Diversity and Inclusion Month Kicks Off Wednesday

It's the start of the new school year, and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is eager to kick off the annual celebration of Diversity and Inclusion Month.

Every September, we celebrate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the University of Arkansas with a month-long slate of events aimed at showing us how to incorporate more inclusive practices throughout the school year.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to join the celebration and internalize the tagline: "Everyone has a role to play."

Campus diversity leaders, champions and ambassadors will convene in an "All Hands on Deck" Diversity Meeting Roll Call in mid-September to get re-energized, provide University updates on DEI matters, and bring much needed representation from all across campus. 

"As part of our mission to build a better world, the University of Arkansas is determined to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture that is welcoming to all," said Yvette Murphy-Erby, vice chancellor of diversity, equity and inclusion. "In addition to the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion staff, we are grateful for the support of senior leadership, students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members who contribute in countless ways to making our campus a place where all members of our campus community can thrive and belong."

This year's Diversity and Inclusion celebration month was largely made possible from the efforts, hard work and support staff of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion's student leaders:

Dana McGee, graduate assistant
Nadia Salley, graduate assistant
Lauren Loften, student assistant
Ashanti Wesley, student assistant
Jakobi Loring, student assistant

The following scheduled events for Diversity and Inclusion month are free and open to the public:

• Celebrate Appreciate Diversity Month, observed Aug. 15 through Sept. 15, by using Libraries resources to familiarize themselves with local cultures. Visit the University Libraries' Diversity Collection to explore research guides, articles, books and more!
• Tuesday, Aug. 31: Black Student Welcome — Meet us at the MC! (Multicultural Center) | Union 403 — 6-8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 1: Hill-ish Cultural fair — Union Mall — 6-10 p.m. Inspired by hit tv shows Black-ish and spin off Grown-ish, Hill-ish is a cultural fair event to kick off the first official day of Diversity Month. This event provides ample opportunity for students from different backgrounds and experiences to join student-led organizations, receive valuable resources, and connect with campus offices and departments to enhance individual chances for success on the University of Arkansas Campus!
• Wednesday, Sept. 1: LGBTQ International Students Meet & Greet at Holcombe Hall Living Room — 4-5:30 p.m. Come join us to be kind to one another & show your support and enjoy rainbow refreshments! This event is for international undergraduate and graduate students of the LGBTQ+ community on campus and their allies to learn about the campus resources that are available for the international LGBTQ+ students.
• Saturday, Sept. 4: Black Alumni Society and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Tailgate: Diversity Month Tailgate Kickoff at the Alumni House (Two hours prior to Razorback game kick-off) | 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 8: Game Night at the Arkansas Student Union  — 6-8 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 10: Come as You ARkansas | University of Arkansas Employee Impact Groups and All across campus!
• Saturday, Sept. 11: Black Alumni Society and Latino Alumni Society Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Tailgate at the Alumni House (Two hours prior to Razorback game kick-off)
• Mid-September: All Hands on Deck — Diversity Meeting Roll Call
• Wednesday, Sept. 15: Karaoke Night at Hillside — 6-8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 18: Divine 9 Tailgate at the Alumni House (Two hours prior to Razorback game kick-off)
• Wednesday, Sept. 22: Lunch and Learn at the Greek Theater: Lunch and Learn potluck. Encouraging faculty to bring dishes that represent their home, culture, or ethnicity (Please word accordingly)  — noon to 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 29: An Evening with Amy Tu: DEI and Diversity and Inclusion Student Council Dinner and special guest speaker Amy Tu, J.D.'96, executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary in the Arkansas Union Ballroom — 5-7 p.m.

DEI Office Hours

Got a question or inquiry about diversity and inclusion? The campus community can take advantage of the Division's office hours to discuss issues relating to diversity, equity and inclusion. Faculty, staff and students can schedule an appointment to meet with an office representative from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

Appointments must be scheduled at least two hours in advance. To schedule an appointment, email diversity@uark.edu with "DEI Appointment" in the subject line and specify the date and time for the requested appointment, as well as the appointment length in 15-minute increments. The office will send a meeting link to confirm the appointment.

Additionally, the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is also holding a "DEI Hour" from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Wednesday to provide a platform to share experiences, raise awareness and promote educational opportunities around diversity and inclusion. More information can be found on Fulbright's diversity website.

For more information, visit the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion website.