From: Office of Equity & Inclusion
Date: September 6, 2023
Subject: Welcome to the IDEA Newsletter!


THE IDEA newsletter SEPTEMBER 2023, ISSUE NO.5
Office of Equity and Inclusion IDEA Newsletter Jan 2023 Issue 3

Welcome to the IDEA Newsletter!

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 campus climate at Loyola. As a hub, the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) strives to become a University-wide resource for diversity, equity, and inclusion with many campus partners.

To read past issues of the IDEA Newsletter, please visit:
https://www.loyola.edu/department/equity-inclusion/about/idea-newsletter

Office of Equity and Inclusion
Updates and Upcoming Events

Meet the Team

The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) works to meet the University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with an integrative model of leadership. The model draws its strength from partnerships and collaborations with every division of the University.

The vision for OEI is to provide leadership, education, consultation, and assistance to the campus to embrace equity and inclusion as a pillar of excellence. In collaboration with other university offices, divisions, strategic plans, and staff, the OEI supports an institutional climate of Ignatian Citizenship by balancing opportunities for individual enrichment and reflection on how one’s social identities influence choice and responsibilities and collaborative work for justice.

Image of Dr. Rodney Parker wearing a blue suit and green and white stripped tie

Rodney L. Parker, Ph.D.
(he/him/his)


Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer

Dr. Parker serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet and leads the President’s Council on Equity and Inclusion. He works to address challenges around racism and diversity issues to help Loyola become the welcoming, inclusive Jesuit, Catholic university we aspire to be.

Dr. Parker, who joined Loyola in 2002, has expressed that his favorite aspect of working at Loyola is the sense of community and the genuine care for people. He enjoys mentoring students and getting them connected to different parts of campus.

Dr. Parker holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University, a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology from Duke University, and a Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling and Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Loyola. 

Headshot of Rhona Little

Rhona Little, MPH
(she/her/hers)


Diversity and Inclusion Specialist

Ms. Little provides direct support to university community members and has a significant role in the implementation of the university’s vision and strategic plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Within the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Ms. Little’s responsibilities include developing and leading inclusive trainings for students and employees, collaborating with campus partners to implement DEI best practices, overseeing the Undergraduate Diversity Advisory Board, coordinating Loyola's Safe Zone program, and planning university-wide events, such as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Convocation.

Ms. Little also serves as a Title IX Intake Officer, Sister to Sister Mentor, Restorative Practices Facilitator, and member of the Mental Health Taskforce and the President's Council for Equity and Inclusion.

Ms. Little's greatest passion is to help people feel seen, heard, and valued. She is a proud alumna of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Health Administration and Policy, and the University of Maryland College Park, where she earned her Master of Public Health in Community and Behavioral Health.

Upcoming Safe Zone Trainings

Safe Zone at Loyola University Maryland fosters an affirming environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans & gender non-conforming, queer, pansexual, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQPIA+) members of the University community and their allies. In support of the University’s mission to promote intellectual excellence and ethical leadership in the Jesuit tradition, Safe Zone at Loyola:

  • Cultivates dialogue, understanding, and fellowship among all University community members around LGBTQPIA+ issues and contributions
  • Sponsors designated Safe Zones around campus that offer safety, support, and confidentiality for LGBTQPIA+ students and their allies
  • Offers training to faculty, staff, administrators, and students on how to fully welcome, support, and value LGBTQPIA+ people and perspectives in the University community

Becoming Safe Zone trained at Loyola is a three-step process. Training sessions should be completed in order and upon completion of Session 3, participants have the opportunity to sign a commitment to contributing to an affirming campus for LGBTQPIA+ members. When you see a Safe Zone sticker on campus, it indicates that person completed the entirety of Loyola's Safe Zone program.

2023-2024 Safe Zone Training Dates:

Session 1: LGBTQPIA+ Awareness

Session 2: Allyship (must have completed Session 1)

Session 3: Creating LGBTQPIA+ Affirming Spaces (must have completed Sessions 1 & 2)

For more information, please reach out to Rhona Little at rlittle1@loyola.edu.

Diversity Advisory Board Applications
Now Open!

