DEI 24-25 Cultural Events and Activities
Governors State University
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access & Belonging
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Students, Faculty, Staff, and Community Members are invited to join us on the campus of Governors State University for our Land Acknowledgement Dedication Ceremony.
Thursday, November 7, 2024
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. Land Acknowledgement Statement - Outside on the Circle Drive (at the Bell Tower)
1:30 p.m. Celebration through crafts, singing, dancing, and ethnic food – Engbretson Hall
2:00 p.m. Workshop provided by the American Indian Center of Chicago – Engbretson Hall
We hope you will join us for this moment in history.
This event will begin outdoors, so please dress accordingly.
Registration is strongly encouraged.
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Safe Zone Training – Part I
The Safe Zone program at Governors State University (GovState) promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment for the more than 20% of our GovState population identify with the LGBTQ+ community. You can learn more about LGBTQ+ identities, gender, and sexuality. You will also examine prejudice, assumptions, privilege, and the limitation of oppression. Participants will earn a micro-credential and a “Safe Zone” sticker. This visual indicator communicates to others that you are open to talking about and being supportive of people who identify as LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning +) individuals and identities. GovState Safe Zone Training for Employees, Student Employees, and Community Partners. Thursday, October 24, 2024 1:00 – 2:30 Presented by Mr. Jarrett Neal and Mr. Eddie Gamboa | 
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Room D34005 Lunch Provided RSVP Required Visit the DEI Events page for more information. |
Hispanic Heritage Month Education Symposium
“Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together”
October 3rd, 2024
Join us for this dynamic edutainment event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Highlights of the day include renowned speakers, television personalities, an engaging student panel, a mural display, music, and ethnic foods.
Highlights of the Day
Renowned Speakers: Gain insight from influential figures included celebrated television journalists, groundbreaking artist and esteemed through leaders.
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Engaging Panel: Participate in a dynamic discussion with Hispanic students who will explore the rich tapestry of Hispanic culture, history, and how to meet the needs of the growing Latine population.
Culture Experiences: Savor a variety of delicious ethnic foods, enjoy live music performances, and immerse yourself in a vibrant entertainment that celebrates Hispanic Heritage.
Alumni Reception: Engage, socialize, reminisce, network, and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with new and old friends and faculty.
Why Attend
Expand your knowledge: Learn from diverse perspectives and deepen your understanding of Hispanic culture.
Network and Connect: Meet an engage with professionals, students, and community members.
Experience the Celebration: Enjoy a day filled with joy, cultural pride, and enriching activities.
Admission
This event is free and open to students, employees, alumni, and the community. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate and honor Hispanic heritage. Let’s come together as pioneers of change by shaping the future together. For more information, the full schedule, and to RSVP, click the button below:
RVSP NOW
Past Events
Chicago Southland Educator Consortium Annual Conference 2024
Fostering PK-22 and IHE Partnerships to Strengthen Educator Retention
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, in partnership with the College of Education, presents the first annual conference in the Chicago Southland to address strategies to increase teacher diversity.
Thursday, June 13, 2024, | 8 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Governors State – Hall of Governors (main entrance)
Facilitated by Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi from the Teaching and Leading Podcast
Registration
$75.00 registration fee. Registration includes conference, continuing education units, resources, micro-credential badge, takeaways from great presenters, breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Agenda
7:30 – 10:00 am | Registration
| Hall of Governors |
7:30
– 8:30 a.m. | Pre-Conference for Invited School Partners | Hall of Honors D1490 |
8:00
– 9:00 a.m. | Continental
Breakfast | Engbretson Hall B1200 and Hall of Governors |
9:00
a.m. | Welcome
Remarks | Hall of Governors Dr. Joi Patterson, Chief Diversity Officer Dr.
