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Home / About Stevenson / Diversity & Inclusion / Resources and Initiatives

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Cristina C. Garcia
Director, Diversity & Inclusion

Dave Jordan
Co-Chair, Diversity & Inclusion Committee

Tiffany Sanchez
Co-Chair, Diversity & Inclusion Committee

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Resources and Initiatives

  • Disability Services

    Stevenson University admits qualified students regardless of disability and welcomes the full participation of students with disabilities in all aspects of campus life. The Office of Student Success coordinates with various campus partners to ensure equal access to University programs, facilities and services.

    Students with disabilities who require accommodations should contact the Office of Student Success as early as possible prior to the start of their first academic semester, or upon onset of disability, to initiate the intake and eligibility process.

    Requesting Services

    Current Students

    Stevenson students seeking information, forms, and documents from the Office of Disability Services should use the SUNow Portal.

    SUNow Portal

    To request accommodations required due to a disability, students must complete the following three steps:

    1. Complete the Disability Services Accommodation Intake Form. Students can obtain a copy of the intake form on the Office of Disability Services portal page, or by contacting the Director of Disability Services at (443) 352-4920. Students should clearly state what specific accommodations they require on the intake form.                                                                                                                        

    2. Submit documentation of the disability that meets the University’s guidelines. Students must submit documentation that identifies the student’s disability, details the current functional impact of that disability, and explains the need for each recommended accommodation. A copy of the University’s Guidelines for Students Requesting Accommodations is also available for your reference.                

    3. Schedule an intake meeting with an Office of Disability Services staff member to discuss your accommodation requests and disability-related needs. After submitting your intake form and documentation to the Office of Student Success, you should contact the Director of Disability Services to schedule a meeting to discuss what accommodations and services may be available to meet your needs at Stevenson.

    After your intake meeting, you will receive a written response to your accommodation request from the Director of Disability Services. Upon approval for accommodations, students must initiate a request to use their approved accommodations at the beginning of each academic semester. Students must follow the policies and procedures identified for utilizing each accommodation they are approved for.

    Services Provided

    The Office of Student Success approves reasonable accommodations on an individualized, case-by-case basis, depending on the student’s needs and the recommendations contained in the disability documentation. These services may include, but are not limited to:

    · Extended time on quizzes, tests, and exams
    · Note taking assistance
    · The use of a computer, calculator and/or assistive technology in class and/or on exams
    · Assistance registering for classes
    · Preferential class seating
    · Sign language interpreters or CART services
    · Access to text-to-speech reader software, such as Kurzweil 3000
    · Referrals to other resources on and off-campus such as counseling services, rehabilitation services and tutoring through Academic Link.

    Please note that once approved, some accommodations may take several weeks to arrange. Students with disabilities are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Student Success as early as possible upon deciding to attend Stevenson University.

  • Heritage Months & Observances

    Month

    Heritage Celebrated
    January Martin Luther King Day
    February African American History Month
    March National Women’s History Month, Irish-American Heritage Month
    April March 13 to April 15 is National Deaf History Month
    May Asian Pacific American Heritage, Older Americans Month and Jewish American Heritage Month
    June Gay Lesbian Pride Month
    July  
    August  
    September National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15)
    October National Disability Employment Awareness Month and National Italian American Heritage Month; Founders’ Day; Stevenson Homecoming
    November National American Indian Heritage Month
    December  
  • Holidays and Religious Observances

    This calendar lists Stevenson University holidays, traditional Observances, and major days of religious significance. Use these dates to aid in developing class syllabus and planning for examinations during the quarter. Although many of these days are not University holidays, faculty are asked to use this information and their discretion when responding to student requests for time off for religious purposes. Please take special note of those holidays that have been designated non-work days by the religions that celebrate them.

