NOVEMBER 2023
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)
ALTAR: Wednesday, Nov. 1–Wednesday, Nov. 8
PANEL AND FOOD SAMPLING: Tuesday, Nov. 7 | 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System employees
The Latinx Faculty and Staff Association, the Hispanic-Latino Association, the UA Department of Modern Languages and Classics with the support of Sigma Delta Pi Honor Society, will host a Day of the Dead commemoration. This event will feature an altar, an interactive activity with the community, a panel with local organizations, and a traditional food and beverage sampling. Students of different foreign languages classes will collaborate in the creation of literary calaveras, which will be displayed as part of the decorations and will be hung next to the altar in the Student Center. For more information, contact the Dr. Yunuen Gómez-Ocampo at gomezocampo@ua.edu.
Native American Heritage Month Sports and Games Exhibit
Nov. 1-30 | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System employees
The Intercultural Diversity Center, in partnership with Moundville Archaeological Park and vested stakeholders who are primarily citizens of southeastern Native American groups, will present Sports and Games. This year’s theme examines long-held traditional games and the importance of sports and games in contemporary Native American cultures including stick ball, the seed game, and the Choctaw hat game among others. The Sports and Games exhibit includes a multimedia component consisting of videos of people playing these sports and games, educational panels, and game items from Native American tribes. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Pop-Up Shop: Native American Heritage Month
Wednesday, Nov. 1 | noon-2 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration)
Open to UA students, faculty & staff, UA System employees
In partnership with the Bama Indigenous Student Organization Network, known as BISON, the Intercultural Diversity Center continues its Pop-Up Shop series focusing on Native American Heritage Month. Observed annually in November, Native American Heritage Month calls attention to the culture, traditions and achievements of the nation’s original inhabitants and their descendants. Participants will have the opportunity learn about the history and culture of Native Americans and indigenous tribes, and their contributions to society through visual presentations, basket-weaving demonstrations, food and educational resources. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Cultural Exhibition
Thursday, Nov. 2 | 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. | the Quad
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the second annual Cultural Exhibition will feature dancers from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, as well as social dancing and native drumming from the Southern Pine Drum Group. This event, presented by the Bama Indigenous Student Organization Network, known as BISON, was formed to encourage cultural education and attendees are asked to observe with the performances with respect. Co-sponsors of the event at the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s Intercultural Diversity Center and the Division of Student Life’s Women and Gender Resource Center.
Rainbow Connection
Friday, Nov. 3, 10 and 17 | 2 p.m.-3 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students
The Safe Zone Resource Center hosts this weekly support and dialogue group for LGBTQIA+ identified students and their allies. 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 Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Cinnamon Rolls Not Gender Roles
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 14 and 21 | 1 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students
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 our current culture and climate. This program’s participants will learn about special topics as they pertain to our understanding of gender. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Multicultural Coffee Hour
Friday, Nov. 3 – Focus: India
Friday, Nov. 10 – Focus: Colombia
Friday, Nov. 17 – Focus: International Education Week
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System employees
International Student and Scholar Services and the Intercultural Diversity Center host weekly coffee hours for students, faculty and staff to enjoy free coffee, tea, snacks and conversation with others from around the world. For more information, contact International Student and Scholar Services’ Sonya Harwood-Johnson at sonya.harwood@ua.edu.
National First-Generation College Student Day Events
Nov. 6-11 | Campus
Several events focusing on first-generation students and their stories will take place Nov. 6-11 in recognition of National First-Generation College Student Day, which is Nov. 8. Each college is hosting events specifically for their students Monday and Tuesday and three campuswide events are planned for later in the week that are open to all first-generation students, faculty and staff.
About 25% of UA’s current freshman class identifies at first generation.
The weeklong celebration is organized by First Generations Programs, REACH and the Student Support Services TRIO program, which are all part of the Capstone Center for Student Success.
60 Years Since the Stand: Unheard Voices on the Desegregation of The University of Alabama
Monday, Nov. 6 | 5 p.m. | Yellowhammer Room, Gorgas Library
Students in the College of Communication and Information Sciences will share excerpts from their research with The HistoryMakers Digital Archive, the largest collection of African American oral histories in the world.
Cultural Connections & Self-Care: Navigating the End of the Semester and Holiday Season
Monday, Nov. 6 | 5:15 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
Open to students, faculty and staff
As the semester draws to a close and the holiday season approaches, it is crucial to find balance between academic demands and personal well-being. The UA Counseling Center and the Latinx Faculty and Staff Association will host this event that focuses on self-care strategies tailored for diverse communities and explores the art of cultural communication during the festive season. Dr. Nahree Doh, associate director of clinical and outreach services at UA Counseling Center, will share her expertise in mental health, and Irasema Quezada, a graphic designer at the Alabama Water Institute, will provide a unique perspective on mental health and discuss the role of art as a coping mechanism in her journey.
