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. 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.
The President’s Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion was established in 2017 with a mission of educating leaders, both at and produced by Loyola, for a diverse and changing world with a commitment to diversity as a necessary component of academic excellence. Made up of administrators, faculty, students, and staff, the council is charged with establishing, promoting, and advancing a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of university function.
The Council’s aim is to foster an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere at Loyola by spearheading initiatives such as:
Serving as an advisory board to the President and the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer
Reviewing recruitment, enrollment, hiring, retention, and business practices to enhance diversity and inclusion at all levels, supporting the mission of the institution
Assessing and addressing campus climate through related training and educational opportunities that engage difference and promote a culture of belonging and accountability for all community members
Supporting campus affinity groups for students and employees
Engaging and partnering with the city of Baltimore
Maintaining external engagement on diversity and equity boards, alumni, etc.
2024-2025 Council Members:
Name
Position
Rodney Parker
Chair, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer
Robbie Bishop-Monroe (Spring 2025)
Assistant Professor, Sellinger School of Business
Milton Bravo
Vice President, Mission and Identity
Rita Buettner
Director, University Communications
Pat Cassidy
Director, LGBTQIA+ Student Services
Toya Dailey-Smith
Assistant Director, Human Resources
Irem Demirkan (Fall 2024)
Associate Dean, Sellinger School of Business
Elise Fields
Program Assistant, Writing Department & Modern Languages and Literature Department
Tracey Frey
Assistant Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness
Tracy Harvey
Director, Office of Sustainability
Whitney Hobson
Assistant Director of Social Justice, Counseling Center
Jacolby Lacy
Undergraduate Student Representative
Rhona Little
Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
Jennifer Louden
Dean, Undergraduate Admission
Scott McCabe
Assistant Director, Events Services
Gia Grier McGinnis
Executive Director, CCSJ
Fr. Bao Nguyen
Assistant Director, International Jesuit Collaborations
Oghenetoja (Toja) Okoh
Associate Professor, Loyola College of Arts and Sciences
Caitlyn Shannon
Graduate Student Representative
Qi Shi
Associate Professor, School of Education
Saima Sitwat
Assistant Director of Interfaith and Ecumenical Ministry, Campus Ministry
David Tiscione
Director, Office of Title IX and Bias Compliance
Marcia Wiedefeld
Director, Disability and Accessibility Services
Ravens Williams-Cuffee
Director, ALANA Services
For more information about the President’s Council on Equity and Inclusion, please contact Rodney Parker, Ph.D., at officeoftheceio@loyola.edu.
The University Climate Survey Working Group
Loyola University Maryland is gearing up to conduct its next climate survey in Spring 2025. To ensure the success of this initiative, a dedicated working group has been formed to provide comprehensive support throughout the survey's development, implementation, and evaluation.
The Climate Survey Working Group (CSWG) will collaborate closely with our external consultants, Rankin Climate, across all stages of the project. The group's responsibilities will include:
survey development
community outreach (such as serving as survey ambassadors to promote participation)
identifying data analysis requirements
pinpointing focus groups
reviewing key findings within the institutional context
and championing the community results presentation
Leading the CSWG as co-chairs are Rodney Parker, PH.D, and Emalee Quickel, PH.D. The full working group includes:
Name
Division/Area
Rodney Parker
Equity and Inclusion
Emalee Quickel
Academic Affairs
Milton Bravo
Mission & Identity
Pat Cassidy
Student Development
Sara Choi
Graduate Student Representative
Tonia Colbert
Transportation and Parking
Cyndy Cowles
President's Office
Leyla Hecht
Undergraduate Student Representative
Nicole Jacobs
Institutional Research
Rhona Little
Equity and Inclusion
Jen Lowry
Faculty Senate
Kristin McGuire
Marketing & Communications
Jason Parcover
Student Development
David Tiscione
Title IX & Bias
Raven Williams-Cuffee
Student Development
Sarah Winger
Institutional Research
Nikia Woodard
Human Resources
For more information about the Campus Climate Working Group, please contact Rodney Parker, Ph.D., at officeoftheceio@loyola.edu.
