For Your Information | October 7, 2021

October 7, 2021 | Volume 3, Issue 3

Download a printable version of this week's newsletter

P.L.A.C.E. with CAMPSSAH Award Opportunities

"Professors Leveraging A Community of Engagement (P.L.A.C.E.) with CAMPSSAH” is delighted to return for a second year in support of our UCOP Advancing Faculty Diversity grant. In our first year, we awarded more than $28,000 to 14 faculty and hosted two significant writing communities and we hope to provide even more in the way of community and awards this year. Open for applications and nominations now: Two-quarter Writing Community; Scholar of the Quarter; and Post-Tenure Startup Award. You will find more information and application instructions on our webpage.

A MESSAGE FROM VICE CHANCELLOR TULL

Dear Friends,  

Campus is in full swing! Yesterday, it was great to be on the Quad and see so many student visiting the 250+ tables for the Involvement Fair, sponsored by the Center for Student Involvement! The fair demonstrated UC Davis’ strong commitments to inclusion, as there were groups covering many categories, e.g., ethnic cultural, religion/spiritual, community service, health and wellness, advocacy, and more! I also congratulate Student Affairs on the work that they are doing with staff to operate through a DEI lens! 

 

We also pause to remember and honor Patwin Elder, Edward ‘Bill’ Wright. UC Davis sits on Patwin land, and our land acknowledgement states: 

We should take a moment to acknowledge the land on which we are gathered. For thousands of years, this land has been the home of Patwin people. Today, there are three federally recognized Patwin tribes: Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.

The Patwin people have remained committed to the stewardship of this land over many centuries. It has been cherished and protected, as elders have instructed the young through generations. We are honored and grateful to be here today on their traditional lands. 

A campus statement about Patwin Elder Bill Wright was released on Tuesday, and his funeral was yesterday. When you see the University of California flag at the Memorial Union lowered through through Friday, October 8, know that as a campus, it is “in honor of Patwin elder Bill Wright’s life and legacy, and in gratitude for his contributions to UC Davis.”

We’re now in October, and are settling into the quarter. Let’s continue to good work that we’ve started. We’ll continue to work together to be healthy, and the DEI office wishes all a productive quarter. Everyone is hard at work with classes, milestones, deadlines, and all kinds of things that are planting seeds that will grow into outcomes that will make things better for ourselves, our communities, and the world at large.  As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I share the poster created by the Department of Chicana/o Studies: “Sigue Tu Camino” which hangs on the wall in my office, and encourage each of you to Follow Your Path!

Warmest Regards,
Renetta

Now Hiring! Director of the LGBTQIA Resource Center

Under the direction of the Executive Director, Community Resource Centers and in support of the University’s mission with respect to diversity and inclusion, this position takes a leadership role in building an inclusive campus community, enacting the mission of the LGBTQIA Resource Center. Apply by October 10. Learn more or apply here.

Help Build a Movement with the Underground Scholars Initiative

 

UC Davis students starting a chapter of the Underground Scholars Initiative (USI) are looking for help building a prison-to-school pipeline through recruitment, retention, and advocacy. We are led by formerly incarcerated and other system impacted (FI/SI) students, but anyone can help. Undergraduate, graduate, and law students should all reach out. We’d also love to hear from faculty, staff, administrators, policy makers, community members, and others who want to be involved. Stay informed about our work providing support and services for FI/SI students in the Sacramento area by following us on social media or joining our email list! Send us a message for more information or read more.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Office of Academic Diversity | AVC Lorena Oropeza

Dialogues Across Difference: Solutions to Disruptive Speech in the Learning Environment

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has received its third UCOP Advancing Faculty Diversity (AFD) Improved Climate and Retention grant! This new initiative, “Dialogues Across Difference: Solutions to Disruptive Speech in the Learning Environment,” advances faculty retention by addressing the negative impact of disruptive speech in learning environments. At a time when our civic spaces have become increasingly polarized, when we have become more isolated in our systems of belief, this grant examines how how existing notions of freedom of expression have served and not served our mission as a public university and explores how this speech negatively affects our at-promise scholars and faculty from historically marginalized backgrounds in their roles as students and educators and offers a path to ameliorate the problem without infringing upon the free exchange of ideas that is foundational for university learning. Read the full announcement here.

