SEPTEMBER 2023
Featured Event
Multicultural Faculty & Staff Welcome
Monday, Sept. 18 | 5 p.m.-7 p.m. | Bryant Conference Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
Open to UA faculty, staff and graduate students and UA System employees
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion invites new UA faculty, staff and graduate students to its annual Multicultural Faculty and Staff Welcome event 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 while featuring employee resource groups: Asian American and Pacific Islander Association, Black Faculty and Staff Association, Chinese Faculty and Staff Association, Capstone Alliance, Latinx Faculty and Staff Association, and the Jewish Faculty and Staff Association.
The event is open to all UA faculty, staff and graduate students. If you plan to attend, RSVP to the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by Sept. 17. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Multi-Cultural Coffee Hour
Friday, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 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 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.
Rainbow Connection
Fridays, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 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. Rainbow Connection provides an opportunity to form supportive friendships with other group members, learn resilience skills and strategies for self-care, and set personal goals. The group meets each Friday. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Cinnamon Rolls Not Gender Roles
Tuesdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19, and 26 | 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 hosts 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. This program’s participants will learn about special topics as they pertain to understanding gender. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Family Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 5 | 5 p.m.-7 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff
Safe Zone Resource Center will host this event to discuss the expectations and norms of the lounge space with guests. Participants will learn strategies for building healthy connections with other LGBTQIA+ students, faculty and staff. Refreshments will be provided for attendees. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Study Abroad Pop-Up Advising
Tuesday, Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 | 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
Open to UA students
Education Abroad hosts this weekly pop-up advising session 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.
Diversity, Coffee and Conversations
Tuesday, Sept. 5 | 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
This monthly event kicks off the academic year with a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is held annually Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
Join us for a presentation by Dr. Yunuen Gómez-Ocampo on this month’s national theme of prosperity, power and progress in America, recognizing the significant strides of Hispanics in the economic, political, and social growth of the United States. Dr. Gómez-Ocampo is an instructor of Spanish at UA and received her Ph.D. in Hispanic Literature from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on 20th century and 21st century Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean studies, cultural studies, migration studies and gender theory.
Breakfast will feature scrambled eggs, Mexican chorizo, breakfast potatoes, flour tortillas, fruit, and beverages. Diversity, Coffee and Conversation, hosted by the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, takes place on first Tuesdays (except January) of the academic year. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Pop-Up Shop: National Hispanic Heritage Month
Wednesday, Sept. 6 | noon | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System employees
The Intercultural Diversity Center and the Hispanic-Latino Association will kick off the Pop-Up Shop series by commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month through activities, food, music, digital exhibitions, and more. 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 Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the U.S. Guests will learn about this year’s theme of prosperity, power and progress, recognizing the significant strides of Hispanics in the economic, political and social growth in the United States. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
TEDTalk Tuesday: Connecting Communities in Crisis
Tuesday, Sept. 12 | noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
Open to UA students, faculty, staff, and UA System employees
In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Intercultural Diversity Center kicks off the TEDTalk Tuesday Series by featuring Venezuelan activist Johanna Figueira. She discusses her work with Code for Venezuela, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing technologists and innovators together to address her country’s pressing needs for information, medicine and supplies. This mission-driven platform brings simple but effective tech into Venezuelan communities to provide connections and information during times of crisis. Figueira shows how organizations like Code for Venezuela bring effective solutions, hold governments accountable, and bring hope to communities. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Built from the Fire: A Conversation with Author Victor Luckerson
Tuesday, Sept. 12 | 5 p.m. | Gorgas Library, Yellowhammer Room
Learn about the history of Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre when UA alumnus Victor Luckerson discusses his book, “Built from the Fire.” Copies of the book will be on sale at the event, which is sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences History Department with co-sponsors the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, UA Honors College, Division of Student Life Blackburn Institute, and the College of Communication and Information Sciences Department of Journalism and Creative Media.
