September 2022
Safe Zone Family Meeting
Thursday, Sept. 1 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open only to UA students
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host a Family Meeting to discuss the expectations and norms of its Student Lounge with students. Students will learn about intersectional inclusion and healthy communication skills. They will be able to collaboratively create the norms and expectations of the space together. Catering will be provided for attendees and there will for prizes. For more information, contact Safe Zone at safezone@ua.edu.
Rainbow Connection
Friday, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | 2-3 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open only to UA students
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host its weekly support and dialogue group for LGBTQIA+ identified students and their allies, Rainbow Connection. This group provides an opportunity to form supportive friendships with other group members, learn resilience skills and strategies for self-care, and set personal goals. For more information, contact the Safe Zone at safezone@ua.edu.
Diversity, Coffee & Conversations
Tuesday, Sept. 6 | 8:30-10 a.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty & Staff, UA System
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s monthly Diversity, Coffee and Conversations meeting will highlight Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with a presentation by Angel Narvaez-Lugo, president of the Hispanic-Latinx Faculty and Staff Association and adviser to the UA Student Government Association. National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 in the United States and recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic/Latinx Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States. Register for this event. For more information, contact the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at diversity@ua.edu.
Cinnamon Rolls Not Gender Roles
Tuesday, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 | 1 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host its weekly Cinnamon Rolls, Not Gender Roles program for individuals of all identities to come together, eat pastries and discuss topics concerning gender identity and performance in the current culture and climate. Registration required. For more information, contact Safe Zone at safezone@ua.edu.
Education Abroad: Study Abroad Pop-Up Advising
Tuesday, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 | 1-3 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
Tuesday, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 | 2-3 p.m. | Safe Zone Resource Center, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open only to UA students
The Capstone International Center will host weekly information sessions on studying abroad. These information sessions will provide advising on the overall process and timeline for studying abroad, dispelling myths about Education Abroad, and program searching. For more information, please contact the Study Abroad office at studyabroad@ua.edu.
Food for Thought: Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month
Wednesday, Sept. 7 | Noon | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System
Join the Crimson Tide Ballroom Dancers and the Intercultural Diversity Center for the fall’s first Food for Thought program commemorating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month. Participants will have the opportunity to learn a Salsa routine and hear about the Spanish culture through food, music and art. Lunch and giveaways will be provided. Registration for this event. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
New Faculty & Staff Ally Training Program
Thursday, Sept. 8 | 2-4:30 p.m. | 3700 Student Center Forum
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff
The Division of Diversity Equity and Inclusion will host the Ally Training Program, which provides a visible network of allies for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals. The training will be lead UA Safe Zone and Safe Zone Allies will distribute information about sexuality, gender identity, campus and community resources, and methods for reporting harassment and/or discrimination.
The Safe Zone Ally Training Program is a two-hour training session that allows participants to develop a working knowledge of appropriate and respectful LGBTQIA+ terminology; recognize the impact that campus climate has on individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+; and identify areas of personal growth as a member of the UA community. Following the training program, participants are invited to sign up to serve as UA Safe Zone Allies. Registration is required. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at 205-348-7297 or safezone@ua.edu.
Multi-Cultural Coffee Hour
Friday, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 | 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System
International Student and Scholar Services and the Intercultural Diversity Center will host weekly coffee hours for students, faculty and staff to enjoy free coffee, tea, snacks and conversation with others from around the world. International Student and Scholar Services, a unit within the Capstone International Center, provides specialized services for international students, professors, research scholars, visitors, and their families. For more information, contact International Student and Scholar Services’ Sonya Harwood-Johnson at sonya.harwood@ua.edu.
Past Is Present: A Conversation in Poetry
Friday Sept. 9 | 3:30 p.m. | Camellia Room, Gorgas Library
This event features three poets: Ashley M. Jones, Poet Laureate of the State of Alabama; Jaqueline Allen Trimble, chairperson of Languages and Literatures at Alabama State University; and Kwoya Fagin Maples, assistant professor in the UA Department of English. The poets will have an improvisational conversation in which they can only use their poetry to communicate with one another. Following the conversation, the poets will debrief the exercise, and take questions from the audience. The event is sponsored by the Alabama Center for the Book and University Libraries.