CAMPOS Research Colloquiums for Fall and Winter Quarters

Please join us for our first CAMPOS Research Colloquium of the year:

“Calpain-Dependent Proteolysis and Epileptogenesis”
Marco I. González, Associate Professor, Neurology, School of Medicine
October 13, 3:10-4:30pm
Mrak 203 or Zoom

Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by the occurrence of seizures. Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of acquired epilepsy. TLE may develop as the result of a brain injury that promotes the formation of hyperexcitable neuronal networks. TLE is often refractory to pharmacological therapy. We aim to understand the possible contribution of the calcium-dependent protease calpain to the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Determining the specific contribution of calpain to the epileptogenic process will facilitate the development of novel interventions to prevent epilepsy. Please email Mariana Galindo-Vega to RSVP or receive Zoom link. There will be limited in person attendance.

Future Research Colloquia
Oct. 20 - Joseph Teran, Mathematics
Nov. 3 - Madeline Nieves-Cintron, Pharmacology
Nov. 17 - Rebecca R. Hernandez, Land, Air and Water Resources
Dec. 1 - Kristen George, Public Health Sciences

Office of Campus Community Relations | Interim AVC Mikael Villalobos

Introducing DEITalk – A Video Podcast Series from the Office of Campus Community Relations

Episode 1, DEITalk: Bias During COVID-19: In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing confrontations with racism, the Office of Campus Community Relations is launching DEITalk, a video podcast series that explores diversity, equity and inclusion concepts through conversations with members of our UC Davis and broader community. Tune in to learn more about operationalizing the tenets of inclusion and equity in education and professional development, in climate and organizational structure, in policies and practices and in supporting our communities.

Police Accountability Board Fall 2021 Public Meeting

Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 4:00-5:00pm, Zoom. Held each quarter during the regular academic year, the Police Accountability Board (PAB) public meetings provide opportunities for Davis and Sacramento campus community members and others, including people from the surrounding communities, to learn more about the board’s work and how to file complaints, and to raise concerns. The meeting is informal and follows an "office hour" format. Due to the current measures being taken in response to COVID-19, the PAB's public meetings will be held online via Zoom with board representatives in attendance. Register here.

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

DiversABILITY and Inclusion

This October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and Carolyn Ramirez, Chair, DiversABILITYEmployee Resource Group offers tips on how to create an inclusive environment in a virtual setting. It’s a good time to remind employers about the importance of inclusive hiring practices, and for all of us – including managers and supervisors – to think about how we can be better allies for people with disabilities. Read the article.

EVENTS

Please take a look at our fall 2021 Anti-Racism Syllabus for relevant events. 
The webpage will be updated as we receive event information.
Have an event we can include? Please email the details to Tom O’Donnell.

October 7, Thursday

Staff/Faculty Womxn of Color Support Group | 12:00pm
This group was brought together in 2019 by Dr. Gill and Cecily to support womxn of color employed at UC Davis. The intention is to offer a safe and encouraging space to support healing, growth and development in the personal and professional lives of womxn of color. Hosts: Dr. Satinder Gill, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Academic and Staff Assistance Program Cecily Nelson-Alford, Director, Women’s Resources and Research Center. Consent for participation is necessary, please contact drgill@ucdavis.edu for more information. The groups meets bi-weekly year round on Thursday (next meeting 10/21).

October 8-9, Friday-Saturday

2021 Improving OUTcomes Conference
Join us as we explore how health professionals and community partners can improve quality of and access to care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) patients and their families. Learn about clinical best practices and new LGBTQ+ research; Meet with regional and national experts in LGBTQ+ related fields; Brainstorm new ways to improve care in your field and beyond; Strengthen the link between UC Davis Health and the LGBTQ+ Community. Learn more and register

October 13, Wednesday

CAMPOS Research Colloquium: Marco I. González, “Calpain-Dependent Proteolysis and Epileptogenesis” | 3:10pm
Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by the occurrence of seizures. Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of acquired epilepsy. TLE may develop as the result of a brain injury that promotes the formation of hyperexcitable neuronal networks. TLE is often refractory to pharmacological therapy. We aim to understand the possible contribution of the calcium-dependent protease calpain to the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Determining the specific contribution of calpain to the epileptogenic process will facilitate the development of novel interventions to prevent epilepsy. Mrak 203 or Zoom. Please email Mariana Galindo-Vega to RSVP or receive Zoom link. There will be limited in person attendance.

