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A message from Dr. Georgina Dodge, Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion, on self-compassion

A recent posting by the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion caught my attention: "In the case of COVID-19, taking steps not to contract the virus is taking care of others." If you're like me, you are worried about others and may even feel a bit selfish when protecting yourself. But practicing self-care, self-kindness, and self-compassion are acts that enable you to tap into empathy and a common humanity: "This is what it feels to be a human being right now." To see what a self-compassionate response to the pandemic might look like, visit the Center's website.
Care for your mental health—it's important

Tiles with letters on them spell out Mental Health. A green leaf sits near the words. The rest of the space is calm and free of items.Here's a resource the director of Bias Incident Support Services (formerly known as the Hate-Bias Response Program) shared. There are guided meditations, daily mantras and an "Ask an Expert" feature that has tackled questions like: ...and more! You can even ask your own. We hope this helps with getting away from anxiety and into healthy patterns during this challenging time.
 
The UMD Health Center is also offering virtual guided meditations!


We get it...

It's a lot to handle right now—between online classes, event cancellations, and concerns about health, safety and finances, everything can be overwhelming. We get it. We don't pretend to have all the answers or know what the future will hold...but we are here for you. Please use the resources available to you and ask for the support you need. One thing we do know: we are always stronger together.
We can still have some (virtual) fun—it's event time! We've got online programming to keep you connected. Join us!


Distance Learning & Diversity Check-In Hours

A line of books with the words Never Stop Learning on the spinesJoin the Diversity Training & Education staff for virtual check-ins. Faculty and instructors are being asked to build online communities, and that can be challenging. DTE staff invite you to a space where you can join with others to process:

  • Building and maintaining inclusive online classroom communities

  • The emotional labor required for practicing compassion in the digital classroom

  • How to identify and navigate barriers to inclusive practices

  • Using inclusive language in the digital space

Join us for these community check-in hours every Tuesday and Friday! All faculty and instructors are welcome. RSVP for this Friday's conversation here and we'll send you the Zoom info.

Distance Learning & Diversity Check-ins
Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m.
Fridays from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Click here to RSVP for this Friday's conversation
 

And to hold you over until Friday, here's an instructional resource that comes highly recommended by DTE director Dr. Carlton Green: a webinar from Indiana University on Bridging the Digital Divide: Teaching for Equity and Empathy in the Wake of COVID-19. A black screen with the text Bridging the Digital Divide: Teaching for Equity and Empathy in the Wake of COVID-19Carlton writes, "This informative webinar features Dr. Jessica Calarco, Associate Professor of Sociology at Indiana University. Dr. Calarco draws on her research on digital inequalities to discuss the scope of the problem and its potential impact on students’ academic success and mental health in the wake of COVID-19. Focusing on some of the most vulnerable students—among them, low-income students, students of color, first-generation college students—she discusses potential solutions to this digital divide. Dr. Calarco offers ideas for closing the empathy gap, adjusting expectations, and avoiding further harm." Check it out!
Check-ins with LGBT Equity Center staff

A basket full of pronoun buttons and some a sticker of a turtle in trans pride colorsFor students...LGBTQ+ students and allies can hang out with Shantala (she/her, they/them) and Equity Center undergraduate staff to play music, make crafts, talk to other students, and more. It's usually from 1-2 p.m. several times per week. Subscribe to the Rainbow Report for current details on how to join in.

And staff/faculty...Each Monday from 2-3 p.m., be in community with other LGBTQ+ and allied staff and faculty members! Subscribe to the Rainbow Report for current details on how to join.
Poster for the Nyumburu health initiative workshops with a photo of fresh fruit and vegetablesNyumburu wants to help you stay healthy at home
 
All are welcome to join Nyumburu's Health Initiative for a series of free online workshops focused on healthy foods, workouts to do at home, and tips for managing stress. The next workshop is today at 10:30 a.m. Email Solomon Comissiong at solomon@umd.edu for the link to join in!
You can still get in touch with the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct (OCRSM)

To speak with the Intake Coordinator
Call 301-405-9732
Email rsherm28@umd.edu

For any other questions or concerns
Call 301-405-1142
Email titleixcoordinator@umd.edu

They also recommend checking out the resources from the Counseling Center and CARE for their coronavirus responses.
Get counted!

Fill out the census! Take a moment to fill out your census form right now (yes, click away from the newsletter—we'll still be here when you get back!) at my2020census.gov. It's easy and fast—go now and get counted!

All-Gender Restroom Toolkit LAUNCHED! Check it out!

The LGBT Equity Center just launched an All-Gender Restrooms Toolkit online!  Visit https://go.umd.edu/restroomstoolkit to access the toolkit and resources about all-gender restrooms and how to build inclusive spaces for trans and gender nonconforming people.
"How can I help?"

If you have the resources, please consider making a gift to help your fellow Terps in this challenging time. Here are some resources that could use your help:

UMD Student Crisis Fund (provides immediate assistance to students in need)

PLUMAS Dream Fund for UndocuTerps (helps toward the needs of undocumented students, including DACA renewal fees, legal fees, tuition aid and scholarships)

UMD Campus Pantry (to help alleviate food insecurity)

Thank you for supporting however you can!
ODI wants to hear from you!

Is there something you need from us that's not listed here? An online event you'd love to collaborate on, a question you need answered, a service you think students, faculty or staff need right now? Let us know! Email DiverseTerps@umd.edu with your thoughts!
ICYMI: a snapshot from social media (follow @DiverseTerps for more!)
 
A black and white dog poses next to a smiling person in a gray shirt. Both are wearing goggles.In case you missed it on social media this week, one thing bringing us joy is this photo of Georgina with her pup, Aja—both dressed in their most fashionable protective eyewear for Aja's weekly nail trim. Be sure to follow ODI on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay connected and learn about upcoming events. Stay in touch!
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University of Maryland, Office of Diversity & Inclusion
2417 Marie Mount Hall College Park, MD 20742 / 301.405.2838
DiverseTerps@umd.edu

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