News
Message from Vice President Wimbush
I want to take a moment to recognize there have been a number of bias-related incidents at institutions across the country over the last few months. And unfortunately, IU Bloomington is no different. Please be assured that these incidents do not reflect the values or principles of Indiana University. We strive to not only embrace students from diverse and marginalized backgrounds but provide them with a welcoming and respectful environment. Please know that when an incident does occur, we take these matters very seriously and work with offices and individuals across campus to address them. To any student who has felt isolated or unsafe due to an incident, please know that IU is committed to creating a safe campus for all and that diversity and inclusion are core values we expect everyone in the IU family to share.
Coronavirus Update
Though there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Indiana (as of March 5, 2020), Indiana University continues to prepare for a potential outbreak. IU’s Office of Public Safety and Institutional Assurance has been leading the strategy and preparations associated with contingency planning, meeting with partners across the university and coordinating with local and state health departments and hospitals since early January.
The seasonal flu, however, remains our biggest public health concern at this time. You can help prevent the spread of the flu with proper hand washing, covering your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, and staying away from others if they’re sick.
More information about both the flu and coronavirus (COVID-19) found protect.iu.edu.
Reject the Stigma
We are aware of reports that some of our 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. 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.
Career Dinner Symposium Prepares Students for Professional Success
On Thursday, February 27, 2020, several IU Bloomington students gathered in the IMU Tudor Room for the Mentoring Services & Leadership Development’s Career Dinner Symposium. Supported by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, the Career Dinner Symposium allowed students to network and ask pressing questions to a variety of business professionals from the Bloomington-Indianapolis area. According to Patrick Smith, executive director of IU’s Mentoring Services & Leadership Development, this event allows students to practice professionalism and networking skills while providing an opportunity for them to meet professionals in their fields of interest. Among the professionals in attendance were Monroe County circuit court judges, small business owners, doctors, and directors of non-profit organizations.
Sixth Annual Indiana Asian American Conference
Held on February 22, 2020, the Sixth annual Indiana Asian American Conference (IAAC) brought awareness and sparked discussion around political issues and topics within the Asian American experience on campus and the community. The conference included special guest and Keynote Speaker Ken Lieu—author of the short story collection The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories as well as the Star Wars novel The Legends of Luke Skywalker—educational workshops and a professional development panel. This year's IAAC was in collaboration with OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Passport Caravan Event Opens World of Opportunities for Students
The Overseas Studies and Scholarship Program, within the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, partnered for the third and final time with the Council on International Educational Exchange on a Passport Caravan. On February 7, 2020, in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center Grand Hall, 150 students received their first passport -- for free. And staff from the IU Office of Overseas Study presented the new passport holders with opportunities to study abroad with IU.
A $200,000 Anonymous Gift to Indiana University’s Queer Philanthropy Circle Will Help More LGBTQ+ Students Earn Degrees
On February 12, 2020, inspired by the work of Indiana University’s newly launched Queer Philanthropy Circle (QPC), an anonymous member of the IU LGBTQ+ community made a $200,000 pledge to match donations to or memberships in the QPC received on or before June 30, 2020. In collaboration with the IU Foundation, the LGBTQ+ Alumni Association, and other IU LGBTQ+ organizations, the QPC supports programming, resources, and thought leadership aimed at improving recruitment, retention, and degree attainment for LGBTQ+ students and the quality of life for members of the LGBTQ+ community on all IU campuses. This gift will be used as seed money to begin investing in queer priorities at Indiana University.
Student Feature: Caleb King
Every month, we highlight a graduating student engaged with one of the administered programs of the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, exploring their work and experience at IU. Caleb King is a senior majoring in Neuroscience. Caleb has served as president for the Board of Aeons, on the IU Cabinet for Student Leaders for Vice Provost and Dean O’Guinn, and is also the president of the Native American Student Association. Recently, he discussed his time in college, what he’s learned, and what role the First Nations Educational & Cultural Center (FNECC) played in these four years.