Inclusive Excellence Newsletter - December 2024
Dear SCU Community:
As we approach the end of the calendar year, we extend our heartfelt wishes for love, joy, peace, and justice in the year ahead. In a world often burdened by regressive legislation, hateful actions and rhetoric, we pause to recognize the profound challenges minoritized and marginalized populations have faced and still continue to face.
Within our very own community, the removal of vital research on community centered advocacy approaches to trangender and nonbinary youth health—on two separate occasions—stands as a painful reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect. These acts of erasure are not isolated events; rather, they resonate deeply within our community, and serve as stark reminders of the persistent injustices that threaten progress. As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. powerfully stated:
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.
Yet, amid these trials, our resilience and collective efforts continue to shine brightly. The SCU LGBTQ+ Working Group’s progress in establishing gender-inclusive and expansive housing is a significant milestone. Additionally, a centralized LGBTQ+ Resource Coordinator role proposed at the most recent UBC cycle marks another step forward. A comprehensive review of the SCU’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX initiatives and structures has been completed, and collaboration with SCU community members is now underway to implement these recommendations. These advancements—among many others—demonstrate a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and serve as beacons of hope and affirmation.
As we confront oppressive policies and systems in the world around us, we remain unwavering in our support for one another. Rooted in our Jesuit Catholic values of cura personalis and magis, we recognize the inherent dignity of each individual and strive for more—more compassion, more justice, and more love.
During this season we hear many stories about the life of Jesus. At their core is a message of service—Jesus served those on the margins to uplift everyone, a teaching that reminds us of our responsibility to each other. His story inspires us to continue this vital work of creating a community where every voice is honored, valued, and celebrated. It reminds us to celebrate our progress while remaining vigilant against injustice. Together, we can foster an environment where all feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.
With heartfelt gratitude and solidarity, we wish you peace and joy in the year ahead!
UNIT UPDATES
I. Inclusive Excellence Division
- Post-Election 2024: A special thank you to the entire SCU community for their engagement in the various programs and initiatives surrounding the Election 2024 period. While the elections have formally concluded, more work continues. Inclusive Excellence is seeking partners to help continue the dialogue and engagement as we prepare for the Inauguration of a new administration on January 20, 2025. If your area is interested in getting involved, please contact inclusiveexcellence@scu.edu.
- We wanted to send a special thank you to the SCU community for their support of the 2nd Annual Camino de los Muertos event that was held on Saturday, November 2nd. It was an amazing event in collaboration with Univision, the Mexican Consulate in San Jose and fellow SCU departments – Enrollment Management and Mission and Ministry. Please save the date for November 1, 2025. You can also see a slideshow with pictures from the event here.
II. LEAD Scholars Program
- Thank you to everyone who joined us for the FLI Forward Conference and other First-Gen Week celebrations during the week of Nov. 4th!
- LEAD collaborated with Financial Aid to offer LEAD students the opportunity to complete their FAFSA early during the Beta Testing period on the weekend of Nov. 15th.
- On November 19th, the LEAD Scholars Program, Career Center, and SCU Athletics teamed up to bring LEAD Scholars, Athletes, and other SCU students to Levi's Stadium for "Students at the Stadium." The event provided an opportunity to learn about careers in sports from 49ers staff, with a focus on personal branding, industry resume and interview tips, and networking with industry professionals and interns.
- During the week of Nov. 25th, LEAD hosted a Friendsgiving meal and grocery shopping trip for students staying on campus during the Thanksgiving break.
- Congratulations to the LEAD Intramural Volleyball team who made it to the championships! Go LEAD!
III. Multicultural Center (MCC)
- The MCC is gearing up for the formal renovation of the Shapell Lounge scheduled to take place at the end of the Fall term and through Winter 2025. It is anticipated that the space will be available in Spring 2025. We are excited about this next step in the MCCs continued growth and history.
IV. Office of Accessible Education (OAE)
- We are nearing the end of the fall quarter, which means finals are just around the corner! The OAE wants to remind you to request all of the exams you plan to take in the OAE space. Finals can get very busy, and space is limited, so be sure to submit your requests today!
