OED September-October Diversity Matters Newsletter

DIVERSITY MATTERS

SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2019

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Diversity Passport Program. . . . . . . . . 1 Hispanic Heritage Month. . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ISA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Orpheus Triplett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 CoD Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Diversity Photo Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Boys and GIrls Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TIP Closing Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Sexual Harrassment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Book Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Constitution Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 NDEAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 NDVAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 DCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 CESA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Community Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Religious Holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

OFFICE OF EQUITY AND DIVERSITY TEAM uthsc.edu/oed/staff Michael Alston, EdD, CCDP/AP Assistant Vice Chancellor/CDO Olivia Ralph, JD Sr. Compliance Consultant Lauren Rotonda, JD, MBA Sr. Inclusion Strategist Sophia Mosher, MPA Sr. Administrative Specialist, Strategic Programs Dominique Crockett, MHA Sr. Administrative Specialist, Compliance Assurance Tiffinie Snowden OED Assistant The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/ Section 504/ADA/ADEA/V institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services.

DIVERSITY PASSPORT PROGRAM The Office of Equity and Diversity (OED) presents the Diversity Passport Program experience for the 2019-20 academic school year. The passport program will allow members of the UTHSC community to see, participate, taste, learn, listen, read, and immerse themselves in a diverse and inclusive Memphis!

The Diversity Passport Program will allow students, trainees, faculty and staff to actively engage in communal reflections of diversity on campus and beyond. It encourages attendance to existing programs/events as well as offer new opportunities for the campus community to experience diversity and inclusion in a multitude of new, fun, informative and exciting ways.

Come take this experiential journey to bridging global connections without having to leave the city!

Passport activities start in October 2019.

Check your email and OED’s website for more information about enrollment!

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DIVERSITY MATTERS

SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2019

NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION

To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Office of Equity and Diversity will offer a Latin dance lesson with Edgar Mendez from the Rumba Room.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn basics of three different Latin dances, all based on a lead and follow format.

Written by Sanjana Haque, ISA President

AT UTHSC

The International Student Association (ISA) at UTHSC is an organization devoted to the welfare of the large international student body.

ISA was founded by international graduate students in order to address the needs of the international student community as they adjust to a foreign country, culture, and new challenges. Its principal objective has been to reach out to international graduate students even before they arrive to Memphis, welcoming and providing them with necessary information to help them settle in during UTHSC Student Orientation day.

This year, ISA has expanded its orientation activity by organizing a warm welcome tour to incoming students showing around Midtown and Downtown Memphis. We have taken these new members on a short visit to grocery stores to meet their daily needs, introducing them to the rich and happening musical environment Memphis has to offer, and bringing them to the Mississippi river on Mud Island. To continue ISA’s goal of bringing the international student community together, we will organize year-round events, which will include:

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH LATIN DANCE LESSON Student Alumni Center O.D. Larry Dining Hall WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2019 12:00 – 1:00 PM Many Hispanic Americans trace their roots to the cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Americas – including the Arawaks (Puerto Rico), the Aztecs (Mexico), the Incas (South America), the Maya (Central America), and the Tainos (in Cuba, Puerto Rico and other places).

Some trace their roots to the Spanish explorers – who in the 1400s set out to find an easier and less costly way to trade with the Indies. Other Latinos trace their roots to the Africans who were brought as slaves to the New World.

Today, the term Hispanic or Latino, refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. On the 2010 Census form, people of Spanish, Hispanic and/or Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin."

• Talk with ISA sessions

During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture.

• We will bring in specialists, faculty, and students to share their experience, knowledge, and challenges of being a foreigner in academia.

• Outdoor activities • End-of-semester meet ups for a positive and happy ending to a demanding semester and much more.

Hispanic Heritage Month, with roots back to 1968, begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12.

We have a great team working to make all of this reality.

Currently, we represent students from Bangladesh, India, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and several other countries. We would like to add more country representation to our board to represent the hugely and culturally diverse community we have at UT! ISA is going to arrange another get together on campus in the month of October. We will share our experience transitioning from a foreign environment, talking about the cultural shock, and how to cope to these feelings. For more details, please keep an eye on: facebook.com/isauthsc.edu/.

Share in this special annual tribute by learning and celebrating the generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

– Adapted from hispanicamericanheritagemonth.org

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ORPHEUS TRIPLETT

NAMED ASSISTANT DEAN OF COMMUNITY ORAL HEALTH AND OUTREACH FOR UTHSC COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY

Written by Jackie Denton In 2014, Orpheus Triplett was hired by the College of Dentistry as director of Community Relations and Outreach to foster relationships with organizations throughout the community.

