Learning/Opportunities
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Equity Connect
Faculty and staff are invited to join Equity Connect. The Equity Connect portal is for all employees at ETSU. This portal will store the video recordings and assets from the East Tennessee Higher Education Regional Alliance eConvenings led by the USC Race and Equity Center. The portal also has a groups feature to allow members to form and participate in virtual communities of practice.
The video recording of eConvenings have been uploaded to the Equity Connect library for any staff or faculty who couldn’t attend the live session. To view/listen to the recording you must first register for Equity Connect.
Please follow these registration instructions:
1. Sign Up on USC Portal
2. Under Category Select “East Tennessee Higher Education Regional Alliance” and under Institution select East Tennessee State University.
3. Enter the information requested and create a password for your account. Please use your ETSU email address when registering (this will provide you access). You will receive an email confirmation upon registration (please check your spam folder). Please click “validate email” after receiving this email.
4. After validation, use your credential to log-in at Sign-in | USC Portal.
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Lunch and Learn Past Sessions - Recordings
Recordings of previous Lunch and Learn sessions can be found at Digital Commons: https://dc.etsu.edu/equity-lunch-learn/
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Safe Zone
ETSU Safe Zone is a community of LGBTQ+ allies on ETSU campus who have all undergone an orientation to being an LGBTQ+ ally and signed the ETSU Safe Zone pledge.
Learn more by visiting the Safe Zone webpage.
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Speaker Series Recordings
Cara James, PhD, President and CEO at Grantmakers in Health (GIH)
Health, Equity, and Inclusion Lecture - March 23, 2021
"Understanding Health Disparities and What it Takes to Achieve Health Equity"
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Student Financial Support - Office of Equity and Inclusion
Office of Equity and Inclusion
Student Success & Innovation Scholarships
Information and Application RequirementsDescription: The purpose of the Student Success & Innovation Scholarship is to eliminate barriers to postsecondary access and success for underserved students from all walks of life in order to increase retention and graduation rates. Students who are first generation; low income; Pell-grant recipients; active military, veterans, or military affiliated; unemployed; historically underrepresented (i.e., identifying as Black/African-American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, or Hispanic); or have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply. Students may request funding one time per academic year (fall or spring semester only) to help cover their tuition, program fees, or other academic-related expenses and/or approved research activities.
Amount of scholarships: Applicants may request up to $2,000 of one time funding.
Funding Eligibility Characteristics
· Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students are eligible.
· Full-time and part-time students are eligible.Funding Ineligibility Characteristics
· Graduate students receiving graduate assistantships or tuition scholarships are not eligible for scholarships.
· Funding cannot cover parking fees, late fees, campus housing, meals/meal plans, or personal expenses such as rent, utility bills, health insurance, medical bills, etc.
· No student may receive more than a combined total of $2,500 of scholarship and travel funds from the Office of Equity and Inclusion within any one academic year.Request for Support Requirements
· Students must complete the “Request for Support Form – Other”.
· The Request for Support Form must be electronically submitted to maturo@etsu.edu. Incomplete forms will be returned and will not receive consideration until fully complete.
· Students must attach relevant documentation to the Request for Support - Other form such as their detailed Goldlink On Demand statement outlining the specific charges to their account.
· For best consideration, please submit completed request forms by the following dates: Fall semester – August 15 or September 15; Spring semester – January 15 or February 15.Committee Review Process
· Support requests will be reviewed two times per semester by a committee comprised of staff members from Financial Aid, Undergraduate Admissions, International Enrollment and Services, Graduate Studies, and Equity and Inclusion.
· The committee may request to meet with the student to obtain a better understanding of the need for assistance.
· Students will be notified via email of the committee’s decision.Granted Scholarships Procedure
If funding is approved, a scholarship form will be submitted on the student’s behalf to the Office of Financial Aid to be applied to the student’s account. Scholarships can take up to 15 business days for processing.
Please direct any questions to Kim Maturo, Office Coordinator, at maturo@etsu.edu.
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Office of Equity and Inclusion
Student Success & Innovation Travel Support Awards
Information and Application RequirementsDescription: The purpose of the Student Success & Innovation Conference Travel Award is to provide secondary support for underserved students attending conferences related to their major/field of study or presenting their research. Students who are first generation; low income; Pell-grant recipients; active military, veterans, or military affiliated; unemployed; historically underrepresented (i.e., identifying as Black/African-American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, or Hispanic); or have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply. Conference travel awards are ordinarily given a maximum of one time per year (fall or spring semester only).
Amount of Award: Major/field of study-related conference: Up to $1,500
Conference presentation of major/field of study-related research: Up to $2,000Application Deadlines
· October 1st for conferences taking place January through May
· May 1st for conferences taking place August through DecemberFunding Eligibility Characteristics
· Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students are eligible.
· Full-time and part-time students are eligible.