- We would like to inform the campus community that the Office of Accessible Education (OAE) will be temporarily relocating to Daly Science 300 for the Winter 2025 and Spring 2025 academic quarters. This move is intended to minimize operational disruptions during the renovation of the Multicultural Center (Shapell Lounge), ensuring that OAE services remain fully accessible to our students, faculty, and staff.
- The move will be occurring after Finals week. All exams scheduled with OAE through Friday (12/13) will still be held in Benson 1 (OAE's current location).
- OAE will officially begin operating from Daly Science 300 on the first day of Winter Quarter 2025 (1/6/25). The OAE team will continue to offer all services including consultations, accommodations, and testing support for our students from this new location. We remain dedicated to supporting our community’s needs by ensuring smooth and continuous operations during this time.
- If you have specific questions regarding access, accessibility, and wayfinding to the OAE’s temporary location, please feel free to contact the University’s ADA/504 Coordinator, Mo Lotif, at adacoordinator@scu.edu.
V. Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX
- The Executive Committee, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, unanimously approved the two new policies, including:
- Sex-Based Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy
- Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy (Other than Sex-Based)
- Both policies are approved with an August 1, 2024 effective date and can be accessed at: https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/policy/
VI. Office for Diversity and Inclusion (ODI)
- The SCU Student Veterans of America Chapter at SCU celebrated Veterans Day on Friday, November 8th with a Veterans luncheon with special remarks by Congressman Ro Khanna, and an update from the SCU Bronco Battalion by Lt. Col. David Von Bergen.
- We want to highlight two special celebrations. One is taking place on Friday, December 6th with the 25th celebration of the Posadas at SCU from 5:30pm - 9:00pm in Locatelli Center. Traditionally coordinated by Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity Incorporated, they are supported by the Latinx Employee Resource Group (ERG) and the Office for Diversity and Inclusion. The Posadas is a religious festival celebrated in Mexico and in other parts of the Americas that commemorates the journey Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe place to stay where Mary could give birth to Jesus. The event includes traditional foods and the caminita (procession) that involves singing.
- The second celebration will take place on Sunday, December 8th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm in Locatelli Center with the return of the “La Virgen del Tepeyac”. After a 6-year absence, the re-enactment of Our Lady of Guadalupe presented by parishioners from the local Sacred Heart Parish, popular Teatro Corazon is back on the SCU campus. The re-enactment has a long rich history at SCU. It began in 1997, with the collaboration of several entities on campus--East Side Project Office (now Ignatian Center), Campus Ministry, Religious Studies and Sacred Heart Parish. A beautiful re-enactment with a deep understanding of the devotion's Indigenous roots. The "Obra" was presented annually from 1997-2018 when it was discontinued.
- Tenure Track positions for the 2025-2026 academic year continue to remain open. Please share information about these exciting opportunities with your colleagues and peers at other institutions. To learn more, please visit: https://www.scu.edu/hr/careers
- Please continue to give to support the Ohlone and Muwekma Ohlone Student Scholarship. The scholarship was officially endowed and announced on Indigenous People’s Day in 2022. We need your contributions to help further expand the scholarship.
- Save the Date: The 3rd Annual Native American Symposium will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, and the 5th SCU PowWow is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025. Stay tuned for future emails to learn about ways to get involved on the planning committee.
- Additional UndocuAlly Workshops will be scheduled during the first weeks of the Winter Quarter 2025. More details will be provided via email to SCU faculty and staff.
VII. Office for Multicultural Learning (OML)
- The OML/RRC staff wishes you a joyful and affirming final few weeks of 2024. If you celebrate a holiday in December (Bodhi Day, Las Posadas, Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah, Fatemiyeh or other cultural observances) or plan to use the break to restore, we hope that you feel loved and cared for while doing so. Listen to our curated Spotify holiday playlist, It's the Holiday Season!, that features songs for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5o8VMrLrfmEw6Euo7jp9uY?si=c9e3a5853a814f97
- DEI Training and Workshops - Are there topics related to identity, culture, and inclusion that your SCU unit could further explore? What aspects of LGBTQ+ identity are unfamiliar but relevant to your work? What exactly is racial justice and equity? OML/RRC staff lead DEI workshops, training and other development opportunities for the SCU community. Email OML@scu.edu to schedule a consultation!
