2023 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is proud to host the annual observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). Since the university’s inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance on January 18, 1988, the campus community has celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. King with prolific speakers, inspiring music, and a scholarship presentation to our outstanding UMSL students. 

Please join us for this year’s celebration, “Give us the ballot!! How do we leverage the power of our collective voices to impact change” featuring Cliff AlbrightExecutive Director and Co-Founder of Black Voters Matter with a musical performance by the Sheldon’s All-Star Chorus under the direction of Maria A. Ellis, Director (owner of Girl Conductor, LLC & UMSL alumnae). The annual celebration will take place on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 11am at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center here on campus.

 

For additional information, visit the ODEI website

Registration is now open for Diversity 101!

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is partnering with MU Extension to offer:

Diversity 101:  DEI in the Academic Workplace
Fully online professional development course
January 23-June 7, 2023

This course is free and open to all UM System employees, so it presents a unique opportunity to engage with folks from all four campuses, as well as Extension faculty and staff from around the state.

In this highly interactive online course, you will gain knowledge, awareness, and communication skills for providing leadership around diversity and inclusion issues; working more effectively with people from backgrounds different than your own; and for making our campuses more welcoming and inclusive for everyone.  This peer-learning centered course is designed to engage people who are new to the topic as well as those who had more exposure to these topics and issues.

Full participation in the course involves review and reflection of the content (on Canvas) so that you can actively participate in one online (asynchronous) dialogue per module (total of 9). There are also four live Zoom dialogues (February 1, March 8, April 26, and June 7).  Participants will earn a digital badge for completion of the course requirements.

Click here for more information and registration.

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine honors UMSL with sixth Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award

“INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine has once again recognized that ongoing work, naming UMSL one of 103 recipients of the prestigious 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award. The national honor recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion.” Read more about the recognition here.

Speaking Freely: Silencing and Amplifying Voices, Votes, and You

Speaking Freely: Silencing and Amplifying Voices, Votes, and You

Presented by Alan Heisel and Lara Zwarun

Monday, September 19 from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m.

https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/93654773646  Password:  THE14TH

Join the UMSL community for a 30 minute conversation about how communication theory and research can explain public narratives involving congressional districting, gerrymandering, the 14th amendment, and the Supreme Court of the United States. A primary focus will be on how media coverage has and continues to influence awareness and discourse regarding this critical issue. See the attached flyer for information.

Also, be sure to stop by the Quad on Tuesday, September 20 to celebrate National Voter Registration Day!

 

Supported by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Department of Communication and Media, and the UMSL Civic Engagement Coalition

 

National Hispanic Heritage Month

 

Every year from September 15 to October 15, Americans celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by appreciating the community’s history, heritage, and contributions of the ancestors of American citizens who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and South- and Central America.” Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month

Explore local celebrations: Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival-September 23-25, 2022

Look out for information regarding events, programming during the campus’ celebration!!

Welcome to the Fall 2022 Semester!!

At UMSL, we are more impactful when we lean into our collective efforts to foster and advance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Our hope is that the campus community will continue to build connections, to engage in conversations and commit to fostering a welcoming culture where all feel valued. There are some amazing individuals engaged in courageous, challenging yet inspiring work across campus. As we begin the academic semester, be on the lookout for the ODEI calendar, which will not only highlight programming and trainings within the office, but also across the institution. We encourage you to attend events, engage in commUNITY conversations and professional development opportunities throughout the year. 

Additionally, join us for the State of the University’s Address on Wednesday, September 1st as we acknowledge the great work at UMSL and celebrate the Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence-Celebrating Diversity awardee and others.

Cheers to a successful and transformative semester!

~Dr. Tanisha Stevens

ODEI Spring Newsletter

TRITONS UNITED Presents: Bystander Intervention- Resource Tabling Event

 

Please join UMSL’s Tritons United in the month of August for National Bystander Intervention Awareness Month on Monday, 08/29th, 2022 from 11:00am- 1:00pm in UMSL’s MSC- The Bridge. We will be in person & on-hand to provide opportunities to speak with both UMSL & local area community victim advocates, health, counseling & other support services, & first responders.

You can ask questions, and/or obtain gender-based violence resources. Drop in & say “Hi!” There will be freebies & giveaways! #bystander #NBAM #GBV #genderbasedviolence #metoo #umsltritonsunited #UMSL

Event Details: tritonconnect.umsl.edu/rsvp?id=375284

 Monday, August 29 at 11:00am to 1:00pm

 MSC- The Bridge, 1 University Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63121-4400, United States

Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence-Celebrating Diversity Award

The Chancellor’s Cultural Diversity Council (CCDC) is seeking nominations for the Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence-Celebrating Diversity Award. The award recognizes the contributions of individuals who promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their respective work at the institution. This award celebrates faculty and staff members who embody the university’s commitment to a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment. The recipient of this award will receive $1,000 and will be honored at the Chancellor’s State of the University Address.

Members of the campus community are invited to nominate individuals:

  • Who serve as advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the interpersonal, departmental and/or institutional level;
  • Who demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion at UMSL and/or in the community through research, teaching, service and/or collaborative partnerships;
  • Who exhibit a commitment to creating a culture of inclusion within their areas of influence; and/or
  • Who have implemented an initiative, project and/or program that cultivates/advances/models diversity, equity and inclusion at UMSL or within the community.

The deadline to nominate an outstanding faculty or staff member for the Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence-Celebrating Diversity Award is July 11th!

Please submit the nomination here:

For questions, please contact the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at odei@umsl.edu.

ODEI Summer 2022 Professional Development

ODEI invites you to dedicate some time this summer to your personal and professional growth & development and earn a few digital badges along the way!  We are offering in-person, on Zoom, and self-paced learning opportunities.

Click here to download the schedule or follow the links below. ODEI Summer Professional Development 2022

Core Concepts Series

This introductory level series provides an opportunity to learn about foundational concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion in a judgement-free zone.  Participants will earn a digital badge upon completion of the session evaluation.  You have the option to take each session in person or on Zoom. Click here for information and registration.

Self-Paced Learning

If you prefer unscheduled learning, check out our offerings of courses and resources for self-paced learning.