    NOTE:

    • Classes are not in session for holidays indicated in bold and italic
    • All Jewish and Islamic holidays begin at sundown on the evening before the first date shown
    • These holidays have been designated non-work days by the religions that celebrate them
    • Some of these dates are not fixed to a calendar but based on the actual sighting of the moon and therefore there may be some variance by a day

    Summer 2019

    Holiday or Observance Religious Group Dates Additional Notes
    Independence Day   Jul. 4, 2019 Class not in session
    Obon Buddhist/Shinto July 13-15, 2019  
    Asalha Puja Buddhist July 16, 2019  
    Eid al-Adha Islamic Aug. 12, 2019  Date not fixed. See note above.
    Janmashtami Hindu Aug. 23, 2019  

    Early Fall 2019

    Holiday or Observance Religious Group Dates Additional Notes
    Muharram (Al Hijrah New Year) Islamic Sept. 1, 2019  
    Labor Day   Sept. 2, 2019 Class not in session

    Fall 2019

    Holiday or Observance Religious Group Dates Additional Notes
    Paryushana Parva Jain Sept. 3, 2019  
    Navaratri/Dassehra Hindu Sept. 29-Oct. 7, 2019  
    Rosh Hashanah (New Year) Jewish Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2019 Designated non-work day for observers
    Dasara Hindu Oct. 8, 2019  
    Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Jewish Oct. 9, 2019 Class not in session
    Indigenous Peoples' Day   Oct. 14, 2019  
    Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) Jewish Oct. 14-20, 2019 Oct. 14-15 Primary Obligation Days
    Designated non-work day for observers
    Shmini Atzeret Jewish Oct. 21, 2019 Designated non-work day for observers
    Simchat Torah Jewish Oct. 22, 2019 Designated non-work day for observers
    Diwali Hindu Oct. 27, 2019  
    Dia de los Muertos   Nov. 1, 2019  
    Samhain-Beltane Wicca/Pagan Nov. 1, 2019  
    Mawlid-al-Nabi (birthday of Mohammad) Islamic Nov. 10, 2019  Date not fixed. See note above
    Veteran's Day   Nov. 11, 2019  
    Guru Nanak Dev Shib birthday Sikh Nov. 12, 2019  
    Thanksgiving Day   Nov. 28-29, 2019 Class not in session
    Yalda Zoroastrian Dec. 21, 2019  
    Hanukkah (Chanukah) Jewish Dec. 23-30, 2019  
    Christmas Day Christian Dec. 25, 2019 Class not in session
    Zarathust No Diso Zoroastrian Dec. 26, 2019  
    Kwanzaa   Dec. 26 – Jan. 1, 2020  

    Winter 2020

    Holiday or Observance Religious Group Dates Additional Notes
    New Year's Day   Jan. 1, 2020 Class not in session
    Feast of the Three Kings Christian Jan. 6, 2020  
    Orthodox Christmas Christian Orthodox Jan. 7, 2020  
    Martin Luther King Day   Jan. 20, 2020 Class not in session
    Lunar New Year   Jan. 25, 2020  
    Chinese New Year Buddhist, Confucian, Daoist Jan. 25, 2020  
    President's Day   Feb. 17, 2020  
    Maha Shivaratri Hindu Feb. 21, 2020  
    Beginning of Lent Christian Orthodox Feb. 26, 2020  
    Ash Wednesday Christian Feb. 26, 2020  
    Magha Puja Day Buddhist Mar. 9, 2020  
    Holi Hindu Mar. 9-10, 2020  
    Purim Jewish Mar. 10, 2020  

    Spring 2020

    Holiday or Observance Religious Group Dates Additional Notes
    Ramanavami Hindu Apr. 2, 2020  
    Passover (Pesach) Jewish Apr. 9-16, 2020 Apr. 9-10, 15-16 Primary Obligation Days
    Designated non-work day for observers
    Good Friday Christian Apr. 10, 2020 Class not in session
    Easter Christian Apr. 12, 2020  
    Orthodox Good Friday Christian Orthodox Apr. 17, 2020  
    Orthodox Easter Christian Orthodox Apr. 19, 2020  
    Yom HaShoah Jewish Apr. 21, 2020  
    Beginning of Ramadan Islamic Apr. 24, 2020 Ramadan: Apr. 24-May 24, 2020
    Dates not fixed. See note above.
    Mahavir Jayanti Jain Apr. 27, 2020  
    Beltane-Samhain Wicca/Pagan May 1, 2020  
    Visakha Puja Buddhist May 7, 2020  
    Lailat Ul Qadr Islamic May 19, 2020 Date not fixed. See note above.
    Declaration of the Bab Baha’i May 23, 2020  
    Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) Islamic May 24, 2020 Ramadan: Apr. 24-May 24, 2020
    Dates not fixed. See note above.
    Memorial Day   May 25, 2020 Class not in session
    Ascension of the Bab Baha’i May 29, 2020  
    Shavuot Jewish May 29-30, 2020 Designated non-work day for observers
    Pentecost Christian May 31, 2020  