Virtual Healing Circle | 6:00pm
Welcome to Healing Circles! Join us as we come together during these challenging times to create a space rooted in our shared humanity. This is an opportunity to compassionately listen and intentionally share our hearts and minds while building community. All are invited to come and engage in self-reflection, explore healing, and inspire connection. facilitated by: Mercedes Piedra (Director for UCDH Office for Health Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and Rangineh Azimzadeh Tosang (Founder of Solh Resolutions International. Register here.

October 14, Thursday

Diversity & Inclusion Dialogue: Antisemitism in the United States | 12:00pm
A discussion with Dr. David Biale on the history of antisemitism and how it is involved in the racial tension of recent years. Antisemitism is one of the longest-lasting and persistent forms of hatred and, despite the general acceptance of Jews in America, remains a real concern today. This talk will cover themes from the history of antisemitism over the last 2000 years, but will focus primarily on the post-World War II period in the United States. We will see how the recent rise in antisemitism has its own unique features, connected to the longer history, and also how it fits into the troubling context in the rise of racial hatreds in our country in recent years. Register here.

DHI Book Chat: Corrie Decker and Elisabeth McMahon, “The Idea of Development in Africa: A History” | 5:10pm
The Idea of Development in Africa: A History (Cambridge University Press, 2020), by Corrie Decker (UC Davis) and Elisabeth McMahon (Tulane University), offers a novel approach to historical knowledge through what the authors call the “development episteme.” The book defines the development episteme as the knowledge system emerging from nineteenth-century European imperialism in Africa, which is at the root of contemporary international development policies and practices. It demonstrates how the shift from race to culture in twentieth-century development thinking failed to uproot the white supremacist foundations of this episteme. The authors urge that decolonizing development means taking seriously African critiques and demands to be decision-makers in global organizations. Register here.

October 19, Tuesday

Native American Studies Colloquium, “Douk” | 12:00pm
Come join filmmaker Michelle Hernandez for a screening of Douk followed by a Q&A. Douk tells the story of a young Native girl who finds herself, and her younger sister, facing the possibility of being stolen and taken to a boarding school, where they will be assimilated into the western culture. Learn more about the film. Zoom link.

The Intersection of Inclusion, Belonging and our New Normal | 1:30pm
Join this Race Matters workshop hosted by UC Davis Human Resources to learn how the move to flexible and remote work has democratized work experiences and increased accessibility - and what we can do to maintain this progress as we move toward our "new normal". We'll start the session with an exploration of key topics that were covered in the Race Matters program over the past year. Presenters for this session include Christine Lovely, Chief Human Resources Officer; Gayle Guest-Brown, Senior Organizational Development Specialist & Executive Leadership Coach for Organizational Excellence; and Lyndon Huling, Manager of HR Leadership Recruitment & Diversity Services. There will be opportunities for candid discussion, sharing experiences and getting your questions answered. Register here.

October 20, Wednesday

“Jarret Patton Speaks about L.I.F.E.!” Hosted by the African American Faculty and Staff Association Wellness Committee | 12:00pm
Doctor Jarret is a board certified pediatrician for over 20 years in PA. Throughout his career he continues to advocate for personal growth of physicians, health equity, and children’s health issues. In this event Doctor Jarret will be speaking about: Common mistakes to avoid when trying to achieve work-life balance; Strategies to get the most out of L.I.F.E.; What our decisions today mean for our children now and for generations to come. Register here.

UC Postbaccalaureate Consortium Webinar: App Prep 101 | 12:00pm and4:00pm
This session will offer a look into the UC Postbaccalaureate Consortium application! We will go over how to best navigate the application portal, will review all program requirements, and open for any questions! Open Q&A with alumni who can share their experiences applying previously. The UC Postbaccalaureate Consortium is a partnership of postbaccalaureate premedical programs at the Schools of Medicine at UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, and UC San Francisco. The mission of the Consortium is to increase the number of physicians who practice in shortage areas of California by assisting capable and dedicated students from disadvantaged backgrounds in gaining admission to medical school. Click here to register for the 12:00pm webinar. Click here to register for the 4:00pm webinar.

