For Your Information | March 4, 2021

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Dear Friends, 

Today, I am pleased to publicly announce more information about our new center in DEI, The IDEA – the Institute for Diversity, Equity, and Advancement. Plans for The IDEA started in 2019, and I thank all of the stakeholders who provided input during those early meetings. The IDEA will be a Special Research Program in collaboration with the Office of Research. This center will serve as a collaborative hub for several projects that we have on campus, and will be positioned to provide research and metrics on several DEI programmatic initiatives. The foundational project will be campus-wide, and is titled, Addressing Anti-Blackness to Facilitate Inclusive Excellence. The IDEA will be a partnership hub for several programs on campus, including but not limited to: Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS), the Cesar Chavez Youth Leadership Program, the PROMISE Engineering Institute, the ENGAGE: Professional Development & Global Engagement initiative, and the Program-level Assessment Capacity Enrichment for Equity (PACE4E) program. 

The new Faculty Director for The IDEA is Dr. Rachel Jean-Baptiste, Associate Professor in the Department of History. Dr. Jean-Baptiste is focused on the efficacy and metrics associated with programs, and brings her experience as both a professor and an administrator. She has had faculty experience in New York, Chicago, and California, she was Director of DEI for the King School in Stamford, CT, and she served as the former Faculty Director for the University of California Education Abroad Program Study Center in France (Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon) and Geneva, Switzerland. 

Dr. Vickie Gomez will be The IDEA’s Interim Program Director. Dr. Gomez currently serves as the Director for Campus and Regional Community Engagement, within DEI’s Office of Campus Community Relations (OCCR). Dr. Gomez is part of several activities on campus that work to improve campus climate. She is well-known for being a facilitator for the Racial Healing Circles Program. She notes that the program “advances the campus communities’ knowledge,skills and perspectives about race and to explore the historical and current effects of racismat the individual and systemic level.” Gomez has several accolades; a few include certifications from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) Standards of Professional Practice Institute, and the UC Berkeley Restorative Justice Center. She is involved in initiatives across campus, and is one of the members of the newly formed Graduate Studies Anti-Racist Plan Scoping Committee. 

Elaina Lopez will serve as the Program Coordinator. Lopez is an Aggie herself! She recently earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, was a Program Assistant for UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, and served as an Administrative Coordinator for UC Davis Global Affairs. We welcome these leaders!

I would also like to invite the campus community and all friends to a Discussion on Leadership and Resilience on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at 11 AM PST. This discussion will feature Dr. Angela Byars-Winston of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Dr. Beronda Mongomery (A UC Davis Aggie) from Michigan State University. 

This event will be held on the occasion of my birthday!  Please register here. I hope that you will be able to join us!

Warmest Regards,
Renetta

Women's Resources and Research Center

The Women’s Resources and Research Center (WRRC) challenges all forms of oppression, through the lens of gender equity. The WRRC provides education, advocacy, resources, and a safe space that centers the experiences of womxn, transgender, femme, and nonbinary individuals. Womxn, transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive individuals need places where they can find support when facing gender bias, gendered violence and the impacts of inequities on self-esteem. It is critical for everyone to have space to study, relax, be inspired, and laugh in the company of folks who believe in their full potential. There has been much progress toward gender equity, and yet, many of the issues that motivated UC Davis students, staff and faculty to create a supportive space for womxn on campus in the 1970s still persist on campus and in our communities. Visit their website for more information on their programs and resources.

Caroline Cabias Receives the 2021 CAAA Alumni Aggie Service Award

Caroline Cabias, Co-Chair, Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association (CLAA), a Trustee on the UC Davis Foundation, and a member of Mondavi Center Advisory Board, has been selected to receive to the 2021 CAAA Alumni Aggie Service Award. Cabias has a long history of commitment and dedication to UC Davis, establishing a scholarship for Latinx and Filipino students. She Co-Chairs, the annual Cesar Chavez Youth Leadership Conference and is member of the UC Davis HSI Task Force. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Latino Economic Council in Sacramento. Please read the full announcement here.

University of California Women’s Initiative Panel Discussion Featuring UCWI Graduates

On March 11, at 1:30PM, the Status of Women at Davis Administrative Advisory Committee (SWADAAC) invites the campus community to a A Women’s History Month special presentation featuring: Lorena Oropeza, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Diversity, DEI; Kristin H. Lagattuta, Professor, Psychology; Christine Wu Nordahl, Associate Professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; Whitney Smith, CMM Director, Ceremonies and Special Events; Moderated by Melissa D. Bauman, Professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Director, Women in Medicine and Health Sciences. Register here.