In that role, he established relationships with Head Start, Agape Child and Family Services, New Horizon Apartments, Red Door Ministries, daycare centers, and senior citizen and nursing homes, all of which the college partners with today to offer oral health education and services.

Dr. Triplett plans to continue expanding the College of Dentistry’s community partnership efforts to the college’s clinical sites in Union City, Chattanooga, Bristol, and Nashville.

The college’s faculty and students currently participate and volunteer with Remote Area Medical and Mission of Mercy on outreach activities locally and across the state.

“Community engagement serves not only the community, but enhances the students’ educational experience as well, since such activities serve to increase the students’ knowledge and understanding of some of the social, economic, and environmental factors faced by those being served,” Dr. Triplett said. “As more faculty get involved, more opportunities for students will become available, since faculty must be present to oversee the students.”

Now as the new assistant dean of Community Oral Health and Outreach, he plans to expand on those relationships and forge new ones.

“I’m looking forward to playing a role of support and encouragement for both the faculty and the students in their community engagement activities,” Dr. Triplett, DDS, said. “And my plans are to increase the visibility of UTHSC, not only in the surrounding community, but across the state.”

As the assistant dean of Community Oral Health and Outreach, Dr. Triplett will oversee, encourage, and support community engagement activities in the College of Dentistry. He will be involved in the development and implementation of new programs, and the establishment of new relationships as it relates to the college’s public service mission.

“It’s important for both faculty and students,” he said. “It’s a good experience so when they come back to the clinic, they understand their patients better. When you go to a patient’s community, it gives you a better understanding as to what this patient is all about. You have seen them in the clinic, but you have not seen them in their community.

So being able to do both is quite beneficial to the education of our students. In treating your patient, you have to understand more than the disease entity; you have to understand the social determinants that play a role in that patients overall health, and in that way, you can better provide adequate care for them.”

Orpheus Triplett, DDS

“A sentiment being expressed is to be able to corral all the activities of community engagement within the college, in such a way as to provide timely resources, recommended oversight, and ample opportunities, as we forge new trails and paths,” Dr. Triplett said.

Dr. Triplett is an alumnus of Alcorn State University, graduating cum laude. He earned his DDS degree from Howard University College of Dentistry and completed a General Practice Residency with the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry. He is the recipient of many honors and awards including the College of Dentistry Dean’s Appreciation Award in 2017, a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Steve Cohen in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community in 2018, a City of Memphis Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding and Meritorious Contribution to Our Community in 2018, and a UT President’s Award Citation of Merit in 2019.

In addition, the College of Dentistry has established relationships with schools throughout Memphis including Freedom Prep Academy, partner for the annual Give Kids a Smile Day. Future plans are in the works to establish a relationship with Shelby County Schools to provide oral health presentations, oral health services, and mentoring for students.

“We are always in the process of developing relationships and planning activities,” he said. “We want our reach to exceed our grasp.”

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DIVERSITY MATTERS

SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2019

COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY TRAINING PROGRAMS To further integrate diversity and bias instruction into dental education, members of OED staff worked with Dr. Mark Scarbecz and Dr. Nikki Dyer to prepare two new experiences for D-3 and D-4 students. Sophia Mosher and Tiffinie Snowden, of OED, presented a cultural competence simulation called BaFa’ BaFa’ to 89 D-3 students. The simulation encourages participants to examine their biases and behaviors toward others. For 95 D-4 students, Dr. Michael Alston developed an unconscious bias workshop.

With these new programs, dental students are receiving diversity-focused content in each year of their training.

In July and August, OED partnered with the College of Dentistry in welcoming their incoming D-1 students. OED staff presented four Ethics and Diversity workshops during new student orientation for 97 incoming students. The workshops included a variety of topics designed to heighten awareness and introduce students to challenges they may encounter as they prepare to enter the health care field.

Students and OED staff discussed various topics, including cultural competence, understanding unconscious bias and diversity, professional boundary challenges, and diversity related conflict and resolution.

DIVERSITY PHOTO CONTEST

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB HEALTH CARE EVENT

The Office of Equity and Diversity encourages Students, Faculty, Trainees, and Staff to enter in this quarter's Diversity Photo Contest by September 30, 2019. Take an original photograph based on each theme and submit your photograph for your chance to win a $20 gift card to Subway! This quarter's theme is "What does Diversity mean to you?"

