BIT by BIT - October 4, 2021
October 4, 2021
Get excited…It’s Belonging and Inclusion Time! Welcome to BIT by BIT, where each month we will share updates related to the Office of Student Life’s Belonging and Inclusion efforts. Topics will include upcoming trainings, helpful tips, links to articles and other information that will feature ways to enhance our collective belonging and inclusion knowledge, skills and competencies.
As we strive to advance a student and staff-centered culture, that is dedicated to inclusive and equitable practices and preparing students to be engaged, equity-minded global citizens, I invite you to join me in committing to doing – and learning – all we can BIT by BIT.
Best,
Tanisha L. Jenkins, PhD
Associate Vice President for Belonging and Inclusion
Office of Student Life
The Ohio State University
BITalk
Latinx Heritage Month
As we continue through October, the Office of Student Life celebrates Latinx Heritage Month, recognized nationally September 15 through October 15, 2021. We are proud to celebrate the heritage, cultures, contributions and resilience of Latinx, Hispanic and Latino-identified communities around the world, including those with ancestors of Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain and Central and South America. It’s crucial that we continue to advance conversations about education and opportunity in the Latinx community. Our very own Multicultural Center staff sponsors a month-long series of virtual and in-person events around the Latinx experience.
LGBTQ History Month 2021
The Office of Student Life celebrates LGBTQ History Month, recognized nationally October 1-31, 2021. We take this time to highlight and celebrate the vast history of LGBTQ+ communities of the past and the present. LGBTQ History Month focuses on developing a sense of belonging and empowerment for the LGBTQ community. At Ohio State, there are many interesting programs and presentations throughout the month. Check out the calendar of events to explore the LGBTQ History Month programs happening throughout the month of October.
National Coming Out Day
On October 11, National Coming Out Day will continue to raise awareness for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, and champion the idea that homophobia thrives in silence. On this day, many people who identify as LGBTQ+ will “come out” (a term stemming from the phrase “come out of the closet”) to friends or family about their sexuality. This date marks the anniversary of the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights on October 11, 1987. In honor of National Coming Out Day, the Office of Student Life celebrates all who have come out as LGBTQ – that takes bravery, and we commend you. Every person who speaks up changes more hearts and minds and creates new advocates for equality. We encourage alumni and current students who are part of the LGBTQ community (including allies) to self-identify through the alumni association to receive communication regarding Scarlet and Gay events and leadership opportunities.
BITrainings
Engaging Supervisors and Leaders in Productive Equity Practices (Virtual)
In partnership with the Student Life Commitment and Action Planning Team
Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 1 p.m.
Managers and leaders of all levels within Student Life are invited to join Dr. David E. Jones examine the critical role of a supervisor and the responsibility to lead with an inclusive lens. This presentation will bring awareness to ways in which supervisors and leaders sometimes ineffectively confront their own bias and organizational inequities. This session will offer an opportunity for attendees to better understand the role of a supervisor and leader in addressing and dismantling inequities, bias and microaggressions in the workplace.
Through engaging in this session, participants will learn strategies to be a more inclusive supervisor and leader who commits to allyship, advocacy, accountability and engages in sustainability planning to apply the learning in this session to practice.
Dr. David E. Jones is the Chief Diversity Officer at William Paterson University and a Teaching Faculty member for the Equity Institute at the University of Southern California Race and Equity Center.
Register for the webinar here.
BITips
READ
By substituting diversity and inclusion rhetoric for transformative efforts to promote equity and justice, colleges have avoided recognizable institutional change, contends D-L Stewart, a professor of higher education and student affairs and alumnus of The Ohio State University.
Removing Barriers for Students with Disabilities
A senate bill supported by Democrats and Republicans would eliminate the costs and burdens that students with disabilities face in accessing college accommodations.
CONNECT
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s Strategic Diversity Planning, Training and Assessment team provides support for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at The Ohio State University. Services include toolkits, resource guides, workshops and consultations to assist with DEI education. There are new workshops available.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups that foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with the mission, values and goals of The Ohio State University. In addition to ERGs, affinity and networking groups also exist within the university and provide extreme value to the staff experience. University Staff Advisory Committee, in coordination with the Office of Human Resources (OHR), strives to provide support to these groups by hosting conversations and networking events and by sharing documentation and resources to enhance the work done by their members and leaders.
Each month we will provide resources that will empower us to continue creating extraordinary student and staff experience grounded in equity-mindedness. Any suggestions? Email Chase Moore at moore.3693@osu.edu.
BITechnology
NameCoach is a free tool that provides a simple way to record a pronunciation of your name and share pronouns and more with your peers. Create a personal name badge that you can share with others. Name badges can be added to your email signature to help others pronounce your name. This tool to promotes respect and inclusion and empowers users to reclaim a salient part of their identities.
If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, or you require accommodation such as live captioning or interpretation to participate in any Student Life event, contact Chase Moore.3693@osu.edu.