Goals and objectives:
- Exploring self-care within diverse communities and how to establish personal boundaries and engage with family members
- Addressing family dynamics and communication in the context of cultural values and traditions
- Creating a self-care plan for stress management and tips for balancing academic responsibilities and holiday festivities
- Interactive session
- Networking opportunities with peers and expert
Book Talk: ‘Thinning Blood’
Monday, Nov. 6 | 6 p.m.-7 p.m. | 3700 Student Center
EveryStudent Book Club: noon-1 p.m. | Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 3125 Student Center
EveryWoman Book Club: noon-1 p.m. | Thursday, Nov. 30 | Legend’s Bistro inside Hotel Capstone (Author will attend.)
Leah Myers, who recently published her first book, “Thinning Blood: A Memoir of Family, Myth, and Identity,” will give an open book talk. The book is also featured as this month’s reading for EveryStudent Book Club (for undergraduate UA students) and EveryWoman Book Club (for graduate students, staff, faculty and community members). This event is sponsored by the Women and Gender Resource Center.
TEDTalk Tuesday: The Intergenerational Wisdom Woven into Indigenous Stories
Tuesday, Nov. 7 | noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration)
Open to UA students, faculty, staff, and UA System employees
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the Intercultural Diversity Center continues the TEDTalk Tuesday series by featuring community organizer and activist Tai Simpson. She discusses how the way we behave politically, socially, economically and ecologically is not working by sharing the creation myth of her Nez Perce tribe. Participants will learn how she advocates for a return to the “old ways” guided by Indigenous wisdom that emphasizes balance, community and the importance of intergenerational storytelling in order to protect what is sacred. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Study Abroad Pop-Up Advising
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 14, 28 and Dec. 5 | 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
Open to UA students
Education Abroad and the Intercultural Diversity Center host weekly pop-up advising sessions on studying abroad. The sessions are first-come, first-served walk-ins where students have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an Education Abroad adviser. For more information, contact the Study Abroad office at studyabroad@ua.edu.
Wolastoqey Sakolomolsluwakon: Centering Indigenous Perspectives and Relationships to Explore a Sense of Belonging
Tuesday, Nov. 7 | 3:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m. | Zoom
Macy Pyres, M.S., of Pennsylvania State University will present her research on this topic. Historically, measures of belonging in school have not been developed with a focus on the experiences of Indigenous students. This raises questions about the validity of such measures for representing belonging in school of Indigenous students. In collaboration with The Wolastoqey Tribal Council, Pyres and others worked alongside six Wolastoqey communities in New Brunswick to define, measure and support their Indigenous student’s sense of belonging in school. This project highlights the valuable experiences of Indigenous students, the importance of relationship building in research, and the responsibility research teams hold when working in collaboration with Indigenous communities. Using their current work, Pyres will discuss and draw upon ways to engage more equitable and inclusive research practices, and ways to support school belonging for Indigenous students. The event is sponsored by the UA College of Education’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Registration is required.
Readings and Conversation with MFA Graduates
Thursday, Nov. 9 | 10 a.m.-noon and 3 p.m.-5 p.m. | Anderson Room, 3125 Student Center
Friday, Nov. 10 | 10 a.m.-noon, Anderson Room | 3 p.m.-5 p.m., Smith Hall
Diamond Forde, Aurielle Marie and Kendra Allen, three master of fine arts in English graduates, will give readings from their new books. The conversation will be moderated by Nabila Lovelace. This event is presented by the UA Department of Gender and Race Studies and co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost.
Veterans Day Presentation
Thursday, Nov. 9 | noon-1 p.m.
Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff, and UA System employees
The Intercultural Diversity Center will provide a PowerPoint presentation in observance of Veterans Day. Focusing on this year’s theme “Service,” the presentation will highlight the distinct honor in serving to protect our way of life and the Constitution of the United States of America. The presentation also will offer educational resources and ways that support veterans. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Veterans Day Events and Resources
Nov. 9-11 | Campus and Community
The UA Office of Veteran and Military Affairs has announced events for Nov. 9-11, including the annual ROTC Veterans Day 5K on Nov. 10 which commemorates the valor and dedication of military veterans. For more information, contact the VMA office at vma@ua.edu or 205-348-0983.
Also, Alabama Public Television offers its Veterans Day Collection of stories by, about and for veterans to educate, celebrate and honor them. View the collection.