Applications for the 2023-2024 Diversity Advisory Board are now available. The Diversity Advisory Board amplifies undergraduate student voices on matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Student members serve as advisors, liaisons, and problem solvers who support the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the University’s mission of equity.

Diversity Advisory Board Responsibilities:

  • Collaborates with the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer and the Office of Equity and Inclusion on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues affecting students
  • Works to foster an environment in which all students can achieve full potential and a strong sense of belonging
  • Increases students’ awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion through support of diversity initiatives across campus
  • Utilizes restorative practices as a proactive way to strengthen intergroup relations and support community building
  • Integrates the university's Guiding Principles to approach decisions and operations, with a consistent focus on equity and inclusion.

Deadline: Wednesday, September 13, 2023

For more information or to apply, please visit: https://www.loyola.edu/department/equity-inclusion/boards/undergraduate-diversity-advisory-board

IDEA Spotlights

In each upcoming newsletter, the office of equity and inclusion will continue to highlight individuals within Loyola who are working to make our campus an inclusive and welcoming place for all people.

2022-2023 spotlights included:
  • Alexis Faison, Junior Class President, Student Government Association
  • Caroline Kovatch, Interfaith and Ecumenical Ministries Graduate Assistant, Campus Ministry
  • Dennis Velez, Associate Director, ALANA Services.
  • Jessica David, Ph.D, Coordinator of BIPOC Mental Health Services, Counseling Center
  • Karsonaya Wise Whitehead, Ph.D, Executive Director, Karson Institute for Race, Peace, and Social Justice
  • Oghenetoja Okoh, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, History
  • Pat Cassidy, Associate Director, Center for Community, Service, + Justice
  • Qi Shi, Ph.D, Director, Center for Equity, Leadership, and Social Justice in Education
  • Stepf Richie Diaz, Associate Director of Recruitment and Staff Development, Office of Student Life
  • Tobi Olaniyi and Jasmine Diaz, Co-Directors, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Student Government Association.

Do you know someone who you think should be featured? To submit a nomination for the IDEA Spotlights, please fill out this form.

IDEA Resources

Below are links to resources, support networks, and organizations that can help foster inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility initiatives. If you would like to submit an item, please email Rhona Little.

Interfaith Resources


Campus Ministry honors, celebrates, and welcomes people of all faith traditions, spiritual practices, and beliefs. Our Interfaith Services provide opportunities for students, faculty, administrators and staff from diverse faith identities and backgrounds to come together to celebrate, learn from one another and develop relationships for hope, renewal and interfaith cooperation. 

Please see below for a list of resources and upcoming events on campus and the surrounding areas. For more information, please contact Saima Sitwat, Assistant Director of Ecumenical and Interfaith Ministry, at ssitwat@loyola.edu.

 
 

EVENT

L’SHANA TOVA - Celebrating the Jewish High Holidays at Loyola

Friday, September 15 at 12:00am
to Sunday, September 17 at 11:55pm
Bolton Street Synagogue and Johns Hopkins University
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Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of Judaism’s holiest days. Meaning “head of the year,” Rosh Hashana commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement.

Campus Ministry will offer a variety of support and connections for our Jewish students during these Days of Awe.
 
RSVP
 

EVENT

L’SHANA TOVA- Celebrating the Jewish High Holidays at Loyola; Yom Kippur

Sunday, September 24 at 12:00am
to Monday, September 25 at 11:55pm
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According to tradition, it is on Yom Kippur that God decides each person’s fate, so Jews are encouraged to make amends and ask forgiveness for sins committed during the past year. Considered the most important holiday in the Jewish faith, Yom Kippur is observed with a 25-hour fast and a special religious service.

Campus Ministry will offer a variety of supports and connections for our Jewish students during these Days of Awe.
RSVP

EVENT

Sukkot Celebration at Loyola

Tuesday, October 3
12:00pm - 2:00pm
The Quad , 4501 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210, United States
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Sukkot is one of three major Biblically-based festivals in Judaism and is both an agricultural festival of thanksgiving and a commemoration of the forty-year period during which children of Israel wandered in the desert after leaving slavery in Egypt, living in temporary shelters as they traveled.

The Sukkah is a gathering place, a place where it is traditional to welcome guests and enjoy spending time together. We will be building a Sukkah on the Quad which will be there Oct. 2- 6.