Loyola's Cura Conversations Series!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first Cura Conversation on Dialogue and Religious Pluralism: Communicating across Religious Differences and Beyond.
Facilitated by the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS), this workshop delved into ICJS' theory of dialogue, allowed participants to engage in a thoughtful discussion on the presence of religion in public spaces, and explored the reasons why dismantling bias requires us to learn how to talk about religion and diversity..
Upcoming Cura Conversations
Racial Harm: Exploring the Gap Between Intention and Impact
Friday, October 11, 2024; 12:00-1:30PM; Sellinger VIP Lounge
We know that a great deal of harm often happens unintentionally. Join us as we engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the complex relationship between intention and impact in addressing racial harm. Through guided reflection prompts, we'll delve into the challenges of bridging this gap and explore strategies for fostering a community of belonging at Loyola through open dialogue, accountability, and meaningful change!
Friday, October 25, 2024; 12:00-1:30PM; Sellinger VIP Lounge
Feeling anxious about the upcoming election? You’re not alone. Join our Cura Conversation dialogue space and connect with a supportive community as we all navigate election-related stress. Through reflection and guided conversation, we’ll explore strategies for managing anxiety while staying true to your values. Discover how to channel your emotions into meaningful, values-aligned action that makes a difference. Let’s transform uncertainty into empowerment, together.
Friday, November 8th, 2024; 12:00-1:30PM; Sellinger VIP Lounge
Pulse Check, happening on November 8, 2024, is a reflective and community-centered session. The session aims to assess the overall sentiment within the LUMD community in the wake of recent Cura Conversations and the post-election climate. Participants will introduce themselves, engage in a grounding activity, and adhere to community guidelines that emphasize compassionate listening, personal sharing, and staying present. The dialogue will explore past reflections from previous sessions, address current concerns, and discuss future steps for self-care and community building.
Below are links to resources, initiatives, support networks, and campus updates, that help to foster inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility across Loyola.
Fall 2024 Interfaith and Ecumenical Offerings
Campus Ministry honors, celebrates, and welcomes people of all faith traditions, spiritual practices, and beliefs. Our interfaith and ecumenical events 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. For more information, please contact Saima Sitwat, Assistant Director of Ecumenical and Interfaith Ministry, at ssitwat@loyola.edu.
Campus Ministry and Jewish Student Association invite you to join us in building a Sukkah on the Quad! We will celebrate this Time of Happiness with traditional food and good company.
Join one of Campus Ministry's small groups to explore your faith and spirituality!
Campus Ministry will offer five Small Groups for students to join:
Cura Spirituality Groups (10-11am Every Wednesday, meet in Cohn Hall common space)
Pre-Mass Scripture Study (4pm every Sunday in Cohn Hall common space)
Cor Group for Catholic Men (Contact Michael Shutt; mbshutt@loyola.edu)
Fiat Group for Catholic Women (Contact Clare O'Brien; cjobrien1@loyola.edu (every Sunday at 12:45pm in Beatty Hall 114)
Hound PAC (Prayer, Athletics, Community): Bible Study for Athletes (Contact Joe Hayburn; jhayburn1@loyola.edu) (First meeting Oct. 10th 7:30pm in Cohn 100)
All are welcome! Questions? Contact Mark Dushel, mdushel@loyola.edu
An Affinity Space for Queer & Trans BIPOC Students
Do you identify as an ALANA student, as well as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community? If so, join us for Donut Go It Alone, an affinity space where you can enjoy donuts, cider, music, and more. Come out and meet other students who share these same identities, as you build community, and connect in a relaxing, safe environment.
The event will take place on Friday, October 4th from 3-4:30 in the Center for Intercultural Engagement (CIE). Come out and build community, form connections, and engage in conversation with folks who share your same identities. Register via The Bridge.
The 2024 Grand Seminar featuring
Dr. Sylvester James Gates, Jr.
Loyola University Maryland’s academic division of natural and applied sciences will present the 2024 Grand Seminar on Tuesday, October 8 at 6 p.m. in McGuire Hall. The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Sylvester James Gates, Jr., Theoretical Physicist at the University of Maryland.