¡La Gozadera! Kick-Off Event
Thursday, Sept. 14 | 5 p.m.-8 p.m. | Student Center lawn
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System employees
The Hispanic-Latino Association in partnership with University Programs, Sigma Alpha Mu, and the Intercultural Diversity Center will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the ¡La Gozadera! Kickoff event. This program celebrates Hispanic-Latino culture through activities, food and music, provides an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the Hispanic-Latino Association, and more. For more information, contact the Hispanic-Latino Association at hla@ua.edu.
Ally Training Program
Monday, Sept. 18 | 9 a.m.-11 a.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 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.
Bisexual Awareness Week
Sept. 18-24
(Cultural Exploration)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host a drop in event for the duration of Bisexual Awareness Week. Information on the bisexual community will be available in the Student Lounge, and Bisexual pride flag print buttons will be available for students, faculty and staff to take so that they can celebrate their own identities. For more information contact Safe Zone at 205-348-7297 or safezone@ua.edu.
Human Trafficking 101 for Healthcare Professionals
Monday, Sept. 18 | 5 p.m.-6 p.m. | 1035 Capstone College of Nursing
People working in the healthcare system are likely to encounter a victim of human trafficking during their day-to-day roles and their ability to recognize the signs of human trafficking can have a lasting impact on a victim’s life. Using a data-driven approach, this presentation will use real scenarios and data extracted from human trafficking cases prosecuted in the United States to provide a realistic view of human trafficking and its intersection within the healthcare system. Lindsey Lane, senior legal counsel for the Human Trafficking Institute, will the presentation.
TEDTalk Tuesday: How the new generation of Latinx voters could change US elections
Tuesday, Sept. 19 | noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff and UA System employees
In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Intercultural Diversity Center continues its TEDTalk Tuesday Series with civic leader María Teresa Kumar. In this talk, Kumar discusses the role and value voting has within all groups. She highlights specifically topics closest to youth Latinx voters, including health care, climate equity and justice. Furthermore, she addresses how Latinx voters are a growing demographic that could shape American politics for decades to come. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Coffee & Mental Health
Wednesday, Sept. 20 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff, and UA System employees
The Intercultural Diversity Center and the UA Counseling Center present 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 a 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 wellbeing resources the counseling center has and ways they can connect with the counseling center. Coffee and Mental Health will occur on every third Wednesday from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Intercultural Diversity Center, Student Center Suite 2100. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Women and Gender Resource Center Book Club Readings
September’s book for both groups is “The House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende. The book shares the triumphs and tragedies of three generations of the Trueba family.
EveryStudent Book Club
Wednesday, Sept. 20 | noon-1 p.m.| Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
EveryStudent Book Club is dedicated to providing literary enjoyment and diversity, equity and inclusion discussions for the undergraduate population at UA. Books are available in the Women and Gender Resource Center’s Frances S. Summersell Library and through major retailers. The group, which is designed for undergraduate students, meets the third Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. in the Intercultural Diversity Center on the 2nd floor of the Student Center. All undergraduates are welcome to join, and lunch is provided. RSVP is required.
EveryWoman Book Club
Thursday, Sept. 28 | noon-1 p.m. | Legend’s Bistro, Hotel Capstone
EveryWoman Book Club is open to faculty, staff, community members and graduate students. The Women and Gender Resource Center has hosted EveryWoman Book Club for more than 15 years. The group meets monthly to discuss books written by women. Book themes often correspond to cultural heritage or awareness months. The Center usually reserves at least one copy for Book Club members at its library. The book can be reserved and picked up by calling 205-348-5040. You can join the book club by emailing WGRC program coordinator Elizabeth Lester.
Parent and Family Open House
Friday, Sept. 22 | 3 p.m.-5 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students
The Safe Zone will host an open house for UA students, faculty and staff to build community as well as learn more about what resources the center provides and what events are planned for the upcoming academic year. Refreshments will be provided for all attendees. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at 205-348-7297 or safezone@ua.edu.