Please join Campus Ministry and Rabbi Shira Lander for a special event celebrating this "Time of Happiness" for our Jewish friends. There will be informational tables, traditional foods, and building edible Sukkahs!
RSVP
Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month

Latinx Heritage Month


Latinx Heritage Month (LHM), nationally known as Hispanic Heritage Month, offers the Loyola community a chance to participate in programs and events to celebrate Latinx and Hispanic heritage from September 15th to October 15th. The celebration began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under the leadership of President Lyndon B. Johnson and was later expanded to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. Today, National Hispanic Heritage Month seeks to recognize the presence of, and contributions made by Hispanic and Latinx Americans in the United States.

The celebration kicks off on September 15th in honor of the Independence day of 5 Latin American countries: El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala,  Nicaragua, and Honduras. Throughout Latinx Heritage Month, we also celebrate the Independence of  Mexico (Sept. 16), Chile (Sept. 18), and Belize (Sept. 21).

This year, the Association of Latinx Students (ALAS) is highlighting the beauty in the Latinx community and the individual countries that make up the community through the theme, “Nuestra Belleza Latina.” ALAS hopes to honor and celebrate this beauty through the sharing of food, dance, traditions, and art. They hope to break down stereotypes and demonstrate true representation of Hispanic and Latinx communities.

Please join Loyola and ALAS in this annual tribute by learning about the generations of Hispanic and Latinx Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our lives and this nation. For more information about Latinx Heritage Month or upcoming ALAS events and programs, please contact Dennis Velez at dvelez@loyola.edu.

Academic & Career Enrichment (ACE) Workshop

Mark your calendars and join us for the first Academic & Career Enrichment (ACE) Workshop of the Fall Semester taking place on Thursday, September 14th at 1 PM in the Center for Intercultural Engagement (CIE; 3rd floor of the Andrew White Student Center).

Stop by and learn about balancing self-care with studying and having top notch study skills. Free food will be provided.

ALANA Mentoring Program (AMP)

The ALANA Mentoring Program (AMP) pairs ALANA students new to Loyola with upper-class students to assist them in acclimating to campus life at Loyola University Maryland. The ALANA mentors play an integral role in working with students for the first year. Mentors will assist first-year and/or transfer students to gain an understanding and appreciation of the university culture, introduce them to co-curricular activities, and assist them with achieving academic and personal growth.

Are you a returning student interested in serving as an AMP Mentor for the 2023-2024 academic year? Are you a first year student interested in being a Mentee and being connected to a Mentor? If so, contact Shelby Meristil at sameristil@loyola.edu to get involved with AMP!

Time and Space
Trans & Non-Binary Support Group

This weekly therapy support group is for transgender, non-binary, and gender questioning individuals of diverse backgrounds to confidentially discuss aspects of gender and gender identity in a space of mutual support. Sessions will be held in Loyola University Maryland’s Counseling Center, HU 150. Time and meeting day will be determined by group interest.

Please email Sunny Swift (he/they) at eswift@loyola.edu to sign up.

 

Celebration of the Opening of the Karson Institute Space


Founded on the campus of Loyola University Maryland in 2020, the Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice provides a scholarly space for professors, students, social justice workers, and activists to come together to research, discuss, debate, and explore answers to America’s most urgent questions on inequality, injustice, and racial inequity.

We are absolutely delighted to share that after operating as a virtual institute for the last two and a half years, the Karson Institute will open its physical space on October 9, 2023.


Monday, October 9th, 2023
8:00AM-2:00PM
Loyola Notre Dame Library, STE 2018


Sneak Peek for Loyola community:
  • 8:00 am -9:00 am Koffe&Convo: Loyola faculty and staff are invited to stop by for a cup of coffee and a sneak peek of the Karson Institute
  • 9:00 am -12:30 pm Open invitation to the Loyola community to stop by and visit the Karson’s new space: snacks, games, and conversation
  • 12:30 pm -1:30 pm Join us for an Apple Cider Toast & Blessing of the Karson Institute new space
For more information, please contact Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead, Executive Director for the Karson Institute for Race, Peace, and Social Justice at kewhitehead@loyola.edu.
Loyola University Maryland Bridge and crosswalk

Campus Highlights and Opportunities

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 some amazing opportunities offered during the fall semester.

