News
Message from Vice President Wimbush
Early a few mornings ago, my dog and I set out for our usual walk on our usual route in downtown Indianapolis. As we walked, I couldn’t help but think that, aside from Harris’s stride and the jingle of his collar, things really weren’t so usual anymore. There was no rush-hour traffic, no lights on at the coffee shop, and no hurry to prepare for the busy day ahead. By all accounts, our routine walk had turned into an uncommon experience.
As I shifted my mind from the impact an outbreak brings to what was happening around me, I couldn’t help but smile. Harris went along sniffing and looking for rabbits and squirrels, and I began to notice a lot of what I’d not been seeing on past walks—blooming plants and trees, and stars. I couldn’t recall ever noticing stars on such a well-lit city street, and I was so glad to allow myself a moment to enjoy all the small but joyful experiences.
In that moment, I realized that those small things happening around me weren’t insignificant. They affirmed how I felt deep down, and they gave me comfort. Even if you can’t see the stars from wherever you are right now, know that they’re there, present and shining. And just as the plants will continue to bloom, IU and its faculty, staff, and students will carry on noticing and appreciating all the things that make this uncommon time so special and refreshingly normal: our exceptional university providing outstanding educational opportunities to the state, nation, and world.
Reject the Stigma
Asian Americans are being targeted and harassed in connection with COVID-19. The IU community rejects this baseless discrimination as contrary to IU’s values of racial equity and social justice. The COVID-19 infection is not connected to any race, ethnicity, or nationality. Misinformation about coronavirus disease 2019 can create fear and hostility that harms people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. Help us prevent discrimination or stigmatization by sharing accurate information.
Get the facts about coronavirus (COVID-19) at protect.iu.edu.
IU Linguistics Students Translate COVID-19 Materials
As the COVID-19/Coronavirus outbreak continues to dominate the media, it is essential to have clear and accessible information on the disease. Many FAQs and fact sheets provided by organizations like the World Health Organization are available in a limited number of languages, however. On Monday, March 23, Governor Holcomb issued a Stay-At-Home order for Indiana, and his office posted a FAQ page only available in English, an example of how Hoosiers who cannot read English have difficulty accessing reliable information about the developing emergency.
Read how IU students help by providing their community members with critical information, both to prevent fear and so people know how to protect themselves.
IU Family Members Help Others Find Peace During COVID-19
COVID-19 continues to impact Indiana University with students taught virtually while faculty and staff telecommute through programs like Zoom. This sudden shift in higher education has caused anxiety, fear, and even uncertainty in several individuals. However, many members of the IU family are doing their best to provide a sense of balance and tranquility during these times.
Learn how you can reduce tensions and anxieties during these difficult times.
Fielding Scholar Brandon Merrit Presents at Regional Conference
From Feb. 14-16, several IU students attended the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College Conference (MBLGTACC) held in Kalamazoo, Michigan. One of these students was Brandon Merritt, a third-year Ph.D. student in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with an interest in transgender speech and voice. Merritt attended the conference for the second time on the James Fielding LGBTQ+ Student Advocacy & Leadership Scholarship which is administered by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs.
Read about Brandon’s experience attending as a student and then as a workshop presenter.
IU Alumni/Staff United in Passion
The Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (OVPDEMA) includes a variety of academic units, culture centers, and scholarship groups under its umbrella and provided hundreds of students the opportunity to learn, grow, and find a home at Indiana University. During their time in OVPDEMA programs, students learned the importance of diversity and inclusion through immersive learning, group activities, and community. Students graduate from IU with a sense of self-identity and purpose, ready to take on the world at large. However, some OVPDEMA students return to Indiana University, using their diverse skillset to improve the lives of marginalized and underrepresented students across campus in a variety of different roles.
Read how time in OVPDEMA programs shape perspectives and passions.
Remembering Our Beginnings
Throughout April, Indiana University observes Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Remembering Our Beginnings: Stories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders” where we highlight and reflect on AAPI history and experiences.
Watch the video and listen to reflections and stories from Asian American students at IU.
2020 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Programs
As part of IU’s tradition of honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) as well as recognizing the issues affecting the AAPI community and in the diaspora, we invite you to virtually join in our 2020 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month programs.
Learn about and celebrate the cultures and histories of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, as well as recognize the remarkable contributions members of those communities have made to IU