· All requests for conference travel must be accompanied by evidence that your home department or another source is also supporting your travel.
· No student may receive more than a combined total of $2,500 of scholarship and travel funds from the Office of Equity and Inclusion within any one academic year.Funding Request Requirements
· Students must complete the “Request for Support Form – Conference Travel (Student)”.
· The request form must be electronically submitted to maturo@etsu.edu with the following additional items attached (see “Policies and Procedures” below for more information):
o Travel Authorization Request form (signed by the student and department head)
o Copy of brochure or other conference information
o Copy of acceptance letter to present (if applicable)
· Incomplete forms will be returned and will not receive consideration until fully complete.
· The request form and additional items must be submitted no less than 30 days (4 weeks) prior to the anticipated travel date to allow time for review of your request.
· Additionally, for students seeking assistance in booking their flight, request forms must be received at least 6 weeks prior to their departure to secure the most economical pricing.Request for Support Policies and Procedures
· Students must follow the ETSU Board of Trustees General Travel Policy and all State of Tennessee Travel Regulations. All student travelers are responsible for knowing, understanding, and following these policies and regulations. Failure to follow ETSU’s travel policies and associated regulations may affect reimbursement.
· When completing the Travel Authorization Request form, please use the most recent form found at: https://www.etsu.edu/bf/forms.php. Per diem rates for lodging, meals, and incidentals can be found at https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates.
· Students must provide conference information that includes location, conference dates, registration fees, conference agenda, hotel accommodations/rates, etc. from the conference website, email, or brochure.
· Those requesting additional funding for presenting must provide a copy of their acceptance letter to present at the conference.
· Students must seek funding from their department and/or the Graduate & Professional Student Association Fund and include this funding information on their Conference Travel Support Request form.
· Students should seek guidance from their department chair or their designee in preparing the Conference Travel Support Request, Travel Authorization Request, and related forms.Review Process
· Conference Travel Support Request forms will be reviewed in the order they are received by the Vice President of Equity and Inclusion.
· The Vice President may request to meet with the student to obtain a better understanding of the need for assistance.
· Students will be notified via email of the Vice President’s determination.**Important Post-Travel Information**
· Approval of your Conference Travel Support Request means funds have been set aside to support your travel plans.
· After your travel, you must work with the Office of Equity and Inclusions to complete all required travel reimbursement paperwork in order to receive your support funds.Please direct any questions to Kim Maturo, Office Coordinator, at maturo@etsu.edu.
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Student Support Resources - Other
Student Support Resources
The ETSU Counseling Center provides personal counseling for students, as well as outreach and referrals. Students may contact the ETSU Counseling Center (423) 439-3333. The Counseling Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday and is encouraging appointments via Zoom. The Bucs Press 2 service is available 24/7 by dialing (423) 439-4841 and pressing 2 for a counselor. The Counseling Center also offers ongoing “Let’s Talk” opportunities and single session therapy to any student. This may be a good option for those unfamiliar with the Counseling Center and their services to learn more about referrals and national and regional resources.
The Dean of Students website is a resource for students and for student referral. The site includes the most often utilized resources along with links to other support services. Student referrals may be made to the Dean of Students office by submitting a CARE Report or emailing deanofstudents@etsu.edu.
See the BucsCare and Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center resource page for additional online resources.
Multicultural Center Resources
The Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center hosts several unique events and programming opportunities throughout the year that celebrates our commitment to diversity and champions inclusion within the ETSU community. Please visit www.etsu.edu/mcc for more information about those opportunities.
The Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center Student Advisory Board provides advice on programming and student issues on the ETSU campus. The Board will hold monthly meetings throughout the academic year to encourage discussion on new initiatives and emergent issues centered around diverse topics centered around social justice, campus climate, and other topics. The Board’s recommendations will help to influence goals, services, and the overall effectiveness of the Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center.
ETSU Military and Veteran Services
The ETSU Military and Veteran Services office provides guidance, resources, and support to our student veterans. This includes working with students to confirm benefits and eligibility, set up support measures to assist students with academic success, and coordinating dedicated student space—the Military Student Resource Center (MARC)-- for our veterans on campus.
Additional Student Engagement Opportunities
Student activities and organizations are plentiful within our community and offer a variety of ways for students to connect with each other. Events are ongoing throughout the end of the term and as additional opportunities arise the calendar will be updated.
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Student Scholarships/Financial Resources - Other
Emergency Funding for Students
The Buccaneer Student Crisis Fund was established to provide assistance to currently enrolled students who experience an extenuating circumstance that could affect their ability to remain a student. For additional information, please visit this link.Financial Aid Counselor or Student Success Specialist, follow this link.
