Copy
Newsletter 23: March 22, 2021

Congratulations to Nouman Kante!

One of our very own CDI students, Nouman Kante, has just been awarded the Young Citizen of the Year Award. After two months of nominations and voting by the community, the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce has announced him as one of the winners of the 70th annual “Best of Cedar City” awards for encouraging and promoting a positive and vital economy and preserving those unique qualities that make the Cedar City area a very special place to live, work, and visit. We are happy to hear that his efforts to better our community have been recognized. Once again, congratulations to Nouman! Everyone at the CDI is proud of you!

CDI Beacon Position Open!

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) is dedicated to creating an inclusive campus environment in which diversity is explored and celebrated. The center exists to validate the multiple identities present on our campus, while integrating the voices and experiences of minoritized people. The CDI strives to empower students from historically underrepresented communities including students of color, LGBTQIA+, first-generation college students, and undocumented students (among others) by providing community; personal guidance; and financial, emotional, and academic support. We believe all students can be successful and as a team, and work to create an environment where students are supported on their path toward a college degree.

In carrying out this mission, the CDI is hiring a select team of high-achieving, passionate, and outgoing student leaders to act as Beacons, the CDI’s official ambassador team. The ideal candidate will possess the following minimum requirements:

  • Be a Southern Utah University (SUU) student
  • Have a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be hired and maintain a 3.0+ GPA each semester while you are employed by the CDI
  • Have completed at least one semester at SUU
  • Be available to work 10-20 hours per week September 2021 - December 2021 & January 2022 - April 2022 (except breaks and holidays)
  • Must have flexible hours and will be expected to work anywhere from 10-20 hours a week. (Having large commitments to other jobs, clubs, or organizations that exceed 10 hours per week will conflict with your ability to succeed as a CDI student leader. If you believe these commitments will hinder your ability to commit to having flexible hours, this may not be the job for you.)
  • Available to work evenings and weekends on which CDI events are scheduled.
  • Available to attend weekly CDI staff meetings.
  • Ability to travel occasionally for CDI purposes. (The university will cover the costs of transportation.)
  • Attend required staff retreats and socials. Attendance is critical for professional development, leadership training, and sense of camaraderie.
  • Ample notice will be given to make necessary accommodations.
For more information and to apply, please check out the posting on your SUU portal in T-Bird Campus Jobs. Applications close on Friday, March 26

SUU STEM Center Leadership Board Opening

The SUU STEM Center is looking for energetic, enthusiastic students to be a part of our STEM Leadership Board beginning fall semester 2021. Students that work for the STEM Center on the STEM Leadership Board have the opportunity to plan, organize, teach, and participate in STEM events focused on K-12th grade students in southern Utah. It looks great on a resume, it pays better than most on-campus jobs (thanks to the AmeriCorps program), and best of all, they end up feeding you quite a bit! These jobs are ideal for education majors, design majors, marketing majors, and STEM majors as well as other majors who want to spend time teaching and interacting with kids outside of their courses. The application can be found here. Their application deadline is March 31, and Zoom interviews will follow on an as-needed basis shortly thereafter. For more information and for any questions, feel free to reach out to them through Elaine Vickers (vickers@suu.edu).

Ireland Study Abroad Opportunity

If you're interested in studying abroad in Ireland, the Education in Ireland Program is offering an Inclusive Ireland Scholarship to students studying abroad at one of our partner universities in Ireland, such as:

In order to be considered for the scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at a college or university in the United States
  • Identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour)
  • Intend to study abroad at one of the participating colleges or universities in Ireland during the Fall 2021 term (see list below)
  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above
Interested students can find more information and apply for the scholarship through here! Applications are open until April 1st.

Utah Jazz Scholarship

For every Jazz win during the 2020-21 season, the Utah Jazz are providing a full, four-year scholarship to an underrepresented student of color enrolling as a freshman for the 2021-22 school year. The first 30 scholarships, representing the team’s first 30 wins this season, will be awarded to students starting school in the fall of 2021. All remaining scholarships that result from additional wins this season will be awarded beginning with the 2022-2023 school year.

What does the scholarship cover?

The award will cover up to the full cost of attendance — including tuition, books, fees, and room and board — for each recipient’s full undergraduate education at one of six universities in the state of Utah.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must be:
  1. Graduate of a Utah high school
  2. Person of color
  3. Preference given to those with demonstrated financial need (regardless of FAFSA eligibility)
  4. Preference given to first-generation college students
  5. Incoming freshman enrolling as a full-time student for the 2021-2022 school year
  6. Admission to one of the six listed Utah universities: Brigham Young University, Southern Utah University, Weber State University, University of Utah, Utah State University, and/or Utah Valley University
The deadline to apply is April 2, 2021, and you can apply through their website and application link. For more information, you can check out the news article here.

