respect the rock
A weekly summary of diversity and inclusion activities at Slippery Rock University
Social Equity Office: http://rockpride.sru.edu
University calendar: http://calendar.sru.edu
THIS WEEK:
TIBETAN CULTURE: Tibetan Culture Week begins Monday when visiting monks from the Gaden Shartse Monastery begin creating a sand Mandela in Carruth Rizza Hall using small metal tubes filled with colored ground greenstones to create an intricate design. The week continues with a showing of the film "What Remains of Us" at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, in the Advanced Technology and Science Hall, and a presentation titled "Journey to the Roof of the World: Sacred Dances and Chants of Tibet" at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, in Swope Music Hall. The Mandela will be dissolved during a special ceremony at noon, Friday, in Carruth Rizza Hall.
INTERNATIONAL FASHION SHOW: The International Services office invites everyone to come and see its international students as models in a show representing fashions from various cultures. The free Nov. 8, 8 p.m., show is in the University Union. Contact Pamela Frigot, director, International Services, at 724.738.2605 for further information.
INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE AND COFFEE HOUSE: Nov. 9, 12:30 - 2 p.m., Special Collections Room, Bailey Library. Get to know SRU's international students while enjoying coffee and snacks. Articles that represent student's home countries will be on display. Contact Pamela Frigot, director, International Services, at 724.738.2605 for further information.
RACE AND ETHNIC IDENTITY LUNCHEON: Nov. 10, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the University Club. Luncheon is open to the public, faculty, students and staff. The buffet is $6.50. The event gives everyone the opportunity to share and learn about one another. For additional information contact the Frederick White, President's Commission on Race and Ethnic Diversity co-chair, at rederick.white@sru.edu.
INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE: SRU international students will discuss the economic and political climate of a variety of countries Nov. 11, from 12:30-2 p.m., in Room 206 of the University Union. Contact Pamela Frigot, director, International Services, at 724.738.2605 for further information.
NEWS AND NOTES:
MILITARY APPRECIATION WEEK: SRU's Student Veterans of America chapter will host a Veteran's Breakfast at 8 a.m., Wednesday, in the University Union and collect items to be sent to Marines serving in Afghanistan. Free "Yellow Ribbons" will be distributed. At 6 p.m., Wednesday, the veteran's organization will host a post-traumatic stress disorder panel session with professionals and screen the film "Combat Diary, The Marines of Lima Company" in Spotts World Culture Building. The SRU Alumni Association will host the annual Veterans Day observance at 11:11 a.m., Thursday, outside the Russell Wright Alumni House and Conference Center.
ON THE HORIZON:
INTERNATIONAL DINNER: 7 p.m., Nov. 13, in the University Union. This 36th annual dinner features food from around the world prepared from recipes contributed by SRU international students. Entertainment by students will be provided. Tickets, available in the International Services office, 114, Carruth Rizza Hall, are $20 for the general public; $10 for SRU students; and $6 for those under age 12. Contact Pamela Frigot, director, International Services, at 724.738.2605, for additional information.
Diversity Resources:
COUNSELING CENTER
COUNSELING CENTER: The mission of the Student Counseling Center at Slippery Rock University supports and promotes the psychological, academic and holistic health of Slippery Rock students. All services are free and confidential. The office welcomes visits at Rhoads hall, calls to 724.738.2034, or connects to: http://www.sru.edu/studentlife/counseling/Pages/Welcome.aspx.
MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS GROUP: There is an Active Minds chapter at SRU, focused on destigmatizing and heightening the awareness of mental illness http://www.sru.edu/studentlife/counseling/Pages/activeminds.aspx. For more information, call Melissa Nard, assistant professor counseling center, at 724.738.2034.
DIVERSITY and INCLUSION
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION TEAM: Student, staff, faculty and administrative leaders across campus are serving on the Diversity and Inclusion Team. It is are charged with serving as active leaders of the change journey and collaborating with other diversity units, allowing for maximum institutional gains, and establishing daily operational activities that center on evolving the institutional culture and capabilities. For further information, contact Jessamine Montero, senior officer for diversity and inclusion, at jessamine.montero@sru.edu.
INTERNATIONAL SERVICES
INTERNATIONAL SERVICES: The Office of International Services is committed to assisting with the internationalization of the university by serving as a resource center; providing services to international students, faculty and scholars; assisting students and faculty going overseas; and integrating international students and scholars into campus and local community life. It welcomes visits at 114 Carruth Rizza Hall, calls to 724.738.2057, or connects to: http://www.sru.edu/academics/internationalservices/Pages/InternationalServices.aspx.
