"Office of Diversity and Inclusion" Archive

“Campus Dialogues: Who and Where Do We Honor?” on Nov. 1

This message is shared on behalf of Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer José Villalba.

Informational flyer for the "Campus Dialogue" event titled, "What's in a name: Who and where do we honor." It has the black and gold compass logo for the WFU Honorifics Planning Group and the interlocking black and gold ring logo for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The flyer says "5 p.m. on November 1, 2021 in the ZSR Library Auditorium, moderated by José Villalba, VP of Diversity and Inclusion."The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) is leading University efforts to advance our institutional commitment to promoting and sustaining a sense of belonging and inclusivity among our community. Toward that end, the ODI has established the Honorifics Planning Group (HPG) – composed of faculty, staff students and alumni – to engage with Wake Forest constituents and provide opportunities for feedback as the group carries on the next phase of work concerning the guiding principles for naming adopted in April 2021 by the Board of Trustees.

The ODI and HPG have been organizing structured, open dialogues throughout the semester and working with the Wake Forest community to collect names, themes and concepts which are not currently honored or remembered as fully as possible on campus.

The next campus dialogue – “What’s in a Name: Who and Where Do We Honor?” – will be held on Monday, Nov. 1, at 5 p.m. in the Z. Smith Reynolds Library Auditorium. We invite you to join a conversation on the topic of naming, who we honor and where.

Participants include:

  • Corey D.B. Walker, professor of the humanities and director of the Wake Forest University Program in African American Studies;
  • Sherri Lawson Clark, associate professor of anthropology at Wake Forest;
  • Jon Bohland, associate professor and director of the International Studies Program at Hollins University; and
  • José Villalba, vice president for diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer.

The event will take place in person, but participants may register to join virtually via Zoom webinar.

Honoring and remembering our values should be central to our mission as a University. These initiatives will ensure that all in our community have an opportunity to share their perspectives and insights.

Categories: EventsGuest Post

Commemorating Juneteenth

A guest post from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion

This year marks the first time Wake Forest University is commemorating Juneteenth as a university holiday. It will be observed on Friday, June 18th. Social media graphic that says "Remember, celebrate, Juneteenth" with red, black and green text boxes

A description of the significance of Juneteenth (June 19) can be found in this link, along with historical contexts that underscore why Juneteenth is both a day to celebrate freedom and to solemnly reflect on the experiences of enslaved individuals throughout our nation’s history.

Consequently, many African American families celebrate the day with loved ones while also making it a day of service, community building and remembrance. In that regard, staff and faculty are encouraged to explore ways they can make meaningful connections throughout Winston-Salem (here is a link to volunteer opportunities in Forsyth County) while seeking to increase their knowledge about Juneteenth. (Here is a link to Winston-Salem’s annual Juneteenth Festival.)

To those who have celebrated Juneteenth in the past, we wish you a happy and safe holiday with family and friends. And to those for whom recognizing Juneteenth is a new experience, we hope it leads to greater understanding and collaboration between friends and neighbors.

Categories: Inside WFU

Updates from HR: Wellbeing and hybrid work tips, Inclusive Excellence, accessibility, benefits

Hybrid Work: Inclusive Tip #3

To promote inclusivity, be sure any conversations that occur on-site after a video conference ends are documented in the minutes for remote participants. The sun rises behind trees lining Hearn Plaza

Learn more » is.wfu.edu

Weekly Wellbeing Tip: Relieve Tension

At times we don’t even realize we are furrowing our brows or holding a tense jaw. A few minutes spent relaxing just the muscles of the face can relieve tension and anxiety in our entire bodies.

Learn more » youtube.com

Read more

University statement of support for those affected by anti-Asian violence

As the University Chaplain and the Dean of Wait Chapel wrote yesterday, Wake Forest University continues “to sit in sorrow and solidarity with all those affected by the horrific mass shooting in Atlanta.” The recent violent attacks have affected members of our Wake Forest community in profound and different ways.

President Nathan O. Hatch affirmed his commitment to support those who have been affected by this hate. The incident brings many issues into focus, particularly the increasing anti-Asian sentiment across the country during the pandemic, as well as the devastating impact of gender violence on our society. For Wake Foresters who call Atlanta home, this tragic event resonates in a city that is not only central to the civil rights movement, but also increasingly representative of the tapestry that is our nation.

Campus partners are working to bring awareness and provide outreach to faculty, staff, and students in this time of pain, anger, and grief. University resources that can directly provide support and spaces of affirmation to members of our community include:

Confidential resources available to faculty and staff also include the Employment Assistance Program (EAP).

Updates from HR: Workshops, Affinity Experience, CARE referrals, retirement contributions and mask distribution

CARE Team: How to report

The Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) Team serves the University community by evaluating and responding to reports of disruptive, troubling or threatening behaviors and provides referrals to individuals in need of support, guidance or intervention. If you are concerned about a member of the Wake Forest community, please send an email to care@wfu.edu or complete the CARE referral formPhoto at dusk of the stone arch that marks the entrance to Hearn Plaza. "Wake Forest University" and the years 1834, 1956 and 2006 are carved in stone.

Inclusive Excellence for Leaders: Jan. 21

Faculty and staff leaders and those with responsibility for leading diversity, inclusion and equity efforts with their unit are invited to join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Thursday, Jan. 21, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., for a RIDE Workshop.

Register for this workshop on the PDC website.

Strategies for Trans Inclusion: Jan. 21

Join Dr. AJ Mazaris of the LGBTQ+ Center on Thursday, Jan. 21, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., for a conversation about pronouns, chosen names and best practices for classroom inclusion, with a focus on both virtual and in-person teaching spaces.

Register for this conversation on the PDC website.

Spring Affinity Experience: Jan. 28

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is hosting a Spring Affinity Experience on Thursday, Jan. 28, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., to link underrepresented faculty, staff and allies to affinity groups and resources at Wake Forest University to create a sense of belonging and community.

Register for this event on the PDC website.

Mask distribution

Free face coverings are available for faculty and staff pickup at the following locations:

  • Benson Information Desk
  • Environmental Health and Safety Office
  • Reynolds Gym Front Desk
  • School of Business Student Engagement Suite
  • ZSR Library Circulation Desk

If you would like to request masks for your entire department or have questions, contact Jen Haggas at 336.758.5707 or haggasjl@wfu.edu.

Update your retirement contributions

As a reminder, faculty and staff may change their 403(b) retirement contributions at any time by visiting the TIAA website or calling 800.842.2776.

Plan Number: 406897

“Let’s Stop Making the Easy Stuff Hard”

ICYMI: Allison McWilliams, assistant vice president of mentoring and alumni personal and career development, reflects on last week’s events in Psychology Today.

Read the full article on Psychology Today.

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