As a manager of people, you have a role in UCO’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Part of that role requires you to administer a workplace that is unhostile and upholds the legal requirements of a manager. When considering how to be a strong supervisor, those requirements are only the starting point. Inclusive supervisors . . .
Black History is American History
Fred Hammond, Ph.D., Department of Educational Sciences, Foundations and Research
Black History Month is a joyous celebration entangled by a rich History of triumph through hardship, achievement in the face of adversity and pride, on the backs of an unwavering ancestry led by kings & queens. One thing I have come to realize and passionately believe, there is no history without Black History. From the beginning of the establishment . . .
Recognizing the Important Dates of this Season for the Many Different Cultures at UCO
As we approach a season of celebrations for many, let’s remember there are a variety of traditions and holidays recognized by a variety of cultures. The University of Central Oklahoma is a highly diverse institution, especially its student body. It is important that we practice inclusion through awareness of and respect for the celebrations . . .
Assistance Available for Students with Disabilities
Students that need accommodations, due to a disability should be directed to UCO Disability Support Services (DSS) to request accommodations.
Once an instructor receives an accommodation letter, DSS encourages them to have a discussion with the student about the available accommodations for them in class. Additionally, since students register each semester, instructors are reminded to check the semester listing on any accommodation letters received to ensure they are for the fall 2022 . . .
Why We Observe Juneteenth | Events & Commemorations
What is Juneteenth and Why Do We Observe It
Our University community takes this time to remember the ancestral heritage of Black/African American people who were forced from their homeland and became enslaved people in a world unknown to them. June 19, 2022, is the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth. Originally commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, . . .
Black Pioneers in Mental Health
In honor of this year’s national theme of health and wellbeing for Black History Month, we want to share the following Black American trailblazers in mental health article. This article comes directly from Mental Health America (https://www.mhanational.org/black-pioneers-mental-health).
Black Americans’ contributions to the field of mental . . .
Learn How to Apologize
This post is taken directly from the Anti-Racism Daily Newsletter
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples
As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, I want to share the following resources with the campus community. Let’s learn the different ways we can decolonize our institutions and communities.
Why Aren’t There More Native American Restaurants
When you think of North American cuisine, do Indigenous foods come to mind? Chef Sean Sherman serves up an essential history lesson that explains the absence of Native American culinary traditions across the continent.
The Intergenerational Wisdom Woven Into Indigenous Stories
The way we behave politically, socially, economically and ecologically isn’t working, says community organizer and activist Tai Simpson. Sharing the creation myth of her Nez Perce tribe, she advocates for a return to the “old ways” guided by Indigenous wisdom that emphasize balance, community and the importance of intergenerational storytelling in order to protect what’s sacred.
UCO Land Acknowledgement Website
This site contains resources and information to advance your understanding of Native cultures and how we can prevent their erasure.
What is Equity Mindedness?
A primary function of the Office of Inclusive Community is to promote the use of equity-mindedness throughout all facets of higher education and workplace policies, practices, procedures, curriculum, norms, etc. We want all of our faculty and staff to view their work through an equity-mindset in order to advance diversity and inclusion. So what is . . .
Resources to Advance Racial and Social Justice
Departments on campus will not remain silent in the face of systemic racism plaguing our nation... Discover some educational tools, self-care resources, and organizations recommended by the Office of Inclusive Community to guide you as you address racial and social injustice.