See all rules and deadlines at uthsc.edu/ oed/photo-contest.php.

On Thursday, August 22, 2019, Michael Alston, EdD, CCDP/AP, assistant vice chancellor, chief diversity officer and Title IX coordinator, served as an invited guest speaker at the Juice Plus+ Technical Training Center of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis. The program audience was for secondary school students that featured several professionals from various health care settings sharing information about their individual roles. Dr. Alston discussed his Title VI compliance responsibilities at UTHSC as it relates to heath care. The program’s format allowed all students to interact and ask questions of the invited guests, and Dr. Alston answered questions about planning for college, choosing a college, and academic majors falling under the healthcare umbrella.

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TENNESSEE INSTITUTES FOR PRE-PROFESSIONALS CLOSING CEREMONY On July 19, 2019, the program celebrated students for the completion of a seven-week residential program designed to increase the representation and active participation of underrepresented groups in the health care field by preparing undergraduate students for a future in the health sciences.

DEFINING SEXUAL HARASSMENT In October, the Office of Equity and Diversity will begin displaying hypersigns on campus as a part of the Defining Sexual Harassment campaign to heighten campus awareness.

The signs will rotate throughout the year and will serve to educate campus viewers about the various types of sexual harassment and inform them of resources available in the Office of Equity and Diversity.

The Diversity and Inclusion Book Club met for lunch on Thursday, September 5, to discuss Tara Westover’s Educated, a memoir about growing up in an isolated, fundamentalist Mormon family, and ultimately earning her PhD from the University of Cambridge.

CONSTITUTION DAY Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is observed each year on September 17 to commemorate the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, and “recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.”

In 2004, under Senator Byrd's urging, Congress changed the designation of this day to "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day" and added two new requirements in the commemoration of this Day. The first is that the head of every federal agency provide each employee with educational and training materials concerning the Constitution on September 17th. The second is that each educational institution which receives Federal funds should hold a program for students every September 17th.

This commemoration had its origin in 1940, when Congress passed a joint resolution authorizing and requesting the President to designate the third Sunday in May as “I Am An American Day.” In 1952, the date was moved to September 17 to commemorate “the formation and signing, on September 17, 1787, of the Constitution of the United States.” This law urged civil and educational authorities of states, counties, cities and towns to make plans for the proper observance of the day and “for the complete instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the State and locality in which they reside.”

To celebrate Constitution Day, the Office of Equity and Diversity offered free copies of the Constitution of the United States in the Madison Plaza Lobby.

– Adapted from loc.gov/law/help/commemorativeobservations/constitution-day.php 5

DIVERSITY MATTERS

SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2019

NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH (NDEAM)

NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH (NDVAM)

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed throughout the month of October, in celebration of the many contributions and achievements employees with disabilities make to America’s workforce.

The Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), which leads the national NDEAM campaign, announced that this year’s theme will be “The Right Talent, Right Now.” This theme reflects the significant role individuals with disabilities play in America’s economic success, especially as historically low unemployment rates and burgeoning global competition combine to create high demand for skilled talent.

Survivors, advocates, first responders, and other individuals observe the month of October as "National Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in an effort to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence throughout the United States. Evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in October 1981, DVAM was conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, occurs when one person causes physical or psychological harm to a current or former intimate partner. It includes all acts of violence within the context of family or intimate relationships. Besides being the leading cause of injury to women in the United States (a woman is beaten every 15 seconds), it is an issue of increasing concern because of its negative effect on all family members, especially children.

In celebration of NDEAM 2019 the Office of Equity and Diversity and ADA Advisory Committee will host a CHIPS Simulation and Learning Lab event on Thursday, October 17, 2019. This event will feature a simulation course and interactive exhibits which will highlight innovations in the accessibility sphere and increase awareness of disability employment issues. Snacks and light refreshments will be provided, and participants will be entered into a prize drawing. UTHSC employees who participate in this event will be eligible for HR 128 credit.

Throughout October, the Office of Equity and Diversity will host various programs and events in observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Keep a look out for upcoming DVAM events at UTHSC. – From idph.state.il.us/about/womenshealth/ factsheets/dv.htm>

CHIPS SIMULATION AND LEARNING LAB

DIVERSITY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM KICKOFF

CHIPS 119 (Home Environment) | CHIPS 115 (Debrief Room) THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 | 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

The Office of Equity and Diversity kicked off its fourth regular session of the Diversity Certificate Program on Tuesday, August 20, with orientation for the 27 faculty and staff members accepted into the program. Cohorts participated in a “get-to-know-you” exercise and went over rules and expectations for the fall session.

