september 2024
The
Monthly DICE
Digest
volume 2 - Issue 1
A Message from our Vice President
vice president and chief diversity officer
Rochelle D. SMith
Ready, Set, Go! Welcome to the 2024 academic year. I hope that you found some time during the summer for refreshment and fulfillment. I have been in my role for almost two years and feel I am just getting started-still learning the sights, sounds, and rhythm of SLU. What I already knew was the deep commitment to the Jesuit Mission which emphasizes Cura Personalis, “care for the whole person.” This is the most important work we do every day in DICE and as an institution. Read in this and monthly issues throughout the year, the very exciting work and opportunities in DICE with our partners and collaborators.
As we embark on this September journey, I’m also excited to celebrate the National Hispanic American Heritage Month with all of you. This is a time to honor the rich cultural contributions and diverse perspectives that Hispanic Americans bring to our community.
To everyone, especially our new and returning students, let's embrace this moment to learn from one another and grow together—let’s make this year vibrant, inclusive, and full of opportunity. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead where we celebrate our differences and strive for excellence together. Have a great year!
In This Issue
Through our monthly DICE Digest, we hope to reflect the beautiful and rich diversity of our community and opportunities to connect with one another as we seek to build belonging across SLU. We invite you to scroll through the newsletter or jump to a page using the hyperlinks below.
get to know dice, your one stop shop for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging(DEIB) at slu!
Office of the VP
The Office of the Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer is responsible for leading the University's diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging efforts. This includes managing a diverse portfolio that encompasses SLU’s Climate and Culture, Community Engagement, and Faculty Equity. Institutional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) communications are driven from this office, as well as leadership for institution-wide DEIB data analysis and strategic initiatives such as Belonging at SLU and partnering with SLU’s Descendant Community towards Truth, Healing and Reconciliation of our institution’s role in slavery.
Community Engagement
The SLU Center for Social Action is guided by principles of Jesuit education, and our work is grounded in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion best practices. Our office encourages personal and social responsibility by transforming community volunteers into effective servant leaders and advocates for social justice. Rooted in Saint Louis University’s Jesuit-inspired mission of seeking truth “for the service of humanity,” the Center for Social Action promotes experiential learning opportunities that draw together people from diverse backgrounds and into contact with the world’s injustices.
Faculty Equity
DICE aims to create inclusive excellence in faculty climate, well-being, policy, and practices. Ultimately, our goal is to support the academic achievement of a diverse faculty body at SLU that will transform the regional, national, and global workforce. Mentoring, training, and professional development programming is designed to support faculty from underrepresented groups and faculty leadership and mentors. All faculty are encouraged and welcome to participate.
Climate and Culture
The mission of the Center for Global Citizenship is to elevate multicultural awareness and education, champion historically underrepresented and marginalized students, and cultivate leadership grounded in critical reflection and social justice. We are committed to advancing SLU’s DEIB initiatives by employing anti-racist and culturally responsive practices. Our focus includes developing and implementing support strategies for faculty, staff, and students and utilizing healing-informed approaches to nurture a robust, inclusive community. Through active committee participation and serving as a knowledgeable liaison, we aim to foster a just and equitable campus environment that aligns with the university's mission.
DICE Fellows
DICE is thrilled to be able to partner with select SLU leaders to drive the development and growth of our division and impact across campus communities.
We are grateful for the contributions of our 2023-2024 DICE Fellows and share many thanks to:
- Dr. Toschia Hogan, Assistant Professor of Management in the School of Business, who served as our inaugural DICE Faculty Fellow. Dr. Hogan expertly assisted us in the 2023-2024 academic year with the development of DICE's organizational re-design and strategic plans.
- Dr. Jintong Tang, Professor, Chaifetz School of Business, served as a DICE Faculty Fellow 2023-2024 to support the faculty mentoring program. She expertly oversaw faculty mentoring experiences and measured the impact of the program on faculty success and belonging.
