OGA Anti-racism Statement
|
|
Over the past few weeks, OGA staff have been reflecting on and mourning the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many other people of color. These recent events highlight the continued systematic racism in the U.S. and the need for profound, large scale change.
We have watched as protests and support for the Black Lives Matter movement have spread across the country and around the
world
. The worldwide movement has reminded us of the collective power of people. In
solidarity with SSW students, staff, faculty, and allies around the world, we stand against
white supremacy, systematic racism, and police brutality.
While this is undoubtedly a time of mourning and frustration, this is also importantly a time for action. OGA is developing plans to undertake the
concrete actions listed below:
- Ensure that the new curriculum has a wider scope so that our faculty and students are aware, learning from, and connecting our work to global struggles against inequities happening within and beyond our borders. This includes exploring ways our office can work to decolonize international education.
- Continue to provide support and space for international students and scholars who may be relatively new to the U.S. and/or who have questions regarding the history of racism and racial injustice in this country.
- Moving forward, we will be developing a resource about the history of racism and racial injustice in the U.S., which we will share with all SSW international visitors. We recognize that some visitors will already have an understanding of these issues while others will come with limited knowledge and/or questions.
We also acknowledge that an informed understanding of racism and structural inequity in the U.S. is an issue that impacts many individuals regardless of their country of origin. Therefore, all our programs are committed to promoting equitable engagement and representations, and a culture of respect and inclusivity.
We welcome recommendations and feedback from the SSW community about work OGA should undertake as we continue to work for change.
In solidarity,
Katie
Kaisha
Shih-Ya
|
|
 |
Below, are a few introductory resources about U.S. racial injustice and the Black Lives Matters movement. Additionally, we have included links about the worldwide BLM protests.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registration deadline:
Thursday, June 18
Facilitator period:
June 29 - August 9
Brief Description:
The
English Language Institute
's (ELI) Conversation Circles program is going virtual this summer in order to create connections among international students and scholars at U-M, beat the isolation, and boost morale during this difficult time. Each circle consists of up to six participants and is led by a volunteer facilitator. Participants meet via an online platform to talk about any topic of interest, play games, and share pictures and videos.
|
|
|
|
Time:
Friday, June 12, 4 pm - 5 pm EDT
Brief Description:
In this coffee hour, the International Center is
inviting people to share their pet's story. Whether you have a pet or not, all are welcome to join the conversation and hang out with fluffy friends!
|
|
|
|
Time:
Tuesday, June 16, 1 pm - 2 pm EDT
Brief Description:
This virtual webinar is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer panel. During this session, returned Volunteers of color will share stories of their lived experience and allyship opportunities.
|
|
|
|
The
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
is a prestigious federal award that offers substantial funding to travel abroad for teaching, studying, researching, and performing arts. Grant opportunities are available in over 140 countries around the world! Undergraduates, grad students, and alumni at all levels and in all academic fields are invited to apply.
The U-M deadline is August 28
.
See here
for eligibility requirements and more information about how to apply. You can also attend the following info sessions:
Fulbright Workshop: References and Affiliates, Cold Calls and Informational Interviews (
click here to join
)
Time:
Wednesday, June 17, 1 pm - 2 pm EDT
Brief Description:
Networking can sometimes be the hardest (or most intimidating) part of securing an affiliate. This session discuss how to start securing good references and building the connections you need for your Fulbright experience and beyond.
Time:
Thursday, June 25, 2 pm - 3:30 pm EDT
Brief Description:
The Fulbright Program is the perfect way to prepare for a career in research in all subjects. If this is your first foray into writing a research proposal to request federal funding, this section will give you direction for your essay.
|
|
|
|
Time:
Thursday, June 18, 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm EDT
Brief Description:
Teaching English abroad can be a cost-effective way to spend a year (or two!) immersing yourself in another culture after graduation. This session will cover topics including things to know about teaching English abroad, opportunities to do so (primarily beginning in 2021), and how to prepare for the experience while still a student at U-M!
|
|
|
|
Time:
multiple sessions
Brief Description:
This free, one-hour, interactive training will teach you how to safely intervene in the face of police violence and anti-Black racism using
Hollaback!’s
5D’s of bystander intervention. Along with learning how to apply Hollaback!'s 5D methodology, you’ll learn how to prioritize your own safety while intervening. They will also talk about what to do if you’re a person of color worried the violence will turn on you and how to avoid being a “white savior.”
|
|
The School of Social Work has crafted a list of globally-focused courses offered around campus for Fall 2020. The SSW Registrar also keeps a general
Fall 2020 list of outside courses
. There are many other courses not listed offered elsewhere in the university that may be of interest.
|
|
This online mental health tool is available on CAPS website. It is available to all faculty, staff, and students at no cost. It offers self-guided programs for anxiety, depression, stress, resilience, or insomnia.
|
|
|
|
The Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) is a rapidly growing Washington, DC based organization of over 170 academic institutions and other organizations from around the world engaged in addressing global health challenges. See their recent
press release on the U.S. Exit from the WHO
, and you can engage in your social media and
complete this form
.
|
|
|
|
This Guide was developed by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. It aims to help orient people supporting the COVID-19 response to integrate psychosocial support skills into their daily work, thereby making a difference to the well-being of people they come into contact with during the pandemic. A
round 200 COVID-19 survivors as well as COVID-19 emergency responders in 24 countries participated in a survey, a consultation and the piloting of the document.
|
|
International students specific: Searching for international alumni who can give you advice? Join the Linkedin group Wolverines International Alumni and Students!
|
|
The new COVID-19 Emergency Funding Application is now available. Students can apply for support to address unexpected COVID-19-related costs such as medical expenses, travel costs, or computing/technology expenses required to study remotely.
A FAQ page about this funding can be found by clicking the link above, under "As a U-M student, where can I request emergency funds?".
|
|
Please contact the SSW Office of Student Services (
[email protected]
) if you are in financial hardship due to COVID-19. OSS staff will assist you to find funding to support you.
|
|
If you are facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 or any other unforeseen situation, the Dean of Students Office stands ready to assist you.
Students must contact the Dean of Students Office by phone (734-764-7420) or email ([email protected]).
|
|
CEW+ is able to offer small emergency grants to current U-M Ann Arbor graduate students. These grants are for unexpected financial emergencies that threaten to derail degree progress including funding issues that are a result of COVID-19.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