Applications for the 2020-21 UC Davis Chancellor’s Fellowship for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

As the UC Davis student body becomes increasingly diverse and reflective of the population demographics of California, more is needed from faculty to foster a learning environment where all students can develop the skills to be successful. Some faculty members have made exceptional contributions in supporting, tutoring, mentoring, and advising underrepresented students and/or students from underserved communities. To recognize these outstanding efforts, the Chancellor is offering the Chancellor’s Fellowship for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Learn more and submit an application here. Deadline: March 12, 2021.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Office of Academic Diversity | Interim AVC Lorena Oropeza

Faculty Satisfaction Survey Reports (COACHE)

To assess how satisfied our faculty members are in their work as researchers, teachers, and members of the UC Davis community, UC Davis participated in the COACHE (Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education) Faculty Job Satisfaction Survey in 2012-13, 2016-17, and again in 2020-2021. The COACHE Survey is administered annually by the Harvard Graduate School of Education to hundreds of Institutions of higher education and is designed to measure faculty members' satisfaction with the many dimensions of their work - from their research, teaching, and service activities to the work-life, health and retirement benefits; from the merit and promotion system to academic leadership and shared governance; and from support for interdisciplinary and collaborative work to the collegiality of their department. Read more here.

Award and Grant Opportunity from P.L.A.C.E. with CAMPSSAH

The Center for the Advancement of Multicultural Perspectives on Social Science, Arts, and Humanities (CAMPSSAH) is pleased to announce four new opportunities as part of the P.L.A.C.E. with CAMPSSAH Advancing Faculty Diversity (AFD) grant:

1. MANUSCRIPT WORKSHOP will aid selected faculty in getting a project from rough draft to published manuscript by providing financial resources to secure critical feedback. P.L.A.C.E. will offer up to $2,500 each for four UC Davis faculty to allow the recipients to convene a one- to two-day workshop that brings together chosen experts in the scholar’s field to help prepare a manuscript for submission to a publisher. Application are accepted on a rolling basis until the available funds are disbursed. Please visit our webpage for more details and application requirements.

Be on the look out for application information on this year’s Summer Writing Retreat grant opportunity through P.L.A.C.E. with CAMPSSAH coming soon!

Office of Campus Community Relations | AEVC Rahim Reed

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: Soaring to New Heights Awards 2021 

The Office of the Vice Chancellor of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Office of Campus Community Relations (OCCR) and the Staff Diversity Administrative Advisory Committee (SDAAC), is pleased to invite nominations for the Calvin E. Handy Leadership Award and Soaring to New Heights Diversity & Principles of Community Achievement Award for 2021. 

The Calvin E. Handy Leadership Award
This award is a crime prevention and public safety award that recognizes individuals based on community oriented engagement and activities that are collaborative, cooperative, and proactive. This award highlights the importance of maintaining an environment where safety is essential to the successful mission of UC Davis, UC Davis Health System and its surrounding communities. 

Soaring to New Heights Award
This award recognizes campus employees who demonstrate diversity and Principles of Community efforts that exceed the expectations of their position. 

Please submit nominations by 11:59pm on March 14, 2021. Please direct any questions to occr@ucdavis.edu. 

Please click here to submit a nomination for the Calvin E. Handy Leadership Award and Soaring to New Heights Diversity & Principles of Community Achievement Award. 

We would also like to invite you to participate in the Four Words Campaign by completing the survey here. The survey closes on Friday, February 19 so please vote now!

Author Ellen Forney Brings Campus Community Book Project to Virtual Stage 

On Monday, March 1, 2021, we welcomed Campus Community Book Project featured author Ellen Forney to UC Davis’ virtual stage in partnership with the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts and Downey Brand. Ellen’s graphic memoir Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, & Me is the book project selection for 2020-2021 academic year, addressing the theme of “mental health.” We’re excited to welcome Ellen Forney back on Tuesday, April 13th at 11:00 am, when Ellen will participate in a panel discussion on mental health self-care, advocacy, and activism and her latest book Rock Steady: Brilliant Advice From My Bipolar Life. Register here for this free virtual event—all are welcome. For more information about the book project and a complete calendar of events, visit the book project website here.

Office of Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion | AVC Hendry Ton

Sacramento Regional Transit offering free rides for COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments

Starting Monday, March 1, 2021 through May 31, 2021, SacRT will offer free transit rides for everyone who needs to get to a scheduled COVID-19 vaccine appointment location. This includes all vaccination sites in Sacramento County within SacRT’s service area, including hospitals, pharmacies, and other immunization locations. More information here. 

Be Heard! HEDI Blog in Development – Accepting Submissions for Future Posts

The Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is now accepting Blog Article Submissions from students, faculty, staff, and community members that provide relevant and timely insight into topics related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for our readers.