Graduate & Professional Student Association Funds
The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) of East Tennessee State University is a student-managed organization whose membership is open to all currently enrolled post-baccalaureate degree-seeking students. Any graduate student actively involved in GPSA can apply for use of GPSA transportation funds. Students who are presenting are eligible to receive up to $700. For more information, please visit this link.International Enrollment and Services - International Scholarships.
Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center - Scholarships
Undergraduate Student Travel Grants
Visit ETSU Financial Aid and Scholarships for additional opportunities.
Dr. Patricia Robertson Diversity Scholarship
Who is eligible?
The Dr. Patricia Robertson Diversity Scholarship recognizes students who are enrolled full-time as undergraduate and/or graduate students at East Tennessee State University. These students demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through their campus involvement, service, and/or leadership. Undergraduate students must have a minimum cumulative GPA at ETSU of a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale; graduate students must have a minimum cumulative GPA at ETSU of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Individuals may re-apply annually for the scholarship, once awarded, if they maintain eligibility requirements. Award amounts will vary and depend on the availability of funds.
What are the criteria for selection?
Applicants must demonstrate one or more of the following:
· Active participation in one or more campus/department/College organizations that focus on diversity and equity
· Creates opportunities for peers to engage in conversations and/or activities that are focused on diversity and or equity
· Demonstrates a commitment to creating an inclusive community at ETSU through contributions to diversity, equality, or inclusion initiatives.
· Individuals must maintain good standing with the University.Submission Guidelines:
1. Complete the Scholarship Form
2. Respond, in no more than 2,000 words, to the question: “Why should I be selected to receive the Dr. Patricia Robertson Scholarship Award?”
3. Submit nomination package to: The ETSU Office of Equity and Inclusion, 109 Dossett Hall, PO Box 70705, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614 or via email to Kim Maturo at maturo@etsu.edu.The submission deadline is April 30th. The Equity and Inclusion Scholarship and Awards Committee will review submissions and notify recipients by June 15th. Scholarships will be awarded to the student before the start of the upcoming academic year.
Questions should be directed to Kim Maturo, Office Coordinator, maturo@etsu.edu, Office of Equity and Inclusion.
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Resources - Faculty and Staff
Click here to learn more about the TBR Divisive Concepts Presentation
Mark A. Fulks, Esq., ETSU University Counsel has prepared the following Academic Pursuits at ETSU: A Safe Space for Professors and a Safe Space for Critical Race Theory (A Faculty's Guide to the Divisive Concepts Act) to answer questions regarding SB2290/HB2670.
Inclusive Teaching Practices with the Syllabus Challenge facilitated by Kim A. Case, Ph.D.
Faculty who were unable to attend the January 12, 2022 workshop can request the link to the workshop recording by emailing, Kim Maturo, Office Coordinator at maturo@etsu.edu.
This interactive session introduced simple, yet powerful actions faculty can take to increase pedagogical microaffirmations that foster sense of belonging among students.
The practical tips and strategies offered by the “Syllabus Challenge” address both the syllabus document as well as broader course design. The workshop included several examples of learning goals, course materials, assignments, and course policies by applying critical questions posed by the Syllabus Challenge guiding document.
Resources for Working with Students in Anticipation of the Derek Chauvin Verdict
from Amy D. Johnson, Ed.D.
Associate Provost for Faculty & Director of the Center for Teaching ExcellenceIf you need to learn about the trial and/or the trauma that surrounds the trial, you can find some good resources here: Derek Chauvin Trial Updates and PBS News Hour: For some, an extra layer of trauma surrounds Derik Chauvin’s trial.
· These resources from the University of Minnesota are designed to help faculty support students before, during and after the Chauvin trial. This resource includes some sample language you can adapt for communicating with students about the trial.
· This guide from the Anti-Defamation League provides a structure for a Table Talk Conversation: George Floyd, Racism, and Law Enforcement.
· And this New York Times Lesson Plan provides a number of resources for Exploring the Chauvin Trial with Students.
In addition to these classroom resources, ETSU’s Counseling Center senior staff and interns are hosting same day/rapid access slots from 10 AM-Noon and 2-4 PM and are prepared to work with students who might be coming in to process the trial decision. The Counseling Center is also hosting Let's Talk drop-in sessions, which students can attend without completing paperwork. They are also promoting The Steve Fund on the Center’s website and social media; The Steve Fund is a resource specifically dedicated to the health and well-being of students of color.
The Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center is also planning to host open office hours and reflection/processing sessions for students who want to come together to discuss issues that surround the trial.
Other resources that may be helpful:
Acknowledge the recent acts of violence and their prevalence in recent history! Remaining silent in your classes regarding these events ignores the reality of the experience your students are facing. It may feel awkward and you may not have the right language, but these tips from Vanderbilt's Center for Teaching and the New York Times Learning Blog can help.
Moment of silence - Taking time to acknowledge hateful and tragic events and allow students to reflect in their own way is a small step you can take to indicate you care about these events and how each student may be affected.
