8 pm will be followed by a reception and fellowship in collaboration with Catholic Hounds, which will take place from 9 pm - 10 pm in Campus Ministry (Cohn Hall 100).
El lunes 9 de diciembre, en honor a la Fiesta de la Inmaculada Concepción, ofreceremos Misa en inglés a las 12:10 pm y Misa en español a las 8 pm en Alumni Memorial Chapel. La Misa en español a las 8 pm será seguida por una recepción en colaboración con Catholic Hounds, que se llevará a cabo de 9 pm a 10 pm en Campus Ministry (Cohn Hall 100).
On Monday, December 9, for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we will offer Mass in English at 12:10 pm and Mass in Spanish at 8 pm in the Alumni Chapel. The Mass in Spanish at 8 pm will be followed by a reception and fellowship in collaboration with Catholic Hounds, which will take place from 9 pm - 10 pm in Campus Ministry (Cohn Hall 100).
Loyola is host to a variety of trainings, activities, and events throughout the year, many of which foster engagement and open dialogue surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Below are upcoming events taking place across campus.
Chai & Chat: A New Tradition Begins! Join us biweekly on Fridays from 2:00 - 2:30 PM (right after Jummah) for cozy vibes, warm tea, and meaningful conversations. Our first session dives into the topic of misconceptions about MSA and Islam—let’s clear the air together over a cup of chai!
Come through, bring your thoughts, and be part of this new tradition. See you there!
Hora De Café Con Leche provides native/fluent Spanish Speakers, and those looking to practice their Spanish, with a space to build community, play games, and discuss different topics in Spanish! Stop on by, enjoy delicious café, and connect with your fellow Spanish speakers in this affinity space!
Campus Ministry Interns are responsible for assisting the professional staff in fulfilling the mission of the office of Campus Ministry. Interns will support the Jesuit, Catholic identity at Loyola, and promote opportunities to explore the richness of Ignatian Spirituality. Interns are ambassadors who welcome, honor and celebrate people of all faith traditions, spiritualities and identities. They are committed to building a just community and creating inclusive spaces for prayer, meaning-making and spiritual development.   
Join one of our Information Sessions to learn more!
Friday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. 
Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 2:30 p.m.  
Monday, Feb. 11 at 4 p.m. 
 
Applications Due: Friday, Feb. 28, 2024 
Please come out to AMP's holiday party! We will be decorating gingerbread cookies and watching a holiday movie! There will be snacks; feel free to come out!
Hampden Lights, Miracle on 34th Street, or sometimes called Christmas Street is a Baltimore tradition that dates back over 75 years in which a street in the Hampden neighborhood in Baltimore is adorned with an abundant display of holiday lights for all the enjoy. The spirited display is enjoyed by thousands of Baltimore residents every season and is sure to get you in the Christmas mood!
The experience and shuttles are free but vendors and storefronts will have food, hot chocolate, and merchandise for sale.
For more information, please visit https://www.christmasstreet.com/.
Messina is sponsoring a free shuttle service for students to and from this event. Shuttles will pick-up students from Newman Towers (front entrance) and will run on a continuous loop starting at 6pm, dropping off on the corner of 36th and Chestnut - outside The Charmery). The last bus returning to campus will depart the event at 10:00pm.
Students will sign-in on the Bridge when boarding the shuttle.
Step into the vibrant colors, rhythms, and warmth of the Caribbean at our annual Caribana semi formal! Immerse yourself in a night filled with island-inspired music, delicious food, and dazzling decor that brings the tropical vibes to life. Dress to impress with semi-formal attire that highlights the bold, joyful spirit of the Caribbean. Whether you're dancing to the beat, savoring flavorful bites, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, Caribana promises an unforgettable night of celebration and connection.
Need a finals study break? Check out LNDL's ongoing Stressbusters activities on the Library's main level!
Zine Zone: Collage materials available to create zines or collages onsite at the library.
Crafts, Games, and Activities Table: The first floor of the library features crafts and activities such as origami kits, Lego kits, Magna-Tiles, Jenga, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and more.
Video Game Station
Snack Station: Tea, fruit, granola bars, and candy available near the Help Desk.
Interested in learning some strategies to make the language stick? Looking for some tips and tricks to prepare for finals? We've got you covered with this workshops!
Folks, we've got a whole day of fun and food. For those unaware, December 10th is Loyola's Study Day, on which there are no classes and students are encouraged to spend the day studying for their upcoming finals. The Karson Institute wishes to support you on this day. We're having an entire day of activities for to support you during your study time at the Loyola Notre Dame Library
Make a stuffed animal and decorate with accessories! Each participant receives 1 stuffed animal to create and decorate. Registration required and limited to Loyola University Maryland and Notre Dame of Maryland University students. Capped at 45 participants.
Enjoy free samples from ZenJoy Tea, a tea company that provides teas created for stress and anxiety relief. Parkhurst will also provide snacks and de-stressing activities, including food-related coloring books and DIY stress balls.
Take a walk along the Peace Meadow on campus and learn about native plant species and wildlife with Michelle Williams, LNDL’s Access Services Operations Supervisor. Michelle is a committed environmental steward and a certified Weed Warrior with Baltimore City.
If you would like to contribute relevant news items, events, professional development opportunities, or community updates and accomplishments, please send them to rlittle1@loyola.edu