Topics may include: 

• Highlighting Health Equity in Action 
• Honoring culture in our campus community 
• Current events in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 
• Research, tips, and new innovations in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Audience: UCDH/UCD Students, Staff, Faculty, and our internal/external community partners. 

Length: 250-1000 words; pictures/videos welcome! 

What to expect: If approved for posting, we will reach out to you to inform you of the scheduled date of your post. Thank you for your patience during the approval and scheduling process.

Posts may be submitted here. 

Please direct any questions related to the HEDI blog to Rebecca Jorrin, remoncada@ucdavis.edu  

EVENTS

March 5, Friday

Anti-Racism: Applications to Higher Ed Pedagogy - Graduate Student Workshop | 1:30PM
From the Center for Educational Effectiveness: Just as racial inequities and disparities permeate society, these inequities also appear on campuses, in curricula, and in classrooms. By infusing our professional practice with actions in support of anti-racist ideals, we can, as educators, contribute to this race and equity work. In this workshop for graduate students, participants will explore how we might take anti-racist actions -- preventatively and responsively -- in the context of our classrooms. We will also discuss actionable steps towards building an anti-racist teaching presence, cognitive presence, and social presence. Register here.

March 8, Monday

The UC President’s Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (PACSW) presents “Women We Admire: Lina Mendez” | 12:00PM
Lina Mendez is a first generation Latina who is passionate about teaching and mentoring. She has worked at the UC Davis campus since 2003. Lina has committed her career to opening doors for students, the next generation of professionals. Her work revolves around building bridges through meaningful partnerships. Because of her lived experiences, Lina sees her work through a social justice lens, which allows her to build rapport and trust. She has held leadership roles in the Latinx Staff and Faculty Association, the Staff Diversity Administrative Advisory Committee, and the UC Davis Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association. In each of these roles, she has focused on fostering a sense of belonging. Watch the webinar.

Pedagogy after the Pandemic: What Happens Next in Higher Education? | 3:00PM
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt broadly across higher education. Faculty and students have found new approaches to teaching and learning that allow them to carry on remotely or through other socially distanced means. Although these solutions are meant to be temporary, and we are moving toward a time when we can occupy campus learning spaces in the same manner that we did prior to 2020, colleges and universities have changed pedagogically and technologically. In this forum, Dr. Dennen will summarize some of the changes higher education has experienced and connect them to contemporary pedagogical theories and practices. Register here.

March 10, Wednesday

Leading with Justice: Speaker Series - Dr. Bree Picower | 12:00PM
Building on our success with the fall series, please join us for the spring #LeadingWithJustice webinar events. All sessions are free and open to the public. In this “lunch + learn” virtual format, we will hear from educational luminaries. Thank you for registering for – Professor Bree Picower discussing her new book, Reading, Writing, and Racism: Disrupting Whiteness in Teacher Education and in the Classroom. We look forward to your participation! Register here.

March 11, Thursday

University of California Women’s Initiative Panel Discussion Featuring UCWI Graduates | 1:30PM
A Women’s History Month special presentation, the Status of Women at Davis Administrative Advisory Committee (SWADAAC) invites the campus community to a panel discussion featuring: Lorena Oropeza, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Diversity, DEI; Kristin H. Lagattuta, Professor, Psychology; Christine Wu Nordahl, Associate Professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; Whitney Smith, CMM Director, Ceremonies and Special Events; Moderated by Melissa D. Bauman, Professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Director, Women in Medicine and Health Sciences. Register here.

Book Project: Good Chemistry: The Science of Connection | 6:00PM
A talk by Julie Holland, author of Good Chemistry and a psychiatrist specializing in psychopharmacology. Register here.

March 13, Saturday

University of California Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association Summit | 9:30AM
Presentations by UCOP Chicano Latino Advisory Council; Dr. Theresa Maldonado, Vice President, UCOP; CLAA Mission, Strategic Plan, By-Laws; CLAA Advisory Board; CLAA Campus & Committee Updates. Register here.

March 17, Wednesday

Leading with Justice: Speaker Series - Dr. Pedro Noguera | 12:00PM
Building on our success with the fall series, please join us for the spring #LeadingWithJustice webinar events. All sessions are free and open to the public. In this “lunch + learn” virtual format, we will hear from educational luminaries. Thank you for registering for Dr. Pedro Noguera’s upcoming talk. We look forward to your participation! Register here.