    Summer 2020

    Holiday or Observance Religious Group Dates Additional Notes
    Eid al Fitr Islam Jun. 5-7, 2020  
    Independence Day   Jul. 4, 2020 Observed Jul. 3, 2020
    Class not in session
    Asalha Puja Buddhist Jul. 5, 2020  
    Eid al Adha Islam Jul. 31-Aug 3, 2020  
    Janmashtami Hindu Aug. 10, 2020  
    Obon Buddhist/Shinto Aug. 13-15, 2020  
    Muharram (Al Hijrah New Year) Islamic Aug. 20, 2020  
  • LGBTQ+ Information & Resources

    Stevenson University facilitates a welcoming, respectful and inclusive space for our students, faculty and staff.  Below you will find a list of resources that you may find helpful.

    Welcoming Spaces

    Whether on the Greenspring or Owings Mills campuses, you can expect Stevenson University to be a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment. Additionally, there are spaces that specifically serve as a hub for diversity and inclusion on campus.

    • The Center for Diversity & Inclusion is on the 2nd floor of the Caves Sports & Wellness Center, and is available for use by students, faculty and staff for programming and open conversations related to topics on diversity and inclusion as well as club and organization meetings.

      A Prayer & Meditation Room is within the Diversity and Inclusion Center and is for use by students, faculty and staff.
       
    • Diversity & Inclusion Committee sponsors lectures, panels, and workshops to foster academic and professional development in cultural competency development, diversity and inclusion leadership opportunities, and offers opportunities for critical dialogue and community engagement.
       
    • The Office of Diversity & Inclusion sponsors student social and cultural programming, oversees the many student affinity groups to provide opportunities for courageous dialogue and engagement through programs such as the monthly Pulse program (First Thursday each month - check the CDI calendar for location).

    Gender-Neutral Restrooms

    In keeping with the University's policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity, individuals may use facilities that best correspond to their own gender identity. Those who do not identify with the gender binary (male or female), may determine whichever facility is the most appropriate and safest option for them. No individual will be required to provide documentation of their gender identity in order to have access to any facility that best corresponds to their own gender identity.

    In addition, to address restroom access issues, the University is currently working towards having at least one single-occupancy gender-neutral restroom available in every regularly occupied building on campus.

    Student Organizations

    Students may join one or several of the Stevenson University student clubs and/or a council of student leaders who work with organizations such as the Student Government Association (SGA) and campus administrators. Most clubs meet every other week and all welcome new members! For the most updated club information click here to visit the Student Clubs webpage.

    Organizations include:

    The Q Group: The purpose of the Q Group is to promote acceptance and support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, ally, and other students on the campus. The group plans to educate students about the GLBTQA community and encourage a sex-positive environment on the SU campus. The group offers events and activities embracing the GLBTQA students on campus.  Contact: qgroup@stevenson.edu

    Resources

    Forge Forward - A website resource dedicated to improving the lives of transgender and SOFFA individuals since 1994 + building strong connections, providing resources, and empowering personal growth.

    Campus Pride - Campus Pride represents the only national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students. The organization is a volunteer-driven network “for” and “by” student leaders. The primary objective of Campus Pride is to develop necessary resources, programs and services to support LGBT and ally students on college campuses across the United States.

    LGBTQ+ Drug Addiction – a resource on the www.AddictionCenter.com specifically tailored to assist individuals who identify with the LGBTQ+ community.  This page offers free, online information on the health effects, dangers, and treatment options regarding substance misuse. 

    An Online Guide to Creating LGBTQIA+ Friendly Communities in Healthcare & Education – An online guide, created by EduMed.org, which looks at the various challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals face --  from the college classroom to the doctor's office -- and presents actionable solutions for overcoming them. The guide also shows readers how and where to find LGBTQIA+ friendly schools and medical providers.

  • Multicultural Experience

    Broaden your perspective

    The Office of Diversity & Inclusion serves as a resource for all students in an effort to enhance cultural awareness and competence at Stevenson University. The Office of Diversity & Inclusion strives to explore areas of interest, provide teachable moments, explore differences and similarities, bridge gaps for better understanding and support students from diverse backgrounds, lifestyles, and beliefs.

  • Preferred Name and Pronoun

    Stevenson University offers a process for students, faculty and staff to indicate a preferred name, a.k.a. “nickname” that can be used on their Stevenson University ID Card, email address and directory information, and/or class rosters.