Lecture on Japanese and Contemporary Woodblock Prints
Thursday, Nov. 9 | 4 p.m. | Yellowhammer Room, Gorgas Library
Dr. Doris Sung, assistant professor of Asian art history, will present a lecture on the current Sarah Moody Gallery of Art exhibition Women of Mokuhanga. In her talk, “What is in the Names Mokuhanga and Ukiyo-e?,” Sung will explore the subject matter and meanings of the historical Japanese woodblock prints and the contemporary practice of the mokuhanga art form. Travel back in time with her to the 18th and 19th centuries and experience the vibrant urban culture of the city of Edo (present-day Tokyo) through these prints. She also will discuss the works by five contemporary women artists and make connections between the modern works and the historical prints in the exhibition. Women of Mokuhanga is co-curated by Doris Sung and Sarah Marshall, associate professor of printmaking.
Diwali Festival of Lights
Thursday, Nov. 9 | 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. | Ballroom, UA Student Center
The Indian Student Association of Tuscaloosa, University Programs, and the Financial Affairs Committee in association with the South Asian Culture Club will host the 2023 Diwali Festival of Lights featuring cultural performances, music, dance, henna booth, Indian buffet and fireworks show.
Religious and Spiritual Awareness Event
Thursday, Nov. 9 | 6:30 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
The Social Work Association for Cultural Awareness will help spread awareness of different religious, non-religious, and spiritual groups and their beliefs. The event will consist of a discussion panel followed by open tables where students can break into groups and have further discussions. The event will allow UA students to connect with others and learn more about different beliefs on campus.
SKY Happiness Retreat
Friday, Nov. 10 | 5 p.m.-8 p.m. | UA Student Recreation Center
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 11 and 12 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | UA Student Recreation Center
SKY Happiness Retreat is a 12-hour total well-being training offered to thousands of university students, faculty and staff across the country. A recent study at Yale University found that SKY Happiness Retreat significantly reduces stress, depression, and has a long-lasting impact on mental health, mindfulness, positive emotion, and social connectedness. The SKY Happiness Retreat introduces SKY Meditation, an evidence-based meditation practice integrated with breath work that can significantly increase one’s well-being and calmness, and significantly reduce anxiety and stress markers. The course features interactive group processes, experiential learning, emotional intelligence training, breath work, yoga, and evidence-based meditation. The retreat is funded for UA students, faculty and staff. Availability is first-come, first-served by registration only and requires attendance to all sessions. Limited spots are available. For more information, send an email to skycampusatua@gmail.com.
Home for the Holidays
Friday, Nov. 10 | 4 p.m.-5 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students
Home for the Holidays is a discussion and community-building event that occurs before students go home for the semester. With collaboration from the UA Counseling Center, students will reflect on what going home will mean and ways that they can share their experience at the University. Participants will learn strategies for effective communication, self-care and conflict de-escalation. Students will also be given resources from the Safe Zone Resource Center and community services. The center will provide snacks to attendees. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Transgender Awareness Week
Nov. 13-19 | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff
For Transgender Awareness Week, the Safe Zone Resource Center will have trans-inclusive resources and information available in the Student Lounge during business hours. Participants will learn about trans and nonbinary identities and strategies for being a better ally to the trans community. Trans and nonbinary pride flag print buttons will also be available for students in the center. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Gender Affirming Clothing Drive
Nov. 13-17 | Residence Halls
The Queer Student Association and the Women and Gender Resource Center will host a Gender Affirming Clothing Drive to collect clean and undamaged clothing donations. Boxes are located in the lobby of residence halls.
Collected clothing will be offered at a free store Friday, Dec. 1, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Intercultural Diversity Center.
Daniel Community Scholars Poster Presentation and Reception
Monday, Nov. 13 | 5 p.m.-7 p.m. | Great Hall, UA Student Center
Open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and general public
Seven student Daniel Community Scholars teams will talk about their civic engagement grant proposals to help determine which of the teams will be awarded $5000 from the Daniel Foundation of Alabama to bring their idea to fruition. No RSVP is necessary. The event is free and open to the public. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Attire is business casual. Prospective 2024 Blackburn students are especially encouraged to attend.
Diversity, Coffee and Conversations
Tuesday, Nov. 14 | 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students, faculty, staff and UA System employees
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, Dr. Ted C. Nelson, director of Moundville Archaeological Park, will share information about the History of Native American Heritage Month, the role of Moundville Archaeological Park, and the Native American Heritage month exhibit Sports and Games. Dr. Nelson graduated from UA in 2020 with a PhD in Anthropology. He has been involved with research at Moundville since 2012. His most recent project was excavations along the riverbank prior to a project by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to stop erosion of the park caused by climate change and industrial river traffic. Prior to becoming director, he worked for the Office of Archaeological Research, which is also part of UA Museums and is housed in Moundville Archaeological Park.