Professor Sylvester James “Jim” Gates, Jr., works at the boundary of physics and mathematics. He is a theoretical physicist at the University of Maryland. He is a University System Regents Professor, the John S. Toll Professor of Physics, and a College Park Professor. He currently holds the Clark Leadership Chair in Science and serves as a Professor of Physics with the Physics Department as well as a being a Professor of Public Policy in the School of Public Policy, both at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD.
Mark your calendars and save the date for Pride Night at the women's volleyball game taking place on Friday, October 11th from 6-9 PM in Reitz Arena and surrounding areas. Come out for free food, giveaways and to support your Greyhounds, all while celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community on National Coming Out Day!
The Karson Institute for Race, Peace, and Social Justice
Get your flu vaccine and updated Covid booster on campus! Open to students, faculty, and staff. Most insurance is accepted or $20 without insurance payable to Student Health Services. Save time at your appointment by registering ahead of time at the link provided!
Get your flu vaccine and updated Covid booster on campus! Open to students, faculty, and staff. Most insurance is accepted or $20 without insurance payable to Student Health Services. Save time at your appointment by registering ahead of time at the link provided!
Facilitated by Acentra (Virtual session)
Inclusive team members participate in creating a safe space at work where everyone feels they belong and can bring their authentic selves. This session explores the importance of an inclusive workplace, the benefits, complexities, and barriers to having an inclusive environment, and what can be done about it. Participants will emerge with a better understanding of how to be an ally in fostering inclusivity within their organization.
Facilitated by Acentra (Virtual session)
This session explores the importance of inclusive leadership for the success of organizational goals and helps participants emerge with a better understanding of how to foster inclusivity in their work teams.
Facilitated by Acentra (Virtual session)
Participants will learn methods to achieve success in guiding and motivating others while leading with a sense of focus, purpose, and direction. Furthermore, they will learn strategies for optimizing performance and bringing out the best in their people. Participants will recognize the value of integrating the coach approach communication principles into their leadership style and organizational culture to develop employees who thrive.
Acentra offers a robust catalog of training options and now includes On-Demand training.
Effective Stress Management – On Demand
Facilitated by Acentra Without understanding the physical stress response, it can be difficult to develop healthy coping strategies to tackle stress effectively, causing a build-up of stress hormones in the mind and body, which leads to significant health issues, such as burnout and depression.
Caring for You While You Care for Others – On Demand
Facilitated by Acentra Caring affects an individual, their family, their relationships, and their work in many ways—practically, physically, emotionally, and financially. When people are simply coping day-to-day and responding to the needs of others, it is easy to neglect their well-being. But there are ways to make simple changes to promote a better sense of health and well-being, whatever an individual’s caring role might be.
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.
EVENT
DEIJ Intersectional Events: Fall 2024
Sunday, September 1 at 1:00am
to Sunday, December 22 at 11:55am
All semester long, DEIJ-centered events will invite folks to connect, learn, and celebrate the diverse, intersectional identities and lived experiences of our Loyola community. Join ALANA Services, Campus Ministry, LGBTQ+ Student Services, Messina, Office of Equity & Inclusion, Sellinger School of Business, and the Women's Center in this wide array of programming!
Anxiety Toolbox focuses on helping you understand anxiety symptoms and build skills to manage these symptoms. The sessions include modules dedicated to: (1) understanding anxiety, (2) introducing a method for slowing down and disentangling the experience of anxiety, and (3) developing alternative responses to anxiety. By the end of the workshop, you will have your own individualized plan for managing anxiety.
ALANA Services is hosting a Decades Themed Party on Saturday, October 5 from 9:00pm-12:00am in the 3rd floor common area of the Andrew White Student Center. Wear attire from your favorite decade, request your favorite songs to dance to, and enjoy some snacks as well. Contact ALANA Services at alana@loyola.edu or 410-617-2310 with any questions or for more information. You don't want to miss this!