Tide & Turf Community Building Watch Party: Bama @ Texas
Saturday, Sept. 10 | One hour before kickoff | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System
The Intercultural Diversity Center will host a Tide & Turf Community Building Watch Party for the Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Texas Longhorns football game. Participants will have an opportunity to participate in cultural learning, cultural teaching and cultural sharing while building community. In addition, guests will learn ways to be involved with diversity, equity and inclusion programs, as well as the history and traditions of UA football. This event will feature an exclusive skybox experience with catered food, giveaways and music while providing an alcohol-free safe space. Registration is required. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
TEDTalk Tuesday: “Growing Up Latino and Fighting Social Justice”
Tuesday, Sept. 13 | Noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System
The Intercultural Diversity Center begins its TEDTalk Tuesday Series this fall by featuring Cole Sax. Participants will hear from Agustin Diaz who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to a family of Latinx immigrants with 15 children. While in college, he was involved in a life-threatening accident that helped him find his passion in educating students and members of the community about the importance of social movements and activism. He uses this speech to talk about things that define people and how they are used to shape people’s thoughts and movements. Register for this event. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Multicultural Faculty and Staff Welcome Event
Tuesday, Sept. 13 | 5-7 p.m. | Bryant Conference Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to faculty, staff, UA System
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion invites new UA faculty and staff to its annual Multicultural Faculty and Staff Welcome for an opportunity to learn about employee resource groups, network with peers and learn more about the Tuscaloosa community. This event will include a general welcome, keynote speakers, breakout sessions, refreshments and more. UA employee resource groups include Black Faculty and Staff Association, Chinese Faculty and Staff Association, Capstone Alliance, Hispanic/Latinx Faculty and Staff Association, Jewish Faculty and Staff Association, and Korean Faculty and Staff Association. Register for this event. For more information, contact the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at diversity@ua.edu or 205-348-2053.
Sex Ed Bingo: Safer Sex for Everyone
Tuesday, Sept. 13 | 6-8 p.m. | 3111 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open only to UA students
This program is a segment of a multipart sex education series. In this session Safe Zone will partner with Five Horizons Health Services to discuss safer sex practices and offer STI testing for participants. Attendees can play Bingo for prizes and pizza and drinks will be provided. Register for this event. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
HLA Kickoff Program: La Gozadera
Thursday, Sept. 15 | 5-8 p.m. | Student Center Lawn
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System
The Hispanic-Latino Association, University Programs and the Intercultural Diversity Center will host “La Gozadera” (translated directly means “the joy”), the HLA Kickoff Event for Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month. Participants can connect with the student body and learn about resources, programs and the Hispanic-Latinx culture through food and music with a chance to win giveaways. Register for this event. For more information, contact the Hispanic-Latino Association at hla@ua.edu.
Also, the first HLA meeting of the academic year will be held Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. in 3108 Student Center. Food will be provided.
AIDS Quilt Exhibit for National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Monday, Sept. 19, 2022 | Noon-3 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System
The Intercultural Diversity Center and Five Horizons will host a special observance of National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which is recognized on Sept. 18. The day brings attention to the growing number of people living long and full lives with HIV and to their health and social needs. This program will feature AIDS Quilt panels shipped from California. The National AIDS Memorial, through a partnership with AIDS Quilt Touch, brings all 50,000 panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt to people all around the world to experience each panel’s story, beauty and love that represents one of the largest acts of activism and social justice. Register for the event. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Bisexual Awareness Week
Sept. 19-26 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
Safe Zone Resource Center will have information on the bisexual community and resources available in the Student Lounge. Bisexual pride flag print buttons will be available for students, faculty and staff who want to celebrate their identities. Bisexual Awareness Week will wrap up with Bi Pride Day on Sept. 23. Safe Zone Staff will lead a discussion on the nuances of bisexual identity from 3-4 p.m. in the Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center. Register for Bi Pride Day. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
TEDTalk Tuesday: “My Identity is a Superpower, Not an Obstacle”
Tuesday, Sept. 20 | Noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System
The Intercultural Diversity Center continues its TEDTalk Tuesday Series by featuring America Ferrera. Participants will hear from Ferrara as she discusses her career trajectory as a Hollywood actress, director and activist born to Honduran immigrants, why she promotes more diversity and culture in media and the obstacles she has overcome as a Latina actress in Hollywood. Register for this event. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
María Teresa Kumar Virtual Conversation
Tuesday, Sept. 20 | 6 p.m. | Zoom
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host María Teresa Kumar for a special moderated conversation for Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month. As an Emmy-nominated political and voting rights activist, Kumar has dedicated her career to advocating for inclusive political participation. With actress Rosario Dawson she co-founded the national nonprofit organization Voto Latino, which uses media and technology to encourage younger generations of Latinx voters. Under Kumar’s leadership, Voto Latino has registered more than a quarter million voters and was a founding partner of National Voter Registration Day, the largest one-day effort towards voter registration. This event is co-sponsored by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Registration is required to attend this virtual conversation. For more information, contact the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at diversity@ua.edu.