EVENT

Loyola-Notre Dame Library's FallFest 2023: LNDL Turns 50!

Thursday, September 7
4:00pm - 8:00pm
Loyola-Notre Dame Library, 4501 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210, United States
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To celebrate both LNDL’s 50th anniversary and the return to campus for students, faculty, and staff the Library will be holding a multi-faceted evening fall celebration at the library – Fall Fest 2023: LNDL Turns 50! We will welcome students back to the building, as well as unveil new initiatives like leisure reading, sustainability efforts, and generative AI work. There will be food, snacks, cupcakes, lawn games, tie-dye, etc.

This event is free and open to all students, faculty, and staff.
RSVP

EVENT

ALANA Block Party

Friday, September 8
3:00pm - 5:00pm
SC*E300 Common Space/SCE*300, 4501 N Charles St Suite 315, Baltimore, MD 21210, United States
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The Annual Block Party is ALANA's welcome to the academic year event. Join us on the 3rd floor of the student center to meet and interact with the ALANA Staff, as well as meet the ALANA Student Clubs, and representatives from SGA's Diversity and Inclusion Team. Refreshments and Free Prizes, including a large raffle prize announced towards the end of the event.
RSVP

EVENT

SGA Welcome Back BBQ

Friday, September 8
5:30pm - 7:30pm
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Join the Student Government Association for a BBQ on the Quad to celebrate the start of the academic year!
RSVP

EVENT

Fall Activities Fair

Monday, September 11
4:00pm - 6:30pm
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Come stop by the Quad to see all the ways you can get involved on campus! Connect with departments, clubs, and organizations, and more!
 
RSVP

EVENT

LinkedIn Headshots for Students - 9/12/23

Tuesday, September 12
4:00pm - 6:00pm
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Get Your LinkedIn Photos Taken During MEET THE FIRMS 2023.

Stop by the Rizzo Career Center table in the Hall of Fame area outside Reitz Arena on your way to or from the MEET THE FIRMS 2023, on Tuesday, September 12, and have your LinkedIn photo taken in your business professional dress.

On the day of the event, just show up at the table, check-in and wait for your turn, and SMILE!
RSVP

EVENT

Student Spirituality Panel

Tuesday, September 12
7:00pm - 8:30pm
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Join together for an evening of conversation to learn about the robust religious diversity that exists on our campus. If you are looking to strengthen your own religious community and for an opportunity to listen to others from different faith backgrounds this is the place for you. Come be part of the conversation! Snacks and dessert will be provided.
RSVP

EVENT

Rita's and Resources

Wednesday, September 13
2:00pm - 4:00pm
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Join us for some free Rita's and learn about resources available for Loyola students!
RSVP

EVENT

Campus Ministry Open House

Wednesday, September 20
9:00am - 1:00pm
Campus Ministry Cohn Hall 100, 4501 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210, United States
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Come and learn about how you can get connected with Campus Ministry! Meet our staff and hear about opportunities to worship, reflect and build community on campus. We're also kicking off our weekly Campus Min Cafe with coffee and refreshments!
RSVP

EVENT

SAFE ZONE SESSION 1 - LGBTQPIA+AWARENESS

Friday, September 22
3:00pm - 5:00pm
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Join us for the first of three sessions to be SafeZone certified.

Safe Zone at Loyola University Maryland fosters an affirming environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans & gender non-conforming, non-binary, queer, pansexual, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQPIA+) members of the University community and their allies.

Becoming Safe Zone trained at Loyola is a three-step process. Training sessions should be completed in order and upon completion of Session 3, participants have the opportunity to sign a commitment to contributing to an affirming campus for LGBTQPIA+ members.
 
RSVP

EVENT

Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World Film Viewing

Tuesday, September 26
6:00pm - 9:00pm
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Join the Karson Institute on Tuesday, September 26th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Loyola Notre Dame Library Auditorium for a viewing of the PBS 2023 documentary "Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World". This documentary covers the history of the art form of Hip Hop and the way it has documented the Black experience in America for generations. Join us for a viewing and a discussion with Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead immediately following.
RSVP

EVENT

"Flint: Who Can You Trust" - Movie Screening

Wednesday, September 27
5:30pm - 8:00pm
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Filmed over 5 years and long after the story was front page news, “Flint: Who Can You Trust?” is full of new twists and turns. Journalist/filmmaker Anthony Baxter goes beyond the headlines in Flint, Michigan, where a government poisoned its own citizens’ water supply, to show the complete breakdown of authority, public trust and faith in the truth itself.

