Greetings!

With classes in full swing, I hope that you have found your groove, redefined your new normal and reset expectations for yourself and for others.

Here is an update on DEI initiatives within A&S this fall: professional development workshops, call for interest in faculty of color affinity group and introduction of the CAS-MAX Diversity Council.

Professional Development Workshops Held

I co-organized three workshops for faculty in A&S. DEI professional development for A&S staff is forthcoming. Stay tuned!

• October 15, Transforming Hot Moments: Part 1
• October 29, DEIA Building Blocks 1
• November 5, DEIA Building Blocks 2

Affinity Groups in Arts & Sciences

Affinity groups are formed around a shared identity or common goal to build community and reaffirm a sense of belonging among members of historically underrepresented groups within a broader workplace dominated by majority group identities, thoughts and culture.

Would you be interested in participating in an affinity group among the faculty of color solely within the College of Arts & Sciences? If so, please follow this link to complete a survey.

Below are some affinity groups that might be of interest. Please note there are more student-based affinity groups than what I have listed.

• Latino/a Affinity Group (contact Gladys McCormick or Suzette Melendez for more information.)
• SistaProf (for Black women who teach at Syracuse University; contact Kishi Animashaun Ducre to join listserv.)
• Staff of Color (moderated by the Office of Multicultural Affairs; contact Marissa Willingham to join listserv.)
• Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander American Faculty at Syracuse University (contact Ricky L Pak for more information.)
• WiSE (Women in Science and Engineering; contact Sharon Alestalo for more information.)

Introducing the CAS-MAX Diversity Council Members for 2021-2022

The CAS-MAX Diversity Council established by amending the College of Arts & Sciences by-laws in early spring of 2020. The purpose of this Council is to provide accountability, review and reflection of the A&S’ diversity plan and it marks a significant step towards creating an inclusive space where all our faculty, staff and students are valued, affirmed and welcomed. The inaugural council met for the first time and participated in a retreat from Thursday, September 30 – Saturday, October 2.

Its members include the following:

• Sara Burke (psychology)
• Carlota Deseda-Coon (A&S | Maxwell Office of Undergraduate Academic and Career Advising)
• Esther Diza (biotechnology major)
• Kishi Animashaun Ducre, (ex officio member, DEI, A&S)
• Jessie Joyce (psychology)
• Coran Klaver (English)
• Soren Lowell (communication sciences and disorders)
• Gladys McCormick (ex officio member, DEI, Maxwell)
• Tere Paniagua, Office of Community Engagement
• Jasmine Taylor (economics/IR major)
• Audrey Thompson (writing studies, rhetoric and composition)
• Michelle Walker (community program, policy studies)
• Yvonne Wu (public administration graduate student)

Any questions? Email me.