Amy Vujaklija, Director of Educator Preparation Dr. Shannon Dermer, Dean, College of Education and
Human Development Dr. Giesela Grumbach Dr. Cheryl Green, President of GovState |
9:20 a.m. | Goal
of the Day | Hall of Governors Dr. David Conrad, Assistant Dean, College of Education
and Human Development |
9:30 a.m. | Keynote
Speaker | Hall of Governors Dr. Jeremy Coleman, Founder of Century Solutions and
Clinical Professor at Ball State University |
10:00 a.m. | Transition |
10:10 a.m. | Why
Educators Stay | Hall of Governors Dr. Amy Vujaklija |
10:20 a.m. | Panel
Discussion “Why Educators Stay” | Hall of Governors Teaching and Leading hosted
by Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi with panelists Ms. Comfort Agboola, Mr. Bill Curtin,
Dr. Tim Doher, Dr. Tim Duggan, Ms. Jordan Romanowski |
11:00 am | Gallery
Walk |
11:15 - 11:55 am | Concurrent
Session 1 | See
schedule below |
Noon | Lunch | Engbretson Hall B1200 and Hall of Governors Dr. Scott Sowinski, Executive Director of Center for
Performing Arts at GovState |
1:00 - 1:40 pm | Concurrent
Session 2 | See
schedule below |
1:45 – 2:25 pm | Concurrent
Session 3 | See
schedule below |
2:30 – 3:15 pm | Should
I Stay or Should I Go? | Hall of Governors Judge Lasheyl Stroud and Dr. Angela Diggs |
3:15 pm | Travel safely and thank you for attending! |
Dr. Jeremy Coleman, Keynote Speaker
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Should I Stay
or Should I Go? | Judge Lasheyl
Stroud and Dr. Angela Diggs |
Building
Racism-Free Schools: Implementing Illinois’ Newest Discrimination Law | Mr. Bill
Curtin |
Investing
in Individual Contributor Career Pathways for Educator Retention | Dr. David
Conrad |
Teachers
of Color Helping Students Bloom | Dr. Tasha
Gibson White |
Leveraging
Photovoice to Foster Reflection, Community, and Support Among Student
Teachers | Dr. Amy
L. Kelly |
School-University
Partnerships in Support of the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan | Dr.
Cynthia Rousseau |
Determinants
that Lead to Teacher Retention in K-6 Schools in South Suburban Chicago,
Illinois | Dr. Amy
Wagner |
The
Effects of Emotional Behavior Disorder on Teacher Retention | Ms. Kenya
Walker |
Building
Teacher Leadership to Promote Retention | Ms.
Patricia Rinkenberger, Dr. Jan Fitzsimmons, Dr. Beverly Johns |
“Weird"
Was the Name They Gave Me: Addressing the Intersectionality of Race and
Neurodiversity in Educator Retention Efforts | Dr.
Nichelle Cook |
Teacher
Retention: What Does the Research Say? | Dr. Tim
Dohrer |
Lifting
As We Climb | Dr. Dana
Whittaker, Ms. Melisa Williams-Rivera, Dr. LeVar J. Ammons, Mr. Broderick
Booth, Ms. Farrah Ellison-Moore, and Dr. Portia Ransom |
Leadership
Matters: Collaborative Leadership Opportunities for Educator Retention in
P-22 and IHEs | Dr. Dawn
Brown |
Maximizing
Collaborative Relationships Between Teachers | Dr.
Shaalein Lopez and Dr. Bonnie Dickey |
Improving
Employee Retention by Fostering Workplace Wellness | Ms.
Meagan Washington-Sims |
Empowering
K-5 Educators: Unveiling Issues, Crafting Solutions, and Honoring Expertise
through Teacher Voice | Dr.
Candace Smith |
Full Program (coming soon)
Who Should Attend this Event?
We know that this is a very important topic and event for the community. Due to limited seating, the school/organization may send up to three representatives:
- PK-22 school district leaders: Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, HR Director, Board members, Curriculum Directors, Special Education Directors, ESL Directors
- Elected Officials in the Chicago Southland
- Representatives from Regional Offices of Education and Education and Intermediate Service Centers
- Higher Education professional educator administrators, coordinators, school support personnel, and faculty
- Professional education advocacy organizations
Please RSVP by June 7, 2023
For more information, contact Dr. Joi Patterson by emailing jpatterson3@govst.edu or visit the DEI webpage.