“Flint” is a powerful investigation of the breathtaking scope of toxic pseudo-science, celebrity activism, and official negligence. The film reveals the devastating impact on poor people and people of color, which make up the majority of the residents in Flint, as they continue to seek justice and clean water. Featuring Marc Ruffalo and narrated by Alec Baldwin.
RSVP

EVENT

SafeZone Session 2: LGBTQPIA+ Allyship

Friday, September 29
3:00pm - 5:00pm
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Join us for the second of three sessions required to be SafeZone certified. Participants must have completed Session 1 (LGBTQPIA+ Awareness) before attending Session 2.

Safe Zone at Loyola University Maryland fosters an affirming environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans & gender non-conforming, non-binary, queer, pansexual, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQPIA+) members of the University community and their allies.

Becoming Safe Zone trained at Loyola is a three-step process. Training sessions should be completed in order and upon completion of Session 3, participants have the opportunity to sign a commitment to contributing to an affirming campus for LGBTQPIA+ members.
 
RSVP
Loyola University Maryland Bridge and crosswalk

Community Engagement Opportunities

Looking for ways to align your passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice with your extended community? Please check out the opportunities below for ways to connect with local businesses and organizations.

EVENT

Community Engagement Fair

Thursday, September 14
4:00pm - 6:30pm
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Join us at the Community Engagement Fair where you can explore the various community engagement, service, advocacy, and justice opportunities offered by the Center for Community, Service, and Justice throughout our York Road and Baltimore community. Meet community partners and find the right opportunities for you. Community engagement, advocacy initiatives, and civic engagement are just a few of the opportunities at Loyola where you can live out our Jesuit values of being a person for and with others.

Student leaders and professional staff will be available to share more information about occasional/one-time and weekly service opportunities as well as advocacy opportunities and courses you can take on-campus that offer service-learning opportunities. If you're interested in learning more about ways to serve and connect to our Baltimore community, you won't want to miss this event.
RSVP

HR Trainings and Workshops

 

Mindfulness To Be Conscious of Time

We all know that poor time management creates a permanent state of stress, causes illness and prevents us from enjoying life. And when the lack of time becomes chronic, we rush from urgency to urgency, giving up what is important to us, and endlessly postponing our priorities. Join this session to reflect on how we manage time, and act accordingly with a change in habits, and obtain recommendations and suggestions to improve our use of time by practicing mindfulness. Presented by a KEPRO representative.

  • Date: 9/14/2023
  • Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Location: Online Webinar
  • Register Here

Discover The World of Emotional Intelligence

Being able to recognize feelings in oneself and others, managing emotions and balancing thoughts are invaluable traits that are associated with emotional intelligence (EI). Embracing the nuances of human emotion have demonstrated several benefits, particularly at work, such as better collaboration, compassionate leadership, boosted morale and a happier and healthier workplace. Presented by a KEPRO representative.

  • Date: 9/26/2023
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Location: Online Webinar
  • Register Here

Managing Inclusivity

Inclusive leaders are aware of their personal biases and are comfortable with divergent viewpoints. They have the ability to create a safe space at work where employees feel they belong and can bring their authentic selves to work. Appropriate for all leaders, this session explores the importance of inclusive leadership to the success of organizational goals and helps participants emerge with a better understanding of how to foster inclusivity in functional work teams. Presented by a KEPRO representative.

  • Date: 10/10/2023
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • Location: Online Webinar
  • Register Here

LinkedIn Learning Modules

Additional training modules are available to employees through LinkedIn Learning. To access these modules, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/learning-login/. Employees should type in their Loyola email address and select continue. Employees should then type in DEI or the specific course in the search bar at the top of the page. Below are a few of the trainings provided:
  • Drive Organizational Change for DEI
  • Be an Inclusive Organization People Won’t Leave
  • What is diversity, inclusion, and equity?
  • DEI in a new normal
  • Become aware of unconscious bias


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


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