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER RESOURCE CENTER
THE LGBT RESOURCE CENTER: The LGBT Resource Center is located in the basement of the University Union, by the video games center. Hours for spring are: Monday, 1-8 p.m.; Tuesday, 12:15-5 p.m.; Wednesday, 11a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 12:15-5:30 p.m.; Friday, 11a.m. to 1 p.m.; Saturday, closed; Sunday, 1-4 p.m. For further information, contact the Office of Multicultural Development, at 724.738.2700.
MIDDLE EAST STUDIES CENTER AT SRU
MESRU: The Middle East Studies at Slippery Rock University mission is to provide students with knowledge and information about the Middle East region's economic, social, historic, artistic, cultural and political developments and to promote teaching, learning and awareness of its diverse range of languages, cultures, and people. For more information contact Eric Tuten, assistant professor of history, at 724.738.4913 or visit: http://academics.sru.edu/cbiss/MESRU/mission.htm.
OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT: The vision of the Office of Multicultural Development is to be the impetus for successful experiences for historically underrepresented students, as well as for all constituents of the larger campus community. It welcomes all students, staff and faculty to visit and participate in services and programs. For more information, visit 102 University Union, call 724.738.2700, or connect to http://www.sru.edu/studentlife/multicultural/Pages/MulticulturalDiversityLinks.aspx.
OFFICE FOR STUDENTS WITH DIABILITIES
OFFICE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Services through the Office for Students with Disabilities are available to any enrolled Slippery Rock University student having a documented disability. Appropriate accommodations are individually based upon identified need. For more information, stop in at 122 Bailey Library, call 724.738.4877, or connect to http://www.sru.edu/academics/enrollment/StudentDisabilities/Pages/
ServicesforStudentswithDisabilities.aspx.
WOMEN'S CENTER
WOMEN'S CENTER: The Women's Center of Slippery Rock University offers information, programming,and advocacy for and about women.
Its staff is dedicated to addressing social justice issues, including gender inequality and interpersonal violence. The center welcomes all students, staff and faculty to visit participate in services and programs. For more information, visit 007E Strain Behavioral Science Building, call 724.738.2992, or connect to: http://www.sru.edu/studentlife/womenscenter/Pages/TheWomen%27sCenter.aspx.
BRIDGE PROJECT: The Bridge Project is committed to the education of our community on issues of campus violence. It specifically addresses sexual assault/rape, dating violence and stalking. In addition to educational outreach advocacy services are also provided to survivors of violence. Services are free and confidential. For more information, visit 007E Strain Behavioral Science Building, call 724.738.2121, or connect to: http://www.sru.edu/studentlife/womenscenter/bridgeproject/Pages/TheBridgeProject.aspx.
PRESIDENT'S COMMISSIONS
DISABILITIES COMMISSION: Colleen Cooke, associate professor of parks and recreation/environmental education, is co-chair.
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER ISSUES COMMISSION: Meetings are the second Wednesday of the month. Catherine Massey, associate professor of psychology, and Colleen Cooke, associate professor of parks and recreation, are co-chairs.
RACIAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY COMMISION: Meetings are the first Thursday of the month. Michelle McCollin, assistant professor of special education and Frederick White, assistant professor of English, are co-chairs. Diversity luncheons, which are open to the entire community, are the second Wednesday of each month, at the University Club from noon-1 p.m.
WOMEN'S COMMISSION: Meetings are the fourth Wednesday of the month. Betsy McKinley, associate professor of physical education, is the chair.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS:
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE CLUB: American Sign Language teaches sign language to promote deaf culture and to improve communication skills. Members also participate in fun and educational activities. Membership is open to everyone. Myra Balok, assistant professor of English, is the adviser.
BLACK ACTION SOCIETY: BAS' goals are to foster a sense of identity for minority students in a majority academic environment and to provide an opportunity and atmosphere that will evoke academic achievement, leadership development, vast cultural experience and a common setting where students may freely exchange ideas and discuss pertinent social issues. The Black Action Society continues to strive to encourage and implore its members to foster better racial relations and cultural harmony within the University. Martin Akers is president, and Corrine Gibson is the adviser.
FEMINIST MAJORITY LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE: The Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance is an organization open to all SRU students to establish a broad constituency to work in pursuit of feminist ideals, social, political and economic equality for women and men to study and take action on national, campus, and local feminist issues and concerns, to provide leadership and career building opportunities for feminist students, to educate the University community about feminist issues, and to enhance the feminist community on campus. Ebony Jackson is president, and Jodiann Solito, is the adviser.