To register, you must create an online profile before making your selection. For assistance please contact us at continuinged@govst.edu or 708.534.4099
Making Cultural Issues Cultural Opportunities
World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development was sanctioned in 2002 and is officially observed annually on May 21st. The day allows us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of cultural diversity values and advance GovState’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion priorities. GovState students and employees are representatives from over 55 countries. Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for belonging, peace, humanity, stability, and development.
2024 Focus – The Global Humanitarian Crisis
Please join us for an educational symposium about the global humanitarian crisis occurring in Palestine on Thursday, April 25th. The purpose of this event is to promote cultural knowledge and awareness and provide an opportunity to amplify diverse and marginalized voices.
The film 1948 Creation and Catastrophe will be screened. This film includes riveting and moving personal recollections of both Palestinians and Israelis. A cross-cultural dialogue and panel discussion with experts and audience will follow this thought-provoking film.
Visit the DEI webpage for more information and to reserve a ticket.
National Arab American Heritage Month
As we delve deeper into the vibrant tapestry of cultural diversity that enriches our campus, we are thrilled to recognize and celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month throughout April. This annual observance provides us with a significant opportunity to honor the contribution, achievements, and rich cultural heritage of Arab Americans to our society and our university community.
Arab Americans have left an indelible mark in various fields, their achievements shining brightly in academia, arts, literature, science, technology, business, politics, and beyond. Their enduring legacy is not just a part of our nation’s history; it is the fabric that weaves us together, and we take this time to acknowledge and appreciate their profound impact.
We invite all the members of the Governors State University community to join us in commemorating National Arab American Heritage Month. Let us come together to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and honor the invaluable contributions of Arab Americans to our shared heritage through the following events on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Sherman Hall
The day allows us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of cultural diversity values and advance GovState’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion priorities.
Arab America Fine Arts Festival
1:00p.m. – 3:00p.m. E-Lounge
A festival of student and employee paintings, sculptures, dance, music, poetry, storytelling, or spoken word. Interested participants should submit entry by April 15th.
A schedule will be created based on participant interest.
Women's History Month Tea
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Noon – 2:00pm
E-Lounge
RSVP Required
World Hijab Day Event
Friday, February 2, 2024
Noon – 1:00pm
Lakeside Lounge
Join us for the cultural celebration through the experience of wearing a Hijab, foods, music, and more.
National Day of Racial Healing
The National Day of Racial Healing at Washington State University is January 16, 2024. Jaguar students, employees, and the community will learn more about the National Day of Racial Healing, the significance of racial healing, and share in a community racial healing listening circle. Participants will receive a racial healing bracelet and the Little Book of Racial Healing.
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Engbreston Hall
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Crystal Harris
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Breakfast Event
"Communities in Action, Empowering the Dream"
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Breakfast Event is January 18, 2024. Jaguar students, employees, and the community will hear a powerful and educational keynote from Jahmal Cole, the CEO/Founder of *My Block*My Hood*My City*. Participants will receive a complimentary breakfast.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
08:30am - 10:30am
Engbreston Hall
Special Musical Guest: Crete Monee Jazz Ensemble
Keynote Speaker: Jahmal Cole
Attendees must RSVP for this event.
View the Full Schedule below:
DEI Council Meetings
Every 3rd Friday at 1:00 p.m. in Room D3400
Lunch and Learn
Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 12:30 p.m – 1:15 p.m in Room D3400
Learn more about future and past presentations
Youth In Transition - Achieving Completion with Excellence (ACE)
This program aims to provide learning equity at the postsecondary level for youth who have experienced alternative care, such as foster, kinship, adoption, or residential care. The first inaugural event takes place Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 34011. Please RSVP by September 25th.
ADA Webinar and Certificate
ADA: Addressing Academic Adjustment & Auxiliary Aid Accommodation Requests
By clicking on this link, you’ll find instructions for accessing and viewing this webinar recording at your convenience.
Safe Zone Training for Employees
Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 1:00 – 2:30, Room D34005. Please RSVP by Tuesday, October 24.