    Please note that preferred name is used solely for Stevenson's internal systems. External systems (such as official transcripts, enrollment verifications, payroll, etc.) will continue to use legal name. Students, faculty and staff who use a preferred name should always be prepared to reference their legal name for financial aid, employment, payroll, etc. as well as provide their university identification when necessary.

    Students can also indicate their preferred pronoun to the Registrar, which will be shared with academic advisors, student health providers, and faculty (through class rosters).

    For Students

    Places Where Preferred Name Is Used

    • Stevenson University ID Card
    • Class Rosters and Grade Rosters (and Preferred Pronoun)
    • Advisee Lists (and Preferred Pronoun)
    • Unofficial/Advising Transcripts
    • Directory Listing (unless you withhold your directory information via Webexpress)

    Places Where Legal Name Must Be Used

    • Student Accounts Receivable
    • Financial Aid
    • Responses to enrollment inquiries such as verification requests
    • Official Transcripts
    • Diploma
    • International Student Status
    • Student Employee/Payroll Information such as W-2s
    • Insurance Information

    For Faculty and Staff

    Places Where Preferred Name Is Used

    • Email address
    • Directory Information
    • Stevenson University ID Card

    Places Where Legal Name Must Be Used

    • Payroll including W-2 and Pay Advice
    • Benefits forms and enrollment
    • WebXpress

    Getting a New Stevenson University ID Card

    Students, faculty and staff who would like to have a preferred name on their Stevenson University ID Card should first contact either the Registrar’s Office or Human Resources to complete a name change request form. After 24 hours of your name change request being submitted, visit the Security Office to request a new ID card. You will receive one free Stevenson University ID Card with an updated preferred first name if you turn in your old ID card during the same transaction.

    How to Request an Email Alias Change

    If you would like your email alias to match your preferred name, please contact OIT by sending an email to the Stevenson Help Desk including the following language: "I request that my email alias reflect my Preferred Name." Include the Preferred name and your Stevenson ID number.

    For more information on the use of preferred first name and pronoun students should contact the Registrar’s Office and faculty/staff should contact Human Resources.

  • Student Organizations

    Stevenson University students have established many clubs and organizations on campus that aim to spread awareness on various diversity groups. Check out all of the diversity organizations SU has to offer: 

    African Student Union (ASU): African Student Union is a club that aims to create a community and atmosphere for the members to build, learn more about, and share African culture. Open to all Stevenson University students, ASU is a great place to build friendships, speak freely, and make history.

    Black Student Union (BSU): The Black Student Union promotes racial and ethnic understanding on campus and fosters cultural awareness among the University community through informal discussions, panel presentations, guest speakers, and community service projects. The BSU also hosts one of the most popular traditions on campus, the BSU Fashion Show, every spring. The club is open to all students.

    International Student Association (ISA): The International Club promotes awareness and embraces and supports diverse cultures and religions through a variety of educational and social programs including, but not limited to, speakers, films, cultural fairs, and dinners. The club is open to all students, faculty, and staff.
     

    Organization for Latin American Students (OLAS): OLAS was created to serve as a support group for Latin American students where they can embrace and celebrate their culture. The mission of the group is also to educate and inform the Stevenson community about the Latin American culture through educational and social programs as well as to make contributions to the greater Latin American community throughout the Baltimore area through partnerships with organizations.

    The Q Group: The purpose of the Q Group is to promote acceptance and support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, ally, and other students on the campus. The group plans to educate students about the GLBTQA community and encourage a sex-positive environment on the SU campus. The group offers events and activities embracing the GLBTQA students on campus.

    Women of Resilience, Tenacity and Humility (WORTH): Will engage in meetings, activities and events while unlocking their leadership potential WORTH will connect young ladies of different cultural backgrounds across campus to inspire one another through mental, physical, and emotional support. We focus on building a sisterhood and creating a sociable environment for all women.

  • Suggested Readings
    • Beautiful Music for Ugly Children - Kirstin Cronns-Mills
    • Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People - Mahzarin R. Banaji
    • Just Mercy - Bryan Stevenson
    • Korean Girl in America - Hope Kim
    • Not in My Neighborhood - Antero Pietilo
    • The Pregnancy Project - Gaby Rodriguez, Jenna Glatzer
    • Two Boys Kissing - David Levithan
    • We Should All Be Feminists - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi
 
 
 
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