Police Accountability Board Fall 2021 Public Meeting | 4:00pm
Held each quarter during the regular academic year, the Police Accountability Board (PAB) public meetings provide opportunities for Davis and Sacramento campus community members and others, including people from the surrounding communities, to learn more about the board’s work and how to file complaints, and to raise concerns. The meeting is informal and follows an "office hour" format. Due to the current measures being taken in response to COVID-19, the PAB's public meetings will be held online via Zoom with board representatives in attendance. Register here.

November 3, Wednesday

CAMPOS Research Colloquium: Madeline Nieves-Cintron, “Secondhand smoke exposure impairs ion channel function and contractility of mesenteric arteries” | 3:10pm
Exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) is a major cause of cardiovascular complications, including stroke and coronary and peripheral artery diseases. Importantly, even passive exposure to CS aerosols (i.e., secondhand smoke, SHS) significantly elevates lifelong cardiovascular risk. Despite widespread national and local media campaigns, SHS continues to be a prevalent indoor pollutant. Recent population studies suggest a positive association between secondhand smoke exposure and high blood pressure (i.e., hypertension). However, the mechanisms linking SHS to hypertension are poorly understood. Our study may contribute to clarify this knowledge gap. We found a mechanism whereby exposure to secondhand smoke alters ion-channel function and contractility of small resistance mesenteric arteries. Because mesenteric arteries contribute to blood pressure regulation, changes in mesenteric arterial myocyte electrophysiology and contractility could represent a mechanism for hypertesion as well as a contributing factor for other vascular complications in people exposed to SHS. Mrak 203 or Zoom. Please email Mariana Galindo-Vega to RSVP or receive Zoom link. There will be limited in person attendance.

November 10-23

UC Davis Humanities Institute and Human Rights Studies Program - Human Rights Film Festival
The UC Davis Humanities Institute and Human Rights Studies Program inaugurated the UC Davis Human Rights Film Festival in fall 2017, in partnership with Human Rights Watch (HRW). The multi-day online festival showcases a selection of HRW films with Q&A sessions with filmmakers and scholars. Human Rights Watch currently screens its Human Rights Film Festival in over 20 cities around the world, including Amsterdam, London, New York, and Sydney. The selected films bear powerful and moving witness to human rights issues both locally and globally and will inspire our community with the knowledge and commitments that can make a difference. View the films and discussion schedule.

RECOMMENDED READING

Racism in America: A Reader by Harvard University Press, 2020.
HUP has available as a free download, a reader containing excerpts from top scholars on race and American history including Toni Morrison, Ned Blackhawk, Walter Johnson, Elizabeth Hinton, Tera Hunter, Beth Lew-Williams, Monica Muñoz Martinez, and more. Download a PDF or EPUB format here.

Matthew Fienup and David Hayes-Bautista, “2021 State Latino GDP Report: California,” UCLA Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture, September 2021. 
The 2021 State Latino GDP Report builds on prior analysis by providing state-level calculations of the total economic contribution of Latinos living in the United States. Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Texas collectively contain nearly three-quarters of the Nation’s Latino population. This report provides detailed analysis of the state-level Latino GDPs for these 8 states, benchmarked against the broader U.S. Latino GDP. Read the reports.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The Aggie Info and Help Line
The Aggie Info and Help Line housed within the Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center, responds to questions by students arising from COVID-related return-to-campus concerns. The info line relies on trained student staff from the Aggie Public Health Ambassador Program to address non-crisis questions and provide referrals. Staff will provide answers using information available to the public on official campus webpages including the Campus Ready site, Student Housing and Dining Services and Office of the Registrar. Learn more at their website.

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.

11 Suggested Actions toward Anti-Racism in the Office and on Your Own
Written by the UC Davis Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and based on the Office of Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion’s Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan, the “Being an Ally Requires being Anti-Racist: 11 Suggested Actions toward Anti-Racism in the Office and on Your Own” provides practical suggestions for everyone. 

Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center
The mission of Aggie Compass is to help mitigate the effects of food and housing insecurity on students, while working to change policy, systems and environment that will affect long term change. The Aggie Compass is a comfortable space for students to build community and learn about basic needs resources, pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, receive CalFresh enrollment assistance and help finding stable housing.

If you need help with food or housing insecurity concerns, financial or mental wellness, please visit their 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.

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/