DEI 23-24 Cultural Events and Activities 

 

 

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 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  1:00 – 3:00E-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 History Month 

Tea 

“Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion”

Thursday, March 21, 2024 

Noon – 2:00 

E-Lounge  

RSVP Required  

 

 

World Hijab Day Event

 

Friday, February 2, 2024

Noon - 1:00

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

1:00 - 2:00

Engbreston Hall

Keynote Speaker:  Dr. Crystal Harris

 

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Breakfast Event

"Communities in Action, Empowering the Dream"

 Thursday, January 18, 2024

8:30 - 10:30 

Engbreston Hall

Keynote Speaker:  Jahmal Cole, CEO and Founder of My Block, My Hood, My City

Special musical guest:  Crete Monee Jazz Ensemble 

Attendees must RSVP for this event.

DEI Council Meetings

3rd Fridays at 1:00 p.m. Room D34000

Lunch and Learn

2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Room D3400
Click Learn More for future and past presentations 

Learn more

RSVP by September 25th 

 

ADA Webinar and Certificate: 

Addressing Academic Adjustment and Auxiliary Aid Accommodation Requests

Receive Training and Certificate During the Month of October 

 

 Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 1:00 – 2:30, Room D34005.  Please RSVP by Tuesday, October 24.