Grand Plan Scholarship

Fresh Prints, in collaboration with Kaplan Test Prep, are giving away $1000 in scholarship money to students to show their appreciation. Three years ago, they committed to giving back to students. Now, that commitment feels more important than ever. Whatever your post-pandemic and post-college plans are, they want to do what they can to help you get there. 

To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must:

  • Be an undergraduate student
  • Attend a university or four-year college
  • Study full-time
  • Not work for Fresh Prints or Kaplan test prep
For more information and to apply, click here. Applications close on April 15, so don't wait!

Reach Out to Johnny McLean

If you've ever had a question for Associate Provost Johnny McLean, you can now reach out to him through an anonymous survey for any questions, concerns, and suggestions about your experiences at Southern Utah University. Reach out to him  to help build a relationship between him and CDI students to make some positive changes on the SUU campus!

Gila Cliff Dwellings Summer Internship

The Conservation Corps of New Mexico (CCNM) is dedicated to connecting young indigenous adults to culturally significant sites. This summer, they're offering a paid internship for students interested in being part of a residential crew based experience in the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument area.

The crew will be in charge of trail work, facilities, and cultural resources. Housing will be provided, and a $330 per week stipend will be given to those participating. 

To be eligible for this opportunity, students must:
  • Be tribal affiliated
  • Be between the ages of 18 and 25
  • Have a GED or HS Diploma
  • Pass a Criminal History Check
This experience will last from April 2021 to October 2021. If you're interested in signing up, click here! For more information, or for any questions, please contact Danielle Wess (dwess@conservationlegacy.org).

Indian Training Education Center Funding Opportunity

The Indian Training Education Center (ITEC) is a federally funded WIOA program serving Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Hawaiian Natives living in Utah. ITEC serves students in High School/GED, College or other training programs.

ITEC provides a monthly stipend to students based on grades, attendance and total hours/credits. It is about $400/mo for a fulltime/12cr student. ITEC can also provide assistance with books, fees, transportation and other school related expenses. To qualify for services students must be low income, have proof of their descent, live in Utah, and be able to complete what they are working on within approximately 9 months or two semesters.

T
he Indian Training Education Center is fully operating and continuing to offer funding to current students, and are taking new students who will be graduating Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Summer 2021 and Fall 2021.
 
For more information  please feel free to contact the ITEC office or MarJean Elder at 801-973-6484.

Events










Free CDI Tutor
One of our students, Hamza Samha has volunteered to offer free tutoring to CDI students. It looks like no one has taken him up on his offer. If you or anyone you know is struggling or just want to improve with the following subjects:
  • Math: 950, 970, 1010, 1050, 1060, 1210
  • Chemistry:  1010, 1015, 1110, 1115, 1210, 1220
Please contact him at hamza.samha@suusuccess.org.
A.P.E.X.: Donovan Livingston
Donovan Livingston is a passionate speaker, encouraging students, educators, and communities to realize their potential to change the shape of education, and to "lift off." You may have heard of him through his viral convocation speech to the Harvard Graduate School of Education. To experience his prowess with words first hand, visit the Hunter Conference Center on Thursday, March 25th from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Graduate School Workshop
Worried about applying to graduate schools? Come and join the Pride and Equality Club and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at the Graduate School Workshop on Thursday, March 25 at 6:00 PM at the CDI (ST 101). This event is open to ALL students wanting to learn more about grad school. Some topics addressed will be application tips, how to choose a school, first-hand experience, things to know when applying, and more. We hope to see you there!

Power to Heal: Medicare and the Civil Rights Revolution
On Friday, March 26 at 5:30 PM, the SUU Anthropology Club and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion will hold a movie screening of "The Power to Heal: Medicare and the Civil Rights Revolution" at the Student Center Church Auditorium. Snacks will be provided. After the movie, there will be an opportunity for audience discussion. Masks are required, and temperatures will be checked at the door.

Guest Lectures in Gender and Work Class
If you're interested in learning more about the intersection between gender and work, come and sit in on Dr. Shobha Gurung's lectures on Monday, March 29 and Friday, April 16 at 1 PM. Dr. Melaine Heath will guest lecture on March 29 about Taking Measure of Gender Inequality in the Times of COVID-19, while Dr. Mary Romero will guest lecture on April 16 about Racialized Gender Labor. For either meeting, the link to join is here! The ID is 940 9506 9847 and the passcode is 4l507d.

