News and Involvement Opportunities |
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DEI Welcomes New Team Member:
Tyler Figueroa
To welcome and get to know the newest member of the team, we have conducted an in-depth interview with the assistant director for diversity, equity, and inclusion marketing and communications/ outreach and engagement.
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Cordney McClain Appointed as School Leadership and Diversity Chair
Cordney McClain, a member of the Inclusion Council, has been recently appointed as chair for the Student Experience and Equity Committee of the Oklahoma public school systems. He will leverage this opportunity to bolster recruiting programs and to foster relationships between the university and the Oklahoma school system.
Congratulations!
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As OU prepares to celebrate Free Speech Week, the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is launching an essay contest for undergraduate and graduate students from the Norman, Health Sciences Center and OU-Tulsa campuses. The contest is an educational opportunity for students to share their perspectives about free speech.
Review the guidelines to participate and submit your essay here.
Submit your essay by 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23.
Winners will receive a $300 scholarship.
Good Luck!
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OU Lauded for Its Excellence in Diversity and STEM Programs
OU was recently recognized on an national level for its commitment to cultivating a community of belonging with the 2021 "Higher Education Excellence in Diversity" (HEED) award. This is a monumental honor from one of the oldest and largest higher education publications nationwide.
Additionally, the university's efforts to support underrepresented students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), have received praise with the "Inspiring Programs In Stem" award.
“We are honored to be recognized for working intentionally to advance and improve the sense of belonging and emotional growth across all three OU campuses,” says VP Hyppolite.
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McNair Scholars Make Their Return to In-Person Conferences |
Working diligently all year and presenting several virtual conferences, the OU McNair Scholars were finally able to attend the in-person McNair Heartland Research Conference in Kansas City. Scholars demonstrated their research and presentation skills to an audience physically sitting in front of them. Those whose only experience took place digitally were able to hone their skills in this traditional setting. This exceptional opportunity showcases the drive of the scholars that informs both their present and future endeavors.
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Self-Care: Transitioning From Virtual to In-Person Work and Learning
Jasmine Willis-Wallace, Ed.D.
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
OU Tulsa
Many of us may be still adjusting to the transition from virtual to in-person work or college activities. It has been nearly over a year since many of us have returned to our offices or in the classroom. The transition to what may seem somewhat unfamiliar is now once again becoming our norm. Some of us have or are still experiencing anxiety and stress as the pandemic continues affect our lives. Our feelings are real, so how do we manage our self-care in the midst of such a transition?

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Celebrating Our Native American Community Respectfully
Amy Lyons-Ketchum
Assistant Director of Training and Development
We often hear from some people that the adoption of certain symbols, styles of dress, or practices associated with a cultural group is not meant to offend or disparage the people that originated these cultural artifacts but instead to celebrate or honor them. In reality, the result is often the opposite of feeling honored and respected.

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OU Employee Resource Groups
At OU, the Employee Resource Groups are an open forum for individuals with a shared identity to build community and a place of belonging.
ERGs are available at all three campuses and include Black faculty and staff/ African American faculty and staff (OUHealth), Latinx Coalition, Indigenous faculty and staff Circle, LGBTQ+ faculty and staff, Middle Eastern North African faculty and staff, and Asian Pacific Islander Desi Indian faculty and staff.
For any questions about ERG please send an email to
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Accessibility and Disability Resource Center:
The Bridge That Connects Students’ Needs With Their Goals
Explaining in a nutshell the daily activities of the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center is best done with an image. The ADRC is the bridge between a student with a disability and their time at OU. The bridge is accessible for students who need it; however, it is their choice whether they cross it, or even start to cross. Some students may stall during their education and/or may turn back. Yet, the ADRC is there as they need and ask. We do not cross the bridge on behalf of the student, but we strive to empower them to get to the other side and achieve their goals.
For any questions or assistance please contact the ADRC at
adrc@ou.edu.
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Diversity Ally Series
Unlearning Racism
9 - 11 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 2
Virtual Workshop
Developed for faculty and staff, the Diversity Ally program is designed to improve campus climate by providing skills and resources to avoid bias, to support students and colleagues, and to disrupt harmful dynamics when they arise.
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Mental Health Series
A Series for Faculty and Staff on Supporting Student Mental Health
Noon - 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 3
Virtual Panel
Steven Kniffley, Ph.D., examines the impact of racial trauma on students mental health. Designed for OU members in student-facing roles, the panel will end with practical advice.
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Request Customized Training
With DEI
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In a community of care, members are engaged in continuous education via workshops and training sessions like the ones scheduled by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Those options are listed on the DEI calendar.
Sometimes, however, training needs to be customized to fit the experiences of a college or administrative department. To request a customized training or to facilitate conversations, we invite you to complete an online form. |
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Request a customized training session by clicking on the bottom below: |
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team is looking forward to your requests!
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Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | United We Stand
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