‘A Thousand Bridges: The History of Latinos in the United States’
Monday, Sept. 25 | 4 p.m. | Gorgas Library, Camellia Room
The UA Latin American, Carribean, and Latinx Studies Program will sponsor this event in honor of Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month. Dr. Geraldo Cadava will deliver a lecture titled “A Thousand Bridges: The History of Latinos in the United States,” to be followed by a reception. Dr. Cadava is professor of history at Northwestern University and author of “The Hispanic Republican: The Shaping of An American Political Identity, from Nixon to Trump” (Ecco/HarperCollins, 2020), as well as “Standing on Common Ground: The Making of a Sunbelt Borderland” (Harvard, 2013).
Lunch and Learn: Celebrating 40 Years of LGBTQIA+ Student Life
Wednesday, Sept. 27 | noon-1 p.m. | 2408 Student Center
(Educational Engagement/Cultural Exploration)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host a panel discussion celebrating the 40-year anniversary of the Queer Student Association at UA. The Queer Student Association fosters understanding and education within the university and surrounding communities of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Participants will hear from panelists, Kirk Walter, Sean Atchison, David van der Griff, and Steven Palmer as they discuss their lived experiences with the QSA. In addition, guests will have an opportunity to explore ways QSA will continue to contribute impacting the lives of current LGBTQIA+ community members. A catered lunch will be provided. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
CHES: Accessibility Training
Wednesday, Sept. 27 | 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | 10 Doster Hall
Dr. Rachel Thompson, director of the Center for Instructional Technology, will offer training on technology accessibility to faculty and staff. The training includes a brief overview of legal/policy information and federal requirements, insight into how users with disabilities interact with technology, and a good foundation for creating accessible digital content. This event, which is sponsored by the College of Human Environmental Sciences Committee on Diversity and Inclusivity, is open but seating is limited.
‘Dear theory and other stories: Recognizing, refusing, (re)membering, and (re)imagining theory with Black Feminisms’
Wednesday, Sept. 27 | 3:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m. | Zoom
This presentation follows narratives and reflections of six Black women and their professor, a white woman, as they grappled with theory in a qualitative research course. The process of grappling with theoretical texts and sharing stories inspired by the texts created a community of exploring new ways of knowledge-making and dis/uncovering what they already know(knew). Through sharing their stories, they invite participants to examine and unfold their own relationships to and with theory. As McKittrick (2021) encourages, our reading, writing, and thinking practices are couched in our disobedience and refusal to accept what is given to us as knowledge and truth. Grounded in their identities as Black women and a white woman, they wonder how does (did) Blackwomanness matter in relation to theory and reading theory. The UA College of Education’s Office of Diversity will host this event. Registration is required.
The UA Broadway Cabaret
Thursday, Sept. 28 | 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. | The District Room, 551 20th Ave., downtown Tuscaloosa
Cabaret traces its origins back to the 1880s in France, where it made its debut with a show called Le Chat Noir, created by Roldolhe Salis. At Le Chat Noir, patrons were treated to an unforgettable combination of drinks and entertainment, featuring poetry readings, singing, puppetry and monologues. Fast forward to this September when Matt Davis, head of directing and stage management, and William Gantt, patron services manager, have joined forces with the UA Theatre Alliance to produce their rendition of Le Chat Noir, named The UA Broadway Cabaret, presented by the UA Department of Theatre and Dance. Tickets may be purchased in advance through the UA Theatre and Dance ticket office, 205-348-3400.
Harbor Training
Friday, Sept. 29 | 3 p.m.-5 p.m. | Human Resources Classroom A
Open to UA faculty, staff and graduate students
Participants have an opportunity to develop their knowledge of resources available to people who have experienced sexual assault, domestic/dating violence and stalking in a Harbor training session available through the Women and Gender Resource Center. Through the training, participants will gain insight and sensitivity to the issues of interpersonal violence.