Belonging@UMass and Registration for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Conference
In an email to the campus community, Nefertiti A. Walker, vice chancellor and chief diversity officer, announced the fall event series Belonging@UMass, designed to showcase UMass Amherst’s commitment to equity, inclusion and belonging.
That email is as follows:
Dear Campus Community,
To kick off the new academic year, the entire campus community is invited to participate in a series of educational and inspiring events, talks, panels, networking events and workshops dedicated to Belonging@UMass. This series will take place throughout the fall semester in collaboration with campus-wide partners. Through these events, we aspire to create connections with new friends and colleagues, engage with a wide variety of campus resources, and learn about UMass Amherst’s commitment to equity, inclusion and belonging.
A highlight of the week is the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) conference, featuring remarks by Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, panel discussions with campus leadership on belonging, a United Against Hate workshop, and more.
Registration for the JEDI Conference is requested.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Tuesday, Sept. 13
Campus Center
Lunch Provided
Do I Belong? What Can Instructors Do to Foster Students' Sense of Belonging?
10-11:30 a.m., Campus Center 165
Research shows that a sense of belonging impacts students’ learning, motivation, persistence and academic success. As faculty and instructors, we can foster our students’ sense of belonging, whether this be in a small seminar, a lecture hall, a hybrid course context or a lab. Why does it matter that you take such action? Attendees will be guided through activities that demonstrate strategies for cultivating a learning atmosphere of caring and support—one where students feel that their contributions, perspectives and backgrounds are valued.
Growing Our Culture of Inclusion and Belonging
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center Auditorium
This keynote invites participants to consider belonging as an active practice rooted in individual and collective values. Penn Pritchard, education and development manager in the Office of Equity and Inclusion, will share the role of culture and cultural archetypes in creating a sense of belonging. During the session, attendees will explore how the brain responds to both pleasurable and challenging experiences around social inclusion. Key takeaways include opportunities for self-reflection and an open discussion of our unique hopes and goals for a culture of genuine belonging at UMass.
Wednesday, Sept. 14
Student Union Ballroom
Breakfast and Lunch Provided
Welcome Remarks by Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, 9 a.m.
Inclusion in Action: How UMass Campus Leaders are Prioritizing Belonging, 9:10-10:15 a.m.
Diversity, equity and inclusion “work” has long been a stated priority on our campus. This panel will provide space for various campus leaders to discuss the initiatives that not only prioritize DEI, but center belonging. Registrants and attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance to be included as a part of the program. Discussion will occur with Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life Brandi Hephner LaBanc; Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Tricia Serio and Deputy Athletic Director for Administration Kirsten Britton. The discussion will be moderated by Vice Chancellor & Chief Diversity Officer Nefertiti Walker.
UMass Belonging by the Numbers: Takeaways from the Campus Climate Survey, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
In November 2021, all members of our campus were invited to participate in a campus climate survey. Now, we have an opportunity to take a deeper dive into what the results tell us about the sense of belonging on our campus. This session will give an up close and personal look at our campus climate data on belonging, led by Deputy Chief Officer for Equity and Inclusion Emmanuel Adero. During the session, attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about how these data impact our campus.
Lunch Break, 11:15-11:45 a.m.
United Against Hate Workshop, 11:45 a.m-1 p.m.
Threats to inclusion and belonging will always exist when hate and ignorance have a powerful platform. This session highlights the work of the UMass Police Department, U.S. Attorney's Office District of Massachusetts, and the FBI discussing how collaboration between campus and investigators can lead to early detection of potential threats. During this session, audiences will learn what constitutes a hate crime, how bias influences hate and the significance of reporting.
As community members, we hope that you will participate in the events above and participate in the collective affirmation of our UMass Amherst values of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
In community,
Nefertiti A. Walker, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor & Chief Diversity Office