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
There are reports that Asian students have been targeted and discriminated against in connection to COVID-19. This is unacceptable and contrary to our 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.
Celebrating Seniors
In the spring of each year, we look forward to recognizing the academic achievements of IU seniors. We will be featuring “Senior Stories” at the close of the semester with a video clip. If you will be graduating in May, please send in a photo of yourself, identify your degree and major, and provide us a short video reflecting your time on campus and recognizing individuals who helped you on your journey to graduation.
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.
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.
Pathways to Social Change Helps Students Learn Ways to Give Back
On May 1, the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (OVPDEMA) will work in tandem with Pathways to Social Change to host a one hour Zoom philanthropy education course from Noon - 1 p.m. This event represents OVPDEMA’s commitment to building a leadership pipeline, enhancing research and academic engagement, and fostering donor investment. Learn what social change means to you and to your communities.
Student Feature: Anna Mach
Every month, OVPDEMA highlights a graduating student involved with one of the many culture centers on campus, exploring their work and experience at IU. Featured this month is Anna Mach, a senior studying viola performance and music theory at the Jacobs School of Music, a student chef, and a violin helper at Fairview Elementary School. She is also on the Dean’s Advisory Council for Diversity and Equity for the university. Learn about Anna, her love of music, and how IU and the Asian Culture Center have influenced her educational experience.