Walk to Prevent Suicide
On Wednesday, April 7th, the SUU Health and Wellness Center is holding a Walk to Prevent Suicide event, focusing on suicide prevention and awareness. It will take place at 1 PM at the Health and Wellness Center (ST 175). Show up to show your solidarity and support, and get some exercise along the way. 

LGBTQ+ Support Group
Join SUU CAPS every Thursday at 3 PM for an LGBTQ+ support group and discuss pertinent issues to the community, such as coming out to your parents, discrimination, advocate burn out, and etc. This support group is welcome to anyone looking for support and safety. For more information and to join via Zoom, click here!

Pride Alliance Masks
Join the Pride Alliance in supporting our LGBTQIA+ campus community by purchasing and wearing your rainbow mask with pride. Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Allies Scholarship fund, and the other half will help Pride Alliance host trainings and events for supporting and creating safe spaces for our LGBTQIA+ students. If you're interested in purchasing a mask, click here!

Club Meetings

African Union Club
Every other Friday, 5 PM at the CDI (ST 102)

Asian American Student Alliance
Every other Monday, 6 PM at the CDI (ST 102)

Black Student Union
Wednesdays, 6:30 PM at the CDI (ST 102)

Latinx Student Alliance
Wednesdays, 5:00 PM at the CDI (St 102)
Middle East Club
Fridays, 4:30 PM at the CDI (ST 102)

Native American Student Association
Tuesdays, 6 PM at the CDI (ST 102)

Polynesian Club
Every First Monday, 5 PM at the CDI (ST 102)

Pride and Equality Club
Thursdays, 6 PM at the CDI (ST 102)

UndocuMigrant Alliance
Thursdays, 7 PM at the CDI (ST 102)

Our Clubs

African Union Club (AUC)
Club President: Anthony Musimbi
C
ontact: anthy.andy@gmail.com
Social Media: IG @suu_a.u.c

Asian American Student Alliance (AASA)
Club President: David Nguyen
Contact: dhn206@gmail.com
Social Media: IG @suu_aasa

Black Student Union (BSU)
Club President: Dominique Erwin
Contact: dominiqueerwin@suumail.net
Social Media: BSU Facebook, IG/Twitter @suu_bsu

Latino Student Alliance (LSA)
Club President: Hunter Cordova
Contact: hunter.cordova@me.com
Social Media: LSA Facebook, IG @suulsa

Middle East Club (MEC)
Club President: Abdulelah (Abdul) Fakhrani
Contact: middleeastsuu@gmail.com
Social Media: Middle East SUU Facebook, IG/Twitter @middleeastsuu

Native American Student Association (NASA)
Club President: Mahala Sutherland
Contact: mahalasutherland@gmail.com

Social Media: NASA Facebook, IG @nasa_suu

Polynesian Club
Club President: Victor Ledua
Contact: 
leduavictor98@gmail.com
Social Media: PC Facebook , IG @suu.poly

Pride and Equality Club (PAEC)
Club President: Victor Carvajal-Lopez
Contact: victorcarvajallopez@suumail.net
Social Media: PAEC Facebook, IG @suu_paec

UndocuMigrant Alliance (UMA)
Club President: Erick Peña
Contact: erickthepena@gmail.com
Social Media: IG @uma_suu








OUR MISSION
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) exists to validate the multiple identities present on our campus, while integrating the voices and experiences of marginalized people. We provide emotional, social, and financial support to students from historically underrepresented communities (e.g. students of color, LGBTQIA+ students, first-generation college students, etc.)

The CDI collaborates with campus partners to foster a learning environment that respects multiple perspectives and differences through multicultural clubs, workshops, trainings and cultural programming. The CDI invites members of the campus community to join in conversation about how to cultivate an inclusive, safe, and welcoming campus culture.

CONTACT US
Sharwan Smith Student Center, Room 101 and 102
diversity@suu.edu
435.865.8761


EMAIL PREFERENCES
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences, subscribe, or unsubscribe from this list.


Have Something to Add to the Newsletter?
If you have information you would like to include in this newsletter, please email the information to diversity@suu.edu. All materials must be received by Wednesday to be included in the following week's newsletter. Thank you!


Copyright © | 2020-2021 | Center for Diversity & Inclusion|. All rights reserved.