May 2021 Newsletter, Volume 1

Diversity on Campus

Monthly Newsletter | May 2021

From the VP Desk

Endings and Beginnings

By Belinda Higgs Hyppolite, Ed.D.

Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The end of the semester is filled with a long list of things to wrap up. As we finalize our to–do lists, do not forget to celebrate all you have accomplished and take a moment to say thank you.

Thank the people who helped support you along the way by pushing or carrying you across the finish line.

Thank the people who struggled to be present because they were pulled in multiple directions.

Thank the people who fell short and maybe even disappointed you a bit. Yes, they too, deserve acknowledgment.

Thank the people who cheered you along and showed up whenever needed.

As we close out budgets, wrap up final exams, complete end–of–the–semester reports, and say goodbye to some and hello to others, remember to take pauses, reflect, breathe, and smile.

We did it!

As we embrace this ending, know a new beginning is just around the corner!

Congratulations to our graduates and have a wonderful summer break!

Community Events

News and Involvement Opportunities

Lifting the Voices of Inclusion:

The Joy of Meeting in Person

In April, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion inaugurated Lifting the Voices of Inclusion, a recognition program that acknowledges the work of students, faculty, and staff who promote inclusion across campuses. Culminating in an award ceremony, the celebration brought close to 100 attendees together in a virtual space.

Yet, something was missing: the joy to thank award recipients and the Diversity Liaisons Council face–to–face. To restore that feeling, the Award Planning Committee organized a come–and–go reception on each campus and invited the award recipients and the liaisons.

Being in each other’s presence induced a shared feeling of joy and a glimpse into a time when occasions to meet in person will be more frequent. That feeling was so intense, that the mask could barely contain it.

Change Brings Opportunities

Interviewed recently by Diverse, Hyppolite, Ed.D., amplified President Harroz’s leadership and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. His vision is captured in the 2020 strategic plan already in its implementation phase.

Changes reflecting the plan are visible across campuses: from new talent joining OU to a burgeoning array of initiatives that apply diversity, equity, and inclusion to increase belonging and emotional growth for all.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion partakes in this change with an expansion that Dr. Hyppolite announced on May 5 and with some job opportunities listed at jobs.ou.edu.

At OU, we change lives!

DEI Progress Report Update

The 2020 strategic plan ushered a high standard of accountability and rigor in tracking the effectiveness of university policies and practices. To fulfill that standard, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has launched the DEI annual progress report.

To guide colleges, divisions, and administrative offices throughout the submission process, the office has developed a webpage with FAQ and a summary of the report questions.

If additional questions arise, please contact us at diversity.inclusion@ou.edu.

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 at diversity.inclusion@ou.edu.

The Aspiring Health Professions Summer Academy Is Growing

Danielle Pullen

Yes, I have favorites! The Aspiring Health Professions Summer Academy is one of them. As a program coordinator, I am elated to engage with high school students and watch how their knowledge blossoms on different areas of health care.

Every summer, AHPSA recruits high school seniors interested in health care to explore professions in all seven of the OU Health Sciences Center colleges. Although designed for in_–person attendance, the program moved to a virtual space in 2020 due to the pandemic. It took the creative efforts of an innovative team to construct the academy on a virtual platform and to keep the students engaged.

This year, the academy is growing. Thus far, 75 students have already enrolled, 10 of whom are from Texas. I am excited and expectant to see how the students' experience will unfold.

Training and Development

Apply to Aspiring Health Professions

Summer Academy

AHPSA is a week-long academy hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. It is geared toward high school incoming freshmen through graduating seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in health care or research.

Participants will interact with professionals from the Health Sciences Center colleges through hands-on activities, discussions, and simulations.

July 12 - 16

Virtual Academy

Application Deadline: Friday, June 4

Apply Here

Please direct your questions to:

Danielle-pullen@ouhsc.edu

This Month We Honor...

The Importance of Giving

Give to the office of diversity equity and inclusion. Thank you.

Donate Here