We are excited to announce the 2024-2025 DICE Fellows:
- Dr. Amrita Chaturvedi developed and leads the Consortium for Human Flourishing at SLU. The Consortium employs an interdisciplinary approach to promote individual and community flourishing in K-12 and higher education settings by connecting research to practice.
- Dr. Bidisha Chakrabarty, Professor and Associate Dean for Research in the Chaifetz School of Business, is the faculty fellow for the NSF Advance Partnership project (2023-2025). She oversees internal research, leads faculty Think Tanks, and facilitates the creation and adaptation of faculty evaluation criteria for promoting equity in promotion and tenure.
Belonging at SLU
Saint Louis University recognizes that belonging is an outcome of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives and efforts. A sense of belonging is about our experiences; it is a feeling and a sensation; it includes who and how we connect with one another; and it is about our perceptions of value and mattering. Belonging doesn’t happen by accident; it happens by design. We invite you to join us in making SLU one where all belong and are sharing some resources for you to start the year!
everyone can be a builder of belonging at slu
Truth, Healing and Reconciliation
Over the summer, President Pestello shared an impactful letter to the community titled, “This Juneteenth, Reflecting on Reconciliation.” In it, he provides crucial updates to the community around ongoing efforts to reconcile SLU’s history with enslavement. We encourage new and longtime Billiken’s alike to deepen their understanding of where we’ve been and where we are going.
We look forward to the progress we have ahead of us this year in partnership with our descendant community and are excited to share updates of our efforts to foster truth, reconciliation and healing begin to take shape this fall.
For inquiries about our efforts and/or inquiries about engaging with our descendant community, please email thr@slu.edu.
explore community events
The Center for the Digitization and Curation of African American History will be in St. Louis for our 2024 Community Curation Program!
During the month of September, the National African American Museum of History and Culture (NAAMHC) we will be working with great community partners in St. Louis and East St. Louis, developing engaging programming, and digitizing materials for local institutions, organizations, and community members. We invite you to explore the community centered events through NAAMHC and the Smithsonian while they are here in St. Louis partnering with community organizations such as the Descendants of St. Louis University’s Enslaved (DSLUE). Register today through the links on the website!
deib is a collective effort, get to know your deib resources at slu!
Designing for Justice
Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live, learn and work in environments that promote a sense of belonging. If you (or someone you know) is experiencing an unsafe environment, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX is here to support you through the reporting process. We invite you to deepen your understanding of reporting processes here at SLU to contribute to a community where all can thrive.
The mission of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX is to promote a deep understanding and appreciation among the diverse members of the Saint Louis University community, to promote justice and equality in educational and employment opportunities, as well as to lead efforts to create an inclusive academic and work environment.
Designing for Equity
Office of the Faculty Ombuds
The Office of the Faculty Ombuds at Saint Louis University was established in 2023 as a confidential, neutral and impartial resource where faculty can discuss issues and receive informal advice in a safe and welcoming space.
The faculty ombuds seeks to provide visitors an opportunity to explore options regarding concerns by offering resources to help them through their process. The role of the ombuds is to help faculty develop skills and strategies that will aid them in resolving conflict before issues escalate or impair their working environment.
Designing for Well-Being
University Counseling Center
The UCC provides affirming and compassionate care, is a visible presence throughout the campus, and crucial partner in the larger well-being ecosystem at SLU that contributes to student success and well-being.
Through the establishment of culturally fluent, evidence-based approaches to mental health treatment, our center aims to create a safe and empathic environment that honors the individual and collective identities and experiences of all students. Given that SLU is an institution serving students from all over the world, and all students deserve a place where they feel welcome, seen and heard, the UCC operates from a communal perspective.
Designing for Understanding
Speech, Expression, and Civil Discourse
We want to affirm that SLU is committed to free expression and civil discourse, as outlined in our Policy on Speech, Expression, and Civil Discourse. The policy is clear: We embrace engagement with challenging ideas as a necessary, if sometimes uncomfortable, component of our mission to pursue truth.