Facilitate a Discussion - Set ground rules for difficult dialogues and take time in class to discuss the events. You'll need to be sure you allow sufficient time to explore all of the topics that may come up in this kind of discussion and pre-plan strategies for managing "hot moments" should they emerge.
Assign relevant readings or ask students to complete an assignment (ex. journal entry) that relates to the themes of the event.
Practice Empathy - Brene Brown writes, "Rarely does an empathetic response begin with 'at least.'" As in, "at least they didn't tear the plaques down," or "at least they didn't protest the pep rally." "At least" is a phrase that invalidates a person's experience. Empathy requires perspective taking, avoiding judgment, recognizing emotion in others, and connecting to that emotion.
Notice, Ask, and Refer - This advice from David Goobler's The Missing Course, challenges us to be aware when students seem out of sorts. If a student's physical appearance changes markedly, they suddenly start missing zoom sessions, or they fail to complete assignments (when they once were punctual), that student may be in distress. Asking, "Is everything ok?", will signal that you care. It is important however, to avoid acting as an expert. Refer students to the Multicultural Center or the Counseling Center if they indicate they need some assistance.
The Struggle Is Real: Teaching the Civil Rights Movement Seminar SeriesResource material from the National Center for Civil and Human Rights October 2020 seminar series, The Struggle Is Real: Teaching the Civil Rights Movement can be found at Resource Guide 1 and Resource Guide 2 .
ARTICLES ON CONFRONTING RACISM FROM HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW
Harvard Business Review is offering a collection of their articles temporarily at no charge to provide a reading list on confronting racism.
Confronting Racism at Work: A Reading List
THE 1619 PROJECT
Four hundred years ago, on August 20, 1619, a ship carrying about 20 enslaved Africans arrived in Point Comfort, a coastal port in the British colony of Virginia. Though America did not even exist yet, their arrival marked its foundation, the beginning of the system of slavery on which the country was built. In 2019, he New York Times Magazine observed this anniversary with a special project that examines the many ways the legacy of slavery continues to shape and define life in the United States. To watch The 1619 Project click here.
JUNETEENTH RESOURCES
Juneteenth (short for "June Nineteenth") honors the end to slavery in the United States. It is considered the longest-running African American holiday. To learn about Juneteenth click on the links below:
What's Juneteenth? A Guide To Celebrating Americans Second Independence Day
What is Juneteenth?
12 Things You Might Not Know About Juneteenth
A Brief History of Juneteenth
RESOURCES TO UNDERSTAND RACISM IN AMERICAClick on the links below to learn about racism at the individual level and institutional level; how does it show up in college spaces; what are the impacts of racism; how can we view race as a resource; how can we rethink current processes; and how does support look:
158 Resources To Understanding Racism In America
Free Speech and the Inclusive Campus
TEACHING IN DIFFICULT TIMES
RESPONDING TO EVENTS THAT THREATEN STUDENT WELL-BEING
The plaques in Borchuck Plaza that commemorate the contributions of the five students
who integrated the campus were defaced. This racist act violates the university's
values and threatens the unity of the campus community. In the wake of these events,
we would like to offer some ideas for processing these difficult and dehumanizing
events with your students.· It is best to do something! Remaining silent in your classes regarding these events ignores the reality of the experience your students are facing. But what should you do? The tips from Vanderbilt's Center for Teaching and the New York Times Learning Blog can help.
· Moment of Silence - Taking time to acknowledge hateful and tragic events and allow students to reflect in their own way is a small step you can take to indicate you care about these events and how each student may be effected.
· Facilitate a Discussion - Set ground rules for difficult dialogues and take time in class to discuss the events. You'll need to be sure you allow sufficient time to explore all of the topics that may come up in this kind of discussion and pre-plan strategies for managing "hot moments" should they emerge.
· Assign relevant readings or ask students to complete an assignment (ex. journal entry) that relates to the themes of the event.
· Practice Empathy - Brene Brown writes, "Rarely does an empathetic response begin with 'at least.'" As in, "at least they didn't tear the plaques down," or "at least they didn't protest the pep rally." "At least" is a phrase that invalidates a person's experience. Empathy requires perspective taking, avoiding judgment, recognizing emotion in others, and connecting to that emotion.
· Notice, Ask, and Refer - This advice from David Goobler's The Missing Course, challenges us to be aware when students seem out of sorts. If a student's physical appearance changes markedly, they suddenly start missing class, or they fail to complete assignments (when they once were punctual), that student may be in distress. Asking, "Is everything ok?", will signal that you care. It is important however, to avoid acting as an expert. Refer students to the Multicultural Center or the Counseling Center if they indicate they need some assistance.
Adopting one or more of these tactics can help foster and retain a relationship of trust and respect with your students at a time when they many feel threatened, hurt, and excluded.