VIII. University Ombuds
- The University Ombuds is a confidential, informal, independent and impartial communication resource for faculty and staff. The Ombuds provides a confidential, no-obligation, space to discuss conflict and other communication challenges, unpack issues, identify goals, and explore options to address concerns. Additionally , the ombuds may assist with communication coaching to navigate interpersonal conversations; mediation between parties in need of dialogue; and facilitation for groups to explore questions and challenges around communication with colleagues, establishing community guidelines, and building a sense of community in the office.
- If you would like a confidential, no-obligation consultation with the Ombuds, contact the Office of the Ombuds at ombuds@scu.edu; dgalan@scu.edu; 408-551-3542
DEI RESOURCES FROM THE LIBRARY
As the rainy season sets in, the University Library has you covered with our "Rainy Day Reads" book display. Stop by to explore a selection of books that will keep you entertained, or access our extensive collection of eBooks while you're on the go! Happy Holidays!
*To access the SCU library resources off-campus you must login with SCU username and password.
eBook Recommendations:
Winter Road - Winter Road is the latest collection of short stories by one of Canada's most gifted and accomplished storytellers. An award-winning master craftsman of short fiction, Wayne Curtis takes us on a journey from early schooldays to old age, all in a singular rural New Brunswick setting of times gone by. Here are illuminating stories of love, heartbreak, daydreams, and expectations - fulfilled and unfulfilled. Curtis charts the lives of small-town boys and girls, men and women who struggle with the challenges and limitations of poverty, isolation, and a kind of discrimination rarely documented in fiction. Each work is marked by the insight of a veteran author whose life has been dedicated to the creation of a singular fictional world unique to the Maritimes but universal in its echoes of the unending longing of the human spirit. It is a world where dreams are born and die and sometimes live on despite the odds.
Love, Just In - Sydney TV news reporter Josie Larsen is approaching thirty and coming dangerously close to failing at life. Lost in a vortex of other people's career milestones, engagement parties and baby showers, Josie is perennially single, abandoned by her globetrotting family, and invisible to her boss - except for the one time he tuned in while she was mid-panic-attack on live TV. As punishment, Josie is shipped off to cover another reporter's six-month leave at a regional bureau in Newcastle. But Josie has more waiting for her in Newcastle than yawn-inducing stories about bicycle lane protests. The city is also the domain of Zac Jameson - her best friend since high school. This should be a happy turn of events, but Zac has barely spoken to Josie for the past two years.
Fire Cider Rain - Fire Cider Rain is about the limits to which shared cultural and geographic histories can hold a family together. It follows the lives of three Chinese-Mauritian women on the course of dispersing, settling, and rooting over northern landscapes, and the brittle family bonds that tie them to one another and to their home country. Told from the perspective of the youngest of the three women, Fire Cider Rain follows the events leading up to and following the death of her grandmother, an ex-lighthouse keeper and matriarch whose fractured relationship with her own daughter haunts the narrator's life in soft, painful aftershocks. As she navigates the cold cities and waterways of Southern Ontario, our narrator struggles with conflicting desires to run toward and flee from her island identity, which grows ever distant, ever more difficult to find her way back to.
Streaming Media Recommendations:
Kanopy A streaming video service containing thousands of videos from leading producers around the world, including PBS, BBC, California Newsreel, A&E, and more.
Listen to the Universe: NASA is famous for beautiful space images, but did you know you can listen to them? Go behind the scenes with the team that creates “sonifications,” translations of data into sound, and learn how meaningful they are to people who are blind or low-vision.
NEW: Classics of World Cinema
Music Online: American MusicThis streaming music database provides over 1 million tracks reflecting the music of all American ethnic groups and regions, from the Revolutionary War to the present.
Caribbean Jazz Project: Birds of a Feather
Students: Finals are approaching—connect with your subject librarian for research support
*Collaborate with the POP Committee on an upcoming library display for a heritage month or theme. Please fill out the form.
WISHING THE SCU COMMUNITY A RESTFUL BREAK, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND NEW YEAR!