We invite you to reflect on what expression and dialogue means to us through an Ignatian Lens. In the spirit of our policies, we have a Statement of Philosophy (linked below) that was guided by a survey of peer institutions, discussions with stakeholders and analysis of faculty and student feedback.
Designing for the Whole Person
Campus Ministry
Have you heard the term cura personalis? It’s not just another old Latin phrase here at Saint Louis University. It’s an expression that forms the core of how we nurture spiritual life in our SLU community.
- In the hope of nurturing the spirituality of all Saint Louis University students, Campus Ministry works with religious leaders and ministers of different faiths around the St. Louis area.
- Find links and videos with resources for prayer, managing your well-being, and bringing your faith life to work for racial justice.
Designing for Success
Student Success Resources
RISE supports students who meet at least two of the following criteria:
- First-generation college student: A student is considered first-generation if neither parent has graduated with a four-year degree.
- A Federal Pell Grant recipient: If you have received a Pell Grant, it would be included in your financial aid package from SLU.
- Is registered with SLU’s Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources (CADR)
- Identifies as a member of a racially/ethnically minoritized population
announcements and events
SLU to Commemorate 10th Anniversary of OccupySLU with Campus-Wide Events
As the 10th anniversary of OccupySLU approaches, the SLU community is invited to participate in a campus-wide commemoration of this pivotal moment in our shared history. This milestone offers an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and action, honoring OccupySLU’s lasting impact on our campus and beyond.
DICE will host major commemorative events and encourages the community to organize their own initiatives, such as teach-ins, discussions, or other events that embody the themes of justice, equity, and inclusion.
If you have an idea for an event, please complete the form below or reach out to Aubra Ladd or Luella Loseille by Friday, September 20th, 2024:
- Aubra Ladd, aubra.ladd@slu.edu or
- Luella Loseille, luella.loseille@slu.edu
Policy Pod Application Deadline Fast Approaching
The Policy Pod deadline is fast approaching. Apply by September 6th (or come on September 13th at 3pm to the CGC) to get into a pod!
Pods are groups of about 10 people who meet once a week to prepare for legislative advocacy meetings with elected officials and engage campus. Pod members look at bills and research their impact, practice advocacy pitches, meet with legislators and community leaders and plan events to educate campus. Pod Topics this year are:
- Immigration and Refugees
- Criminal Justice
- Health Equity
- Transit and Environment
- LGBTQ+ Education
- Global Poverty
- Hunger and Housing
- Mental Health
- Human Trafficking
Be sure to apply by September 6th and come to our Kickoff Training on September 13 in the CGC!
DICE Sponsor of Upcoming “Tu Salud” Health Fair with Telemundo
DICE is proud to be an advocate sponsor for the upcoming first annual "Tu Salud" Health Fair, presented by Telemundo St. Louis and along with community partners.
The “Tu Salud” Health Fair is a FREE admission event that will offer a wide variety of free health screenings for the entire family and information about resources for the community to keep living a healthy life. This health fair connects Latinos to free screenings, facilitates access to health care providers, and distributes critical health and wellness information via informational booths, speakers and discussion panel-all in one place and at one location! Join Telemundo St. Louis and other health organizations at this great community event.
- When: Saturday, October 5th, 2024
- Time: 9am to 3pm
- Location: North County Recreational Complex
- Address: 2577 Redman Ave, St. Louis, MO 63136
1818 Community Engagement Grant Program Launches 2024-25 Cycle
The 2024-2025 cycle for the 1818 Community Engagement Grant Program launches in September. Each year, the program awards 18 grants of up to $1,800 to groups of students, faculty, and staff partnering with local non-profits to positively impact the community. Established in 2018, the 1818 Community Engagement Grant program honors Saint Louis University’s over 200-year tradition of community collaboration for meaningful change.