Also sharing information that day will be Michael Billie. He will talk about the intersectionality of navigating college and being part of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and ways to be an ally. Billie was formally raised in Jackson, Mississippi, until age of 13, before moving to the Choctaw Reservation in Neshoba County for most of his life. His family currently resides in Tuscaloosa, and they are members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Billie grew up speaking Choctaw while in Jackson but didn’t fully gain the knowledge about his culture and identity through his elders until living on the Choctaw Reservation. Billie had the opportunity to learn the Choctaw dance songs and cultural purpose from his late mentor/uncle Bobby Joe. At age 10, he began playing the ancient games of Choctaw stickball and has one Men’s Championship title under his belt. Billie also enjoys making handcrafted items. Billie is a UA alum, receiving his bachelor’s degree in 2018.
Learn more about Native American Heritage Month. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
TEDTalk Tuesday: Why lakes and rivers should have the same rights as humans
Tuesday, Nov. 14 | noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration)
Open to UA students, faculty, staff and UA System employees
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the Intercultural Diversity Center continues the TEDTalk Tuesday series with legal scholar Kelsey Leonard. In this talk, Leonard shows why granting lakes and rivers legal “personhood”—giving them the same legal rights as humans—is the first step to protecting our bodies of water and fundamentally transforming how we value this vital resource. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Social Work Lunch and Learn: International Education Week
Tuesday, Nov. 14 | noon-1 p.m. | 2019 Little Hall or via Zoom
The UA School of Social Work will celebrate International Education Week with lunch and conversation, in-person or on Zoom, with Social Work students who studied in Dublin, Ireland, and Accra, Ghana. RSVP required by Nov. 10.
Lavender Bingo: The Anatomy of Intimacy
Tuesday, Nov. 14 | 5 p.m.-7 p.m. | Forum, UA Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students
This program is part of a health and relationship education series. In this session, the Safe Zone Resource Center will provide information on the anatomy and science behind intimacy. Participants will have the opportunity to play Bingo for prizes as an incentive for attending the event, and pizza and drinks will be provided. For more information, contact Safe Zone at safezone@ua.edu.
Coffee & Mental Health
Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students, faculty, staff, and UA System employees
The Intercultural Diversity Center and the UA Counseling Center will present Coffee & 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 a UA 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 wellbeing resources the counseling center has and ways they can connect with the counseling center. Coffee & Mental Health occurs every third Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Intercultural Diversity Center. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Student Coffee Hour
Thursday, Nov. 16 | 11 a.m. | Gorgas House
UA Museums will host its last coffee hour of the semester on Nov. 16. This is a free event for all students.
Ally Training Program
Thursday, Nov. 16 | 2 p.m.-4 p.m. | Zoom
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
Open to all UA students, faculty, staff and UA System employees
The UA Safe Zone Ally Training Program provides a visible network of allies for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals. Safe Zone allies distribute information regarding sexuality, gender identity, campus and community resources, and methods for reporting harassment and/or discrimination. The training program is a two-hour 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 at 205-348-7297 or safezone@ua.edu.
Game Night
Thursday, Nov. 16 | 6:22 p.m.-9:30 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. will host a night of board games to build community, form connections and network with others.
Fall Festival 2023
Friday, Nov. 17 | 4 p.m.-6 p.m. | John England Jr. Hall
The International Students Association presents its Fall Festival featuring cultural performances, food from around the world and more. The campus is invited to connect with diverse cultures and honor contributors to the international student community.
Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil
Friday, Nov. 17 | 6 p.m.-8 p.m. | Student Center Lawn
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System employees
The annual Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil allows the community to come together to remember the lives lost due to transphobic violence in the previous year. Members of the community will stand together as the names of those lost in the previous year are read. Participants will learn about the cost of transphobic violence and how they can support the trans and nonbinary community. After the vigil, light refreshments will be available in the Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center. All members of UA’s community are welcome. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Saturday in the Park: Ceramic Pottery Class
Saturday, Nov. 18 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Moundville Archaeological Park, 634 Mound State Parkway, Moundville
Mary Smith of the Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma will teach participants how to make a small ceramic vessel, which they can take home. Participation is free with park admission. Capacity is set at a maximum of 30 people and registration is required. The event is sponsored by the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and made possible in part by a grant from the Alabama State Council of the Arts. For more information, email mmholley@ua.edu or call 205-371-8732.
Start Smart
Nov. 29 | 5 p.m.-7 p.m. | 2408 Student Center | UA Students
The Women and Gender Resource Center offers AAUW Start Smart Pay Negotiation workshops in partnership with the UA Career Center and the American Association of University Women. These workshops are specifically designed for college students about to enter the job market. These workshops are centered around combatting the gender wage gap, and are therefore typically geared towards women—however, people from all gender identities are welcome to attend. Registration is required.