Diversity and Inclusion

Book Club Invites Discussion on Japanese Literature and Culture

When senior global studies major Milla Heikkinen talks about the Kawasaki Reading Room Book Club, the enthusiasm and passion in her voice proves that the club is more special than your average reading group.

The Kawasaki Reading Room Book Club provides a place for students and members of the community to be in fellowship with people who share an interest Japanese culture.

International Students Visit the UNL Rodeo

Cowboy hats, chaps, boots and roping gear commonly are seen around the state of Nebraska thanks to the dominant agriculture scene. However, these artifacts and the entire rodeo concept are unfamiliar to many international students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Students Learn About Immigration & Volunteer in Nebraska Communities Over Fall Break

While many were spending fall break at home, relaxing or on vacation, four students joined the Center for Civic Engagement’s Fall Break Service-Study ASB.

“An ASB is an opportunity for students to travel with their peers at a relatively low cost, learn about a community, delve into the culture and history of a community, and then serve that community,” said graduate student Grace Brown, who both planned and attended the ASB.

Celebrating the dimensions of love at A Love Affair Gala

On Feb. 17, students, staff and faculty gathered in the Ross Van Brunt Visitor’s Center for Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services' A Love Affair Gala. The gala, free for students, was a celebration of Black History Month and the various dimensions of love.

Rev. Karla Cooper opened the gala with a message. The reverend emphasized that love is instinctive, and people must love themselves before they can love others.

Appreciating Asian Pacific American Heritage

The month of April marked the celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. To commemorate the event, the Office of Academic Support and Intercultural Services (OASIS) co-sponsored art and cultural speakers, a talent show and a samurai dinner event.

Behind the Success of the Night of the Living Drag Show

All seats were filled five minutes before the start Night of the Living Drag Show on Friday, Oct. 28. When the show started, so many people had flooded the Centennial Room in the Nebraska Union that the emcee had to remind attendees to move away from the door because blocking the exit was a fire hazard.

How to be an activist: Tips from organizers of Mizzou’s Concerned Student 1950 protest

On Tuesday, Feb. 21, Autumn Branch and Andrea Fulgiam shared their experiences with Mizzou's Concerned Student 1950 protest.

Never Forget to Smile, Nebraska

My name is Mohammed Hussain Al Abdullah and I was born in Saudi Arabia where I lived for the first ten years of my life. At the age of ten, due to my career in cycling, I moved with my Road Cycling Club to the Czech Republic where I lived for nearly four years without my family. From there, I lived for a year in Manchester City, in the United Kingdom, before leaving for Dubai. While living in Dubai, I learned about myself, discovered my passions, and figured out what I wanted to do in my life.

OASIS Hosts Speaker to Discuss Asian American Student Issues

On Wednesday, Nov. 2, students filled the OASIS Student Lounge to discuss the challenges that Asian American and international students face at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Speaker Rebecca Reinhardt opened the discussion by reflecting on her own struggle to learn English and adapt to American culture after moving from China.

Dinner in a Nebraska Home connects international students with university employees

Fifty-seven University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty and staff members invited 117 international students into their homes as a part of a program called Dinner in a Nebraska Home. The program, sponsored by Student Engagement, strives to introduce international students to an aspect of daily life in Nebraska by connecting the students with university employees.

Q&A with Charlie Foster

Get to know Charlie Foster, the new interim director of the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center and assistant to the vice chancellor for student affairs for diversity and inclusion. After 15 years in Counseling and Psychology Services (CAPS), Foster is excited to work with new staff at the Gaughan and to further her connections with UNL students. Plus, learn why the football stadium is her favorite place to be on campus!

Dia de los Muertos Celebration Draws Hundreds to Kauffman

Although Dia de los Muertos occurs on the first and second of November, hundreds of students, faculty and staff, and members of the community gathered in Kauffman Hall to celebrate on Nov. 4.

The Mexican American Student Association (MASA) and Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. planned the event that included food, crafts, music and more. In addition, the Mexican Dance Academy of Nebraska performed traditional dances and showcased a play related to the holiday and the importance of remembrance.

Huskers Unplugged facilitates connections and conversations

On Friday, Mar. 3, UNL Hillel partnered with the Muslim Student Association and the UNL Ballroom Dance Club to host Huskers Unplugged. Students strengthened friendships and made connections at the technology-free event.

The evening of activities kicked off with sunset yoga on the Nebraska Union green space. After yoga, students gathered in the Centennial Room for bingo, coloring and conversation. Students enjoyed soda, popcorn and Israeli chocolate balls for snacks.

UNL Community Dishes on Building Community & Creating Action

Approximately 50 students, staff and faculty gathered Friday, July 15 at noon to discuss the epidemic of recent tragedies across the country. Kevin Reese, program coordinator in the Office for Academic Success and Intercultural Services, began the event by promoting open conversation without arguments, respectful conversation and engaging with one another. An officer with the Lincoln Police Department was also present.

LGBTQA+ Workshops Teach Advocacy and Inclusivity

Throughout November the LGBTQA+ Resource Center is hosting workshops for students, staff and faculty to learn how to create inclusive environments.

Survey and Slices creates fun environment for Campus Climate Survey

On Feb. 28, the LGBTQA+ Resource Center hosted Survey and Slices, a fun, low-stress event where 30 students enjoyed free pizza as they completed the Center’s online Campus Climate Survey. 

The survey, which consists of 150 questions and takes 30 minutes to complete, gives university staff and faculty a better understanding of how the campus climate affects LGBTQA+ students.

Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals Visits UNL

On July 22 the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals in partnership with the UNL LGBTQA+ Resource Center hosted a one-day national conference at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. More than one hundred attendees from as far as Massachusetts, California and Georgia joined together to discuss best practices for serving LGBTQ student populations.

Q&A with Dr. Jean Amoura

In January 2017, the University Health Center will begin offering a Transgender Care Clinic. Dr. Jean Amoura, who brings 10 years of experience in transgender care and hormone treatment, will be the primary care provider for the clinic. On Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 4-5 p.m., the LGBTQA+ Resource Center is hosting a meet and greet with Dr. Amoura in the Nebraska Union, room 346.

Our Nebraska celebrates inclusion

Our Nebraska, a series of events held March 6-10, gave students from all backgrounds the opportunity to discuss what it means to be diverse and how to create an inclusive campus and community.

Previously known as the Empowerment Forum, Our Nebraska offered events throughout an entire week rather than in a concentrated day-long seminar. Activities were sponsored by Student Affairs and the Office of Academic Support and Intercultural Services (OASIS) with co-sponsorship from the Diversity Council.

Welcome Back Photo Gallery | Fall 2016

A collection of photos from events prior to the start of the fall 2016 semester.