News
Message from Vice President Wimbush
James C. Wimbush
Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs; Dean of The University Graduate School; Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership
As we continue to work towards a more inclusive and equitable environment for us all, it remains vital we listen to the issues and concerns of diverse communities. Over the past year, we have seen a startling increase in anti-Asian hostility and discrimination as Asian Americans continue to be the target of scapegoating for the COVID-19 pandemic, with roughly 3,000 reported hate incidents against Asian Americans nationwide.
As such, the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (OVPDEMA) is proud to join over 20 local organizations and institutions in endorsing the rapid response campaign of the Indiana chapter of the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF) to speak out against the spike in anti-Asian violence across Indiana and the nation. This petition calls for Governor Holcomb to condemn anti-Asian racism and take official action to ensure the safety of Asian American Hoosiers. I encourage you to learn more about the petition and I invite you to join me and colleagues across the state in support.
Please accept my most profound appreciation for your continuing support of IU and OVPDEMA.
Warm Regards,
James C. Wimbush
Pandemic Health Disparities Grant
The Pandemic Health Disparities Fund provided approximately $500,000 to IU campuses to improve mental health resources for students who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Antiracist Update
IU’s Antiracist Agenda continues to move forward as we prepare to move into the last of four planned phases
Women's History Month
In 1867, Sarah Parke Morrison became the first woman admitted to Indiana University. Since then, women have made incredible contributions at Indiana University. Whether they be students, staff, or faculty, women have undoubtedly changed the course of IU history.
MLK Day
Indiana University's social justice conference "Where Do We Go From Here" honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King with roughly thirty unique social justice sessions featuring social justice experts from across the IU system. The keynote event, featuring #BlackLivesMatter co-founder Alicia Garza and activist Angela Davis, was moderated by NPR political analyst Angela Rye.
Reimagine Potpourri
Due to COVID restrictions, the annual Potpourri, traditionally presented live and in person by the African American Arts Institute, was reimagined into a virtual experience. Maria Hamilton Abegunde moderated the event, which featured a conversation with ensemble directors and students. The ensemble performances are available to view on the institute's website through March 24.
21st Century Moves to Improve Scholar Career Choice
During the 2019-2020 academic year, Indiana University Bloomington and other campuses participated in the 21st Century Scholars Collegiate Scholar Success Program (CSSP) pilot. This roll-out provided an opportunity to test the program before its 2020-2021 release date.
Alumnus Jim Fielding Returns to IU
Executive in Residence Jim Fielding reflects on his new staff position at Indiana University, his multiple scholarships, and how IU has continued to inspire him and his work. Fielding has over thirty years of experience working in various positions such as President of Consumer Products and Innovation for Fox Television Group and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Global Head of Consumer Products and Retail at DreamWorks Animation, and CEO of Claire's Stores Inc.
Rosalyn Davis Recognized with Prestigious Award
IU Kokomo faculty member Rosalyn Davis receives the Virgil Hunt Service Award, a commendation for outstanding service by a faculty or staff member. Davis is an associate clinical professor of psychology and previously received the Chancellor's Diversity Excellence Award.
Pursuing Peace Amidst the Mass Incarceration of Black Males
IUN Chief Diversity Officer James Wallace has recently published "Pursuing Peace Amidst the Mass Incarceration of Black Males," addressing the mass incarceration crisis among Black males. Published in the third volume of ENGAGE!, Indiana University's first academic journal focused on community-engaged research, the article is available on ENGAGE's website.
High School Explorers – Expand Your Horizons Through College Pathways
Preparing your high school student for college can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Explore college readiness tools while experiencing all that IU has to offer through this year’s new High School Explorers program.
Community Visioning Survey
Have you interacted with one or more of IU Bloomington's culture centers? If yes, please consider completing the Community Visioning Survey, influencing the future vision of the culture centers. The survey is open to students, staff, administrators, faculty, alumni, and the community. The Community Visioning Survey is anonymous, 11 questions, and should take no longer than 5-10 minutes. Your input is extremely valuable to our efforts in designing our Vision 2030 and beyond. The survey is available from March 15, 2021 – April 15, 2021. Thank you in advance for sharing your feedback.
Herbert Presidential Scholars
President McRobbie and seven IU chancellors joined in celebrating the Herbert Presidential Scholars and welcomed the 76 students of the 2020 freshman class during a virtual celebration.
OVPDEMA Scholarships
The Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs will accept scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year until March 31. Please check scholarship guidelines for specific criteria.
Support
We invite you to join our movement and donate, retweet, or share our efforts to maximize private support. Your gifts back scholarships for historically underserved, minorities, and first-generation students and enhance academic and career support for students, increasing persistence and completion rates.