THE IDEA newsletter

SEPTEMBER 2024, ISSUE NO.13

Meet the Team
Office of Equity and Inclusion Updates
IDEA Resources
Campus Highlights and Events

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 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.

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

Meet the Team!

The Office of Equity and Inclusion is dedicated to upholding the university's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice through an integrative model of leadership. Our work encompasses oversight, education, and consultation, allowing us to provide a mission-centered strategy to promote justice and ensure support for equity, inclusion, and belonging for every member of our university community.

Rodney L. Parker, Ph.D. (He/Him)
Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer

Dr. Parker leads the University in stewarding diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and actualizing the mission of the University. His career background includes serving as the Director of ALANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Native American) Services at Loyola University Maryland for 14.5 years, providing support to and enhancing retention efforts for multicultural students. His combined interests in diversity, inclusion, intercultural engagement, and the overall well-being of students have made him an integral part of Loyola University Maryland community for nearly 20 years.

In 2019, Parker joined the academic affairs division as the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies. His primary responsibility as Assistant Dean was working with first-year and second-year students on academic acclimation and success. In addition, he completed a three-year term as the chairperson for the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) Conference on Diversity and Equity in 2016. His professional experience combined with his research interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion serves as motivation for the work that he does at his University.

Dr. Parker holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from N.C. State University, M.Div. and Th.M from Duke University, and Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with a concentration in Pastoral Counseling at Loyola University Maryland. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland.

Rhona N. Little (She/Her)
Diversity and Inclusion Specialist

Ms. Little plays a crucial role in implementing the university’s vision and strategic plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Within the Office of Equity and Inclusion, her responsibilities include developing and leading inclusive trainings for students and employees, working with campus partners to implement best practices for diversity, equity, and inclusion, coordinating Loyola's Diversity Reading Groups and Cura Conversations, advising the Undergraduate Diversity Advisory Board, and planning university-wide events such as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Convocation and The Silver Celebration.

In addition to these responsibilities, Ms. Little also serves as a Title IX & Bias Intake Officer, Sister to Sister Mentor, and is a member of Loyola's Restorative Justice & Practices Steering Committee, Loyola's Mental Health Taskforce, and the President's Council for Equity and Inclusion.

Ms. Little has a passion for helping people feel seen, heard, and valued. She is a proud alumna of the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), 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.

Interested in Joining the OEI Team?

Graduate Assistant for Inclusive Programming- The Office of Equity and Inclusion is seeking a graduate student who not only possesses a deep passion for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), but also has a strong commitment to advancing these values across the university. This position will provide the chosen candidate with a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience, while also contributing towards creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.

This assistantship is for the 2024-2025 academic year. The GA will work 225 hours per semester (approximately 15 hours per week), for an hourly rate of $18/hour.

For more information and to apply, please visit the Graduate Assistantship website.

Office of Equity and Inclusion
Updates

Loyola's Cura Conversations Series!

The Office of Equity and Inclusion, The Counseling Center, Campus Ministry, ALANA Services, and The Office of Human Resources are excited to launch Loyola's Cura Conversations Series. This lunchtime dialogue series addresses critical topics through the lens of compassion, curiosity, and care. Open to all members of the Loyola Community!

Dialogue and Religious Pluralism: Communicating across Religious Differences and Beyond.

Friday, September 20, 2024; 12:00-1:30PM; Sellinger VIP Lounge

Please join us as we explore the differences between debate and dialogue while gaining insight into effective guidelines for communicating across religious differences and more. Facilitated by the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS), this workshop will consist of two main components. The first part will explore ICJS’ theory of dialogue in depth, delving into how it can foster mutual understanding. In the second part, participants will engage in a thoughtful discussion on the presence of religion in public spaces and the reasons why dismantling bias requires us to learn how to talk about religion and diversity.

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!

Navigating Election- Related Anxiety

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.

Pulse Check

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.

Register for a Diversity Reading Group!

Our annual Diversity Reading Groups offer a range of great reading opportunities in the month of October designed to invite every member of the Loyola community into shared conversations about diversity and inclusion. Diversity Reading Groups support and sustain ongoing conversations around racial justice, gender equality, higher education and slavery, restorative justice, religion, and how to take action against oppression—on our campus and beyond.

This year, we have groups that will meet virtually, in-person, or in a hybrid format. The Office of Equity and Inclusion will provide complimentary books.

To sign up, please choose one of the groups below and submit your selection.

To make sure all participants receive their books on time, we encourage participants to sign up for a group by Monday, Sept. 23.

Mondays

The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee; Moderated by Oghenetoja Okoh; Hybrid- Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, and 21; 1 - 2 p.m
The Future Is Disabled: Prophecies, Love Notes, and Mourning Songs by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha; Moderated by Donna Pitts & Salima Clark; In-Person- Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, and 21; 1 - 2 p.m

Tuesdays

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States: Revisioning History by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz; Moderated by Barry Dalrymple; Hybrid- Oct. 1, 8, 22, 29; Noon – 1 p.m;

Wednesdays

Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of “Latino” by Héctor Tobar; Moderated by Stephanie Flores-Koulish & Marina Lambrinou; Virtual- Oct. 2, 9, 23, 30; Noon – 1 p.m

Thursdays

From Equity Talk to Equity Walk: Expanding Practitioner Knowledge for Racial Justice in Higher Education by Tia Brown McNair; Moderated by Kristina Collins & Karen Terrell; Hybrid-Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24; Noon – 1 p.m
What’s Mine and Yours by Naima Coster; Moderated by Saima Sitwat; In-Person- Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24; Noon – 1 p.m
Untold Truths: Exposing Slavery and Its Legacies at Loyola; Moderated by David Carey, Jenny Kinniff and Brandon Nefferdorf; In-Person- Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24; Noon – 1 p.m
You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience by Tarana Burke & Brené Brown; Moderated by Jason Summers & Tiffany Parker Kinnard In-Person- Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24; 1 - 2 p.m.
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez; Moderated by Christina Spearman & Melissa Lees; Virtual- Oct. 3, 10, 24, 31; 1 - 2 p.m

IDEA Resources

Below are links to resources, initiatives, support networks, and campus updates, that help to foster inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility across Loyola.

September SAFEty Notice & WellFest!

Loyola's Mental Health Taskforce continues to provide a productive and collaborative space to discuss, explore, and expand efforts to promote student mental health and wellbeing. Their current focus is Cultivating a Community of Care. As a Jesuit, Catholic university, with values including cura personalis and cura apostolica, being a community of deep caring is central to our mission and part of every community member’s roles.

The September SAFEty Notice is all about dealing with transitions in college and learning more about Togetherall – an anonymous online community that students can join for free.

Additionally, the Student Development Division is hosting WellFest, a new event designed to help students discover the various campus resources available to support their health and wellness. There will be information tables along with snacks, giveaways, yard games, therapy dogs, Zumba demonstrations, music provided by WLOY, and a special visit from Iggy!
Come out to the Quad Wednesday, September 18^th between 1-3pm!

Loyola University Maryland Bridge and crosswalk

Campus Highlights and Events

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

Fall Activities Fair

Monday, September 9
4:00pm - 6:30pm

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