INTERNATIONS CLUB: The purpose of the Internations Club is to develop and maintain cordial relationships between international, non-international students and the Slippery Rock University community. This organization also executes programs that entertain, enlighten and educate the American community about foreign cultures. The club meets Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. in Room 203, University Union. Membership fees are $5 per semester. Heather Lawrence is president, and Sunita Peacock, associate professor of English is the adviser.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR ADVANCMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE: NAACP is dedicated to the promotion of equality and uplifting all people. It engags in any activity intended to polish and develop members into bright, admirable leaders, as well as ensure positive, just environments in which SRU students flourish. Shatreece Johnson is president, and Michelle McCollin, associate professor special education, is the adviser.
NATIONAL PAN HELLENIC COUNCIL: The National Pan Hellenic Council is a union of the nine historically African-American Greek-letter fraternities and sororities. The NPHC was chartered May 10, 1930, at Howard University. These organizations come together to address issues of mutual interest and concerns as well as implement programs, activities, and service projects. The NPHC was chartered in 2005 at Slippery Rock University with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. These sororities and fraternity are still a part of the NPHC at Slippery Rock University. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was added in 2008. Alicia Bey is president, and Lorraine Stubbs is the adviser.
RockOUT: RockOUT at Slippery Rock University is for the members of SRU's diverse community. RockOUT was created to provide an opportunity for personal growth and education regarding lifestyles and to extend an opportunity for social interaction among members of the gay, lesbian and bisexual community and others. RockOUT also provides support for concerned individuals regarding lifestyles and the group seeks to enhance the relationships between gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans-sexuals and other communities and the Slippery Rock University community. Ashley Ranck is president. Cindy Lacom, professor of English, and Sharon Sykora, associate professor of political science, are advisers.
SISTER-TO-SISTER: Sister-to-Sister is an organization geared toward the empowerment of women of all cultures. The purpose is to empower women through positive influence and leadership. Meetings are every Tuesday in the University Union Cultural Center at 6 p.m. Shiquala Dukes is president.
STUDENT ORGANIZATION OF LATINOS/HISPANIC AND ALLIES: Organization of Latinos, Hispanics and allies is Slippery Rock University's home to many students of Hispanic/Latino descent on campus. SOL is also open to any student interested in the culture as well. The mission of SOL is to provide Latino/Hispanic students and allies an opportunity to evoke academic excellence, leadership, cultural diversity and cultural awareness in a common setting where all students may freely exchange ideas and discuss pertinent social issues. The Latino Student Organization will strive to encourage all students to foster better social relations and cultural harmony within the University. Angel LeGrand is president, and Alejandra McFern is adviser.
STUDENT UNION FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS: SUMA is the Student Union for Minority Affairs. This is an organization that prides itself on being an all-inclusive organization on the campus of Slippery Rock University promoting campus unity and diversity. Unity is needed to bring all organizations together to work toward a common goal. SUMA provides additional funding and offers guidance to umbrella organizations, but is not to be mistaken for taking the voice of any individual organization. Reva Forrest is president, Corrine Gibson is adviser.
I-RESPECT NOMINATIONS:
I-RESPECT NOMINATIONS: Remember first to listen; Embrace differences; See what everyone can contribute; Practice understanding; Encourage a broader perspective; Connect your learning to the world; Transform our community. Actions speak louder than words. If you experience a student, staff, faculty, administrator or campus community member demonstrating an act of RESPECT, please consider acknowledging them through our I-Respect campaign. For any and all nomination(s), click here for the form.
RESPECT THE ROCK SUBMISSIONS:
Those with briefs related to upcoming diversity campus announcements, events, programs and activities may submit items for consideration via e-mail to: respect@sru.edu. All submissions must be received by noon the Monday prior to Friday's distribution and must include what the event is, who is sponsoring it, where it will take place, when it will take place and a contact number for additional information.
Slippery Rock University provides an environment that respects, encourages and promotes the talents and contributions of all. Slippery Rock University values a community with a shared sense of purpose, where people demonstrate mutual respect and appreciation. Slippery Rock University values diversity that honors and includes all persons regardless of age, creed, disability, ethnic heritage, gender, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status in academic and extracurricular endeavor, in the working environment, and in the daily life of the university community.
A weekly news report for Slippery Rock University