Applications open on Sunday, Sept. 1, and are due by Friday, Sept. 30, with winners announced in mid-October. For more information and to apply, please use the links below. Questions can be directed to Aubra Ladd at aubra.ladd@slu.edu or (314) 977-5790.
CSA is seeking nine faculty or staff volunteers to serve as mentors, guiding recipients through their project journeys. Mentors will meet with their assigned groups three times throughout the academic year, offering insights, refining project plans, and helping navigate challenges. Each mentor will be paired with no more than two groups, ensuring a manageable time commitment. This is a unique opportunity to support impactful community projects and contribute to meaningful change. To learn more or express interest, please email aubra.ladd@slu.edu.
Department of Visual and Performing Arts Celebrates Mill Creek & Community
Join us for a celebration of "The Legacy of Mill Creek," a new artwork by Cbabi Bayoc to honor the Mill Creek Valley community, on Tuesday, September 10 from 4-5pm at the corner of Grand and Lindell Blvd.
Enjoy music by the Kendrick Smith Quartet and remarks at 4:30 p.m. by artist Cbabi Bayoc and special guests. Light refreshments will be served.
Voices of Mill Creek Valley
All are welcome to attend a lively discussion among several long-term St. Louisans about the former Mill Creek Valley, a vibrant historically black community once east of Grand Avenue in an area that includes parts of the current Saint Louis University campus. In this moderated conversation, the participants will share about their rich experiences of its beloved residents, schools, businesses, and arts to enhance our understanding of the community, razed in the 1950s in the undue name of “urban renewal.”
Co-Sponsored by SLU’s Departments of Visual and Performing Arts, African American Studies and DICE.
faculty equity & leadership development
- Writing Retreat: Start Your Year Off WRITE!
- When & Where: Monday, September 9th from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at Il Monastero
- Description: The Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement will be hosting writing retreats throughout the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Mentorship Matters
- When & Where: Thursday, September 12th from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Cook Hall, L30
- Description: The Mentorship Matters session will introduce the definition of mentorship, why mentorship matters, research findings on the effects of mentoring on protégés and mentors, different types of mentorship programs, key characteristics to building and maintaining a successful mentorship relationship, etc. Jintong will share stories of her relationships with her own mentors throughout her career, and one of her mentors will join us too! There will be time for Q&A and for the audience to develop their own Mentor Map.
- Creating Resilient Group Norms in Politically Polarized Classrooms
- When & Where: Thursday, October 3rd from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Zoom
- Description: The session will begin with an overview of best practices in creating resilient group norms in classrooms during this politically polarizing time. The speakers will offer insights and guidance and attend to intersectionality (e.g., race, gender, classroom context or discipline) of the faculty member who may be delivering or implementing the guidance. The session will then become a discussion period for attendees to ask questions and brainstorm what elements will be useful in their own classrooms.
- Culturally-Aware, Mission-Informed Mentoring for Senior and Midcareer Faculty
- When & Where: Thursday, October 31st from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Zoom
- Description: We’re excited to invite you to a dynamic workshop led by Dr. Colette Taylor, Professor and Executive Director of Seattle University's Center for Social Transformation and Leadership. This session, "Culturally-Aware, Mission-Informed Mentoring for Senior and Midcareer Faculty," promises to be an enlightening experience. Dr. Taylor will guide us through a mentoring approach that is both culturally sensitive and aligned with institutional values. Expect to engage in stimulating discussions and hands-on exercises that will help you elevate your mentoring practices and enhance faculty development. This is a fantastic opportunity to refresh your mentoring skills and contribute to a more inclusive academic environment!
Connect with DICE
What would make this newsletter better? You!
We would love to learn what you would like to see in our newsletter and we are happy to amplify SLU community efforts that increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across identities, communities, and scholarship.
Use the links below to connect or email Allison Brewer, AVP of DICE at allison.brewer@slu.edu.