Mark your calendars for this event, and stay tuned for more information!

– Information adapted from dol.gov/odep/topics/ndeam/

NEW NOMINATION PROCESS

FOR CHANCELLOR’S EXEMPT STAFF AWARD The Office of Equity and Diversity, in conjunction with the Chancellor’s Office and the Chancellor’s Exempt Staff Award Selection Committee, presents the 2019 Annual Chancellor’s Exempt Staff Award.

To encourage a greater volume of nominations, the nomination process has been simplified. A nominator must provide a single letter of support to nominate an eligible employee.

NOMINATION PERIOD: September 1 – 20, 2019 – The Chancellor’s Exempt Staff Award nominations should be submitted no later than September 20, by 5:00 p.m. Each nomination should consist of a single letter of support from the nominator. It must be uploaded and submitted via the nomination form.

Following nomination, the nominee’s direct supervisor and one colleague of their choice will be asked to complete a questionnaire about the nominee’s work behaviors related to the criteria for nomination.

These must be submitted by October 4, 2019.

The Chancellor’s Exempt Staff Award evolved during the UT Family Campaign in 2007 by Drs. Michael and Chandra Alston, cochairs for non-exempt staff and non-faculty exempt staff groups. This award was created to recognize one deserving non-faculty exempt employee who has demonstrated outstanding service and/or who has made a significant contribution to the university community beyond the normally expected duties for his/her position. The winner will be announced and presented with a plaque and a $1,500.00 award during the campus award ceremony. The winner’s picture will be displayed on OED’s website.

The nomination form and all information related to this award can be found on the OED website. uthsc.edu/oed/exemptstaff.php 6

COMMUNITY EVENTS

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS Sept. 1

Ecclesiastical year begins – Orthodox Christian Hijra – New Year * – Islam

Sept. 3

Paryushana Parva * – Jain

Sept. 8

Nativity of Virgin Mary – Christian

Sept. 10

Ashura * – Islam

Sept. 14 Elevation of the Life Giving Cross (Holy Cross) – Christian Sept. 23 Equinox Mabon – Ostara * – Wicca Northern and Southern hemispheres

MEMPHIS PRIDE FEST PRESENTED

BY MID-SOUTH PRIDE Robert Church Park | 4th & Beale September 28, 2019 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Parade kicks off at 1:00 pm Join the Mid-South LGBTQ+ community for Mid-South Pride's 16th Annual Memphis Pride Fest! With over 15,000 attendees, Memphis Pride Fest has become one of the south's largest and most colorful civic events.

Enjoy a full day of entertainment, music, food, drink, education, and celebration. For more information, visit midsouthpride.org/faq/

Sept. 27

Meskel – Ethiopian Orthodox Christian

Sept. 29

Michael and All Angels – Christian

Sept. 30Oct. 1

Rosh Hashanah * – Jewish

Oct. 4

St Francis Day – Catholic Christian Blessing of the Animals – Christian

Oct. 8

Dasara ** – Hindu

Oct. 9

Yom Kippur * – Jewish

Oct. 14-20 Sukkot * – Jewish

SOULSVILLE USA FESTIVAL Soulsville District | College & McLemore October 19, 2019 | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm One of the goals of the Soulsville USA Festival is to educate the city about those who have contributed to Memphis's soulful musical history and introduce them to those of us who are contributing to the city's soulful future. This year's festival features three stages of live music from some of the best in homegrown talent. For more information, visit soulsvilleusafestival.com/

Oct. 14

Thanksgiving – Canada – Interfaith

Oct. 18

St. Luke, Apostle & Evangelist – Christian

Oct. 20

Birth of the Báb * – Baha'i Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth – Sikh

Oct. 21

Shemini Atzeret * – Jewish

Oct. 22

Simchat Torah * – Jewish

Oct. 27

Christ the King – Christian Diwali – Sikh – Hindu – Jain

Oct. 28

Milvian Bridge Day – Christian Jain New Year – Jain

Oct. 29

Reformation Day – Protestant Christian

Oct. 31

All Hallows Eve – Christian Reformation Day – Protestant Christian

* Holy days usually begin at sundown the day before this date. ** Local or regional customs may use a variation of this date.

For more information, please contact: Office of Equity and Diversity | 920 Madison Ave. | Suite 825 t 901.448.2112 | f 901.448.1120

uthsc.edu/oed 7