March 20, Saturday

Leading with Justice: Speaker Series - Keynote Address - Dr. Bettina Love - 27th Annual Multicultural Education Conference | 9:00AM
Sacramento State is excited to host the 27th Annual Multicultural Education Conference virtually. This year our conference theme is "Lifting as We Climb" inspired by the work of the National Association of Colored Women founded in 1896 to support education and women's suffrage by fighting racism and sexism. We see these ancestors as guides to help us build a path towards collective healing from the complexities of our trauma and grief over the double pandemics of Covid 19 and anti blackness. Thank you for registering! Register here.

April 13, Tuesday

Book Project: Panel with Author Ellen Forney - Mental Health Self-Care, Advocacy & Activism | 11:00AM
A panel with book project featured author Ellen Forney on mental health self-care, advocacy, and activism and her latest book Rock Steady: Brilliant Advice From My Bipolar Life. Register here.

April 22, Thursday

Manetti Shrem, Art Studio Visiting Artist Lecture Series, Arnold Joseph Kemp in Conversation with Sampada Aranke | 4:30PM
The materials employed in Arnold J. Kemp’s interdisciplinary practice absorb or reflect light while mirroring likeness, becoming haunted and ghostly metaphors for absented and obfuscated black bodies. Kemp will give a poetry reading, then discuss the relationship between language and the aesthetics presented in his paintings, photographs and sculpture with Manetti Shrem Museum scholar- in-residence Sampada Aranke. Kemp’s exhibition Arnold Joseph Kemp: I would survive. I could survive. I should survive, curated by Arnanke, is on view through April 25, 2021. Register here.

RECOMMENDED READING

Excelencia in Education, “A California Briefing on 25 Years of HSIs,” (March 2021).
The year 2020 marked 25 years since Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) were specifically funded through federal legislation. Excelencia in Education has taken responsibility for chronicling the impact and changes across HSIs, issuing the annual list of institutions, creating the definition of Emerging HSIs, and producing numerous seminal briefs and fact sheets starting with our launch in 2004. In 2021, Excelencia brings the full project, 25 Years of HSIs to the public. Read the report here.

Leah C. Hibel, Chase J. Boyer, Andrea C. Buhler-Wassmann, and Blake J. Shaw, “Low-Income Latina Mothers Need Protection from Pandemic’s Economic and Psychological Strain,” Center for Poverty and Inequality Research. 
Systemic oppression makes the Latino community especially vulnerable to the economic, health, and psychological risks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Latina mothers, in particular, must navigate the pandemic from their racialized, gendered, and classed positions while caring for children and families. In a recent study, conducted during California’s initial shelter-in-place mandate (March 20 – June 1, 2020), we surveyed 70 Latina mothers from Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Latina mothers’ worries of contracting the novel coronavirus are driving higher stress, and that economic hardship is affecting their emotional well-being. Read the policy brief.

Caleb Hampton, “Local Farmworkers Recount Fear and Exclusion during Pandemic,” Davis Enterprise (February 20, 2021).
CAMPSSAH and Global Migration Center Affiliate Natalia Deeb-Sossa was recently featured in an article detailing the effects of the pandemic on local farmworkers, noting that despite their "essential worker" status, they are treated as disposable. Read the article here. Professor Deeb-Sossa was also featured in another article advocating for vaccine priority towards farmworkers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Reporting Concerns of Harassment and Discrimination
The Harassment & Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program (HDAPP) supports the University's commitment to a harassment and discrimination-free work and learning environment for all members of the UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR). 

If you are interested in reporting concerns of Harassment and Discrimination, please contact HDAPP to file a report and/or speak with a representative to better understand your options. Learn more about HDAPP here or go to HDAPP's website for more information.

Counseling Services Mental Health Resources Webinar [requires Kerberos log-in] One of the things we hear frequently from instructors about teaching in Spring 2020 is the extent to which they encountered students in their courses experiencing significant stress or crisis, yet they felt unequipped to help or direct students to resources. To help, Student Health and Counseling Services provided a Mental Health Resources Webinar. If supporting students in crisis is a concern for you, please watch this previously-recorded webinar. Webinar topics include an overview of mental health services on campus, how to make referrals, signs of distress and how to respond, and how faculty can support students in the classroom (remote or on-campus). Student Affairs has also provided this folder of faculty resources.

UC Davis Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion COVID resources page In English and Spanish to reach our communities and we are actively updating with new resources.

Content Submission Form

Do you have a DEI-oriented event, announcement, or article that you would like us to help promote through our DEI communication channels? Did your unit/department or a member of your unit/department receive recognition that demonstrates your commitment to DEI? If so, please send us your information through this online form.

We invite you to share and submit your thoughts and items for our newsletter (either current or future news and events) at diversityinclusion@ucdavis.edu

Thank you for your dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion!

#ThinkBigDiversity
https://diversity.ucdavis.edu/