Coffee & Mental Health
Wednesday, Sept. 21 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System
The Intercultural Diversity Center and UA Counseling Center will host Coffee and Mental Health where participants have an opportunity to speak with therapists in a one-on-one setting. The program provides an environment for participants to ask questions, get to know the University of Alabama therapist and learn about counseling as a student resource. In addition, the program will offer a space for guests to learn about the many mental well-being resources the counseling center has and ways they can connect with the counseling center. Coffee and Mental Health will occur on every third Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Intercultural Diversity Center. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Film: “Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado”
Wednesday, Sept. 21 | 6-8 p.m. | Heritage Room, 3300 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff
For Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, Safe Zone Resource Center will host a screening of “Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado” along with an astrological chart-making event. The film follows the story of Walter Mercado, a gender nonconforming, cape-wearing psychic whose televised horoscopes reached 120 million Latinx viewers a day for 30 years before he mysteriously disappeared. After the film, attendees will have an opportunity to complete their own astrological chart and discuss the film. Catering and door prizes will be provided. Register for this event. For more information, contact Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
EveryWoman Book Club: “Mexican Gothic”
Thursday, Sept. 22 | Noon-1 p.m. | Legends Bistro, inside Hotel Capstone, 320 Paul Bryant Drive
The Women and Gender Resource Center hosts the EveryWoman Book Club and the September reading will be “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Mareno-Garcia. The 2020 gothic horror novel centers on a young woman investigating her cousin’s claims that her husband is trying to murder her. The Guardian describes this New York Times Bestseller as “Lovecraft meets the Brontes in Latin America.” It is in development as a Hulu original limited series produced by Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. RSVP is required to Debbie Fish at dfish@ua.edu.
The EveryWoman Book Club emphasizes works written by and about women. During the fall and spring semesters, the group reads texts that focus on different heritage/history months. September’s focus is Hispanic/Latinx History Month. The club is open to faculty, staff, community members and graduate students. For more information, contact Elizabeth Lester at elester1@ua.edu. Join the email list for future updates.
Building a More Inclusive UA Town Hall
Thursday, Sept. 22 | 5-7 p.m. | Ballroom, Student Center
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open only to UA students
Dr. G. Christine Taylor, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Dr. Steven Hood, interim vice president of Student Life, will host a special town hall meeting with student leaders. Students will have the opportunity to speak with University officials and peers about ways to make UA more inclusive. Register for this event. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Bi Pride Day
Friday, Sept. 23 | 3-4 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
Bi Pride Day is the culmination of Bisexual Awareness Week. Register for Bi Pride Day. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Roll the Vote: Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Sign-up
Monday, Sept. 26 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA students, faculty, staff, UA System
UA Vote Everywhere, Crossroads Civic Engagement Center, and the Intercultural Diversity Center will host Roll the Vote: Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Sign-up to increase voter turnout for the 2022 midterm elections. This program will have onsite assistance for those interested in checking their voter registration status, absentee ballot information and additional resources in preparation for the midterm elections. For more information, contact Lane McLelland at lane.mclelland@ua.edu.
A Talk on the (Un)Known Project
Tuesday, Sept. 27 | 12:30-1:45 p.m. | 2007 North Lawn Hall
Hannah Drake, poet, activist and chief creative officer at Louisville’s IDEAS xLab, and Josh Miller, CEO of IDEAS xLab, will talk about the (Un)Known Project: an artistic space on the banks of the Ohio River created to support racial justice and reconciliation. The event is presented by the College of Arts & Sciences’ New College and the UA Collaborative Arts Research Initiative. For more information, contact Dr. Catherine Roach at croach@nc.ua.edu.
Fall AAUW Start Smart Training
Tuesday, Sept. 27 | 5-7 p.m. | Zoom
The Women and Gender Resource Center hosts the AAUW Start Smart Program, which is designed to help college women who will be entering the workforce:
- Determine their value
- Set their target salary and benefits
- Create their strategy to make their pitch
- Practice, practice, practice.
Additional Start Smart workshops will be offered in October and November. Register for this event.
Protest for Women, Life, Freedom for Iran
Tuesday, Sept. 27 | 3 p.m. | Student Center Plaza
In the wake of recent protests in Iran, Iranian students will have a demonstration at the Student Center Plaza to show our support and solidarity to the people who are standing against injustice and fight for women and freedom.
Pop Up Shop: Bringing the Multicultural Resource Guide to Life
Wednesday, Sept. 28 | Noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System
The Intercultural Diversity Center continues its Pop-Up Shop Series with this second installment which will feature local diverse and multicultural businesses and organizations from the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s Multicultural Resource Guide. This second installment will feature the local Hispanic-Latinx culture of food, hair, arts, music and more. This is an opportunity to learn about resources and services on campus for diverse students and more. Register for the event. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Lunch and Learn: Coming Out as Latinx
Wednesday, Sept. 28 | Noon-1 p.m. | 2408 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff
Safe Zone Resource Center will host a panel discussion featuring the experiences of LGBTQIA+ Hispanic and Latinx individuals. A catered lunch will be provided. Register for this event. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.