Interested in becoming Catholic or receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation? Come to our first OCIA and Adult Confirmation Meeting on Sunday, October 6 at 3pm and learn more! We will discuss steps to receive sacraments at Loyola and answer any questions you have.
Anyone interested in strongly encouraged to reach out to Mark Dushel (mdushel@loyola.edu) prior to the first meeting.
Dr. Ricart-Huguet will give a Peace and Justice lunch talk entitled "Endogenous Colonial Borders: Precolonial States and Geography in the Partition of Africa.” Free lunch is provided! All are welcome to attend! Registration on the Bridge is requested.
Join A.C.E (Academic and Career Enrichment) for a financial literacy workshop with Dr. JP Krahel. All are welcome to attend and learn more about finances!
The expanded STEM Career Fair 2024 is a great opportunity for students to meet with reputable STEM employers eager to hire Loyola students and learn about current full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities.
All Class Years are Encouraged to Attend! Business Professional Attire Strongly Suggested.
If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the Rizzo Career Center - thecareercenter@loyola.edu prior to the event.
Get Your LinkedIn Photos Taken During the STEM Career Fair 2024.
Stop by the Rizzo Career Center table in the Hall of Fame area outside Reitz Arena on your way to or from the STEM Career Fair 2024, on Wednesday, October 9, and have your LinkedIn photo taken in your business professional dress.
Hear from students about their experiences interning at startups, VCs, and growing their own businesses. Come for the pizza, stay for the conversation and connections! All are welcome, come as you are!
Flow into serenity with an invigorating 45-minute yoga class! Embrace the power of breath and movement as you find your balance, strength, and inner peace. An all-levels vinyasa style yoga class focused on the mind-body connection. Open to all students, faculty, and staff.
* Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to set up for class.
Yoga mats and blocks are provided. Wear clothes that are comfortable for movement and bring your own water bottle.
BOO! Join ACA with their staple event Halo-Haloween to celebrate Halloween! Please come in your costumes to make halo-halo with us, a traditional Filipino dessert! Costumes are encouraged, but not required.
Join us Oct. 23, on the Quad from to celebrate St. Ignatius' 533rd birthday! There will be cupcakes, and of course, lots of fun!
St. Ignatius of Loyola, Spanish theologian and mystic, was one of the most influential figures in the Roman Catholic Counter-Reformation in the 26th century, and founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in Paris in 1534.
Brian Turner is an award-winning poet and memoirist author. In his poetry and prose, Turner conveys both elegant and devastating portraits of what it means to be a soldier and a human being.
"In Brian Turner’s extraordinarily capable hands, language is war’s undoing, in the sense that his words won’t allow absurdity and terror to be anything less than real.” —Mark Doty
Get in the Halloween spirit and volunteer for the Halloween Block Party! Sign up to give out candy to local community kids! When you register to supply a trunk you are expected to dress up, decorate the car and have candy to give out.
Join Enoch Pratt Free Library Librarians and Baltimore Heritage LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour Guides as they present the fascinating and fabulous history of Maryland's LGBTQ+ community going all the way back to the 1830s: from trans sailors to lesbian philanthropists, from the West Baltimore drag balls of the Jazz era to the repression and bar raids of the 1950s and 1960s, and ultimately to the 1970s and beyond, when activists formed Baltimore's earliest organizations championing LGBTQ+ rights.
General Dallaire is a celebrated advocate for global human rights, as well as an author, lecturer, leadership consultant, international advisor, former Canadian Senator, and founder of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security. Throughout his distinguished military career, he served in staff, training, and command positions throughout North America, Europe, and Africa, rising in rank from army cadet in 1960 to lieutenant-general in 1998.
The Hanway Lecture in Global Studies is an endowed lecture series made possible by a gift from Ed Hanway, a member of the University’s Class of 1974 and member of the Board of Trustees, and his wife, Ellen.
Dr. David Carey Jr. will give a Peace and Justice lunch talk entitled "Slavery and Its Legacies at Loyola: Curricular Interventions." Free lunch is provided! All are welcome to attend. Registration on the Bridge is requested.
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