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Director, Diversity & Inclusion
Resources and Initiatives
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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.
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.
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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
Fall 2021
Holiday or Observance
Religious Group
Dates
Additional Notes
Paryushana Parva
Jain
Sept. 21, 2021
Navaratri/Dassehra
Hindu
Oct. 7-14, 2021
Rosh Hashanah (New Year)
Jewish
Sept. 6-8, 2021
Designated non-work day for observers
Dasara
Hindu
Oct. 14, 2021
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
Jewish
Sept. 16, 2021
Class not in session
Indigenous Peoples' Day
Oct. 11, 2021
Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles)
Jewish
Sept. 21-27, 2021
Sept. 21-22 Primary Obligation Days
Designated non-work day for observersShmini Atzeret
Jewish
Sept. 28, 2021
Designated non-work day for observers
Simchat Torah
Jewish
Sept. 29, 2021
Designated non-work day for observers
Diwali
Hindu
Nov. 4, 2021
Dia de los Muertos
Nov. 1, 2021
Samhain-Beltane
Wicca/Pagan
Oct. 31, 2021
Mawlid-al-Nabi (birthday of Mohammad)
Islamic
Oct. 18, 20121
Date not fixed. See note above.
Veteran's Day
Nov. 11, 2021
Guru Nanak Dev birthday
Sikh
Nov. 19, 2021
Thanksgiving Day
Nov. 25, 2021
Class not in session
Yalda
Zoroastrian
Dec. 21, 2021
Hanukkah (Chanukah)
Jewish
Nov. 28-Dec 6, 2021
Christmas Day
Christian
Dec. 25, 2021
Class not in session
Zarathust Diso
Zoroastrian
Dec. 26, 2021
Kwanzaa
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1, 2022
Winter 2022
Holiday or Observance
Religious Group
Dates
Additional Notes
New Year's Day
Jan. 1, 2022
Class not in session
Feast of the Three Kings
Christian
Jan. 6, 2022
Orthodox Christmas
Christian Orthodox
Jan. 7, 2022
Martin Luther King Day
Jan. 17, 2022
Class not in session
Lunar New Year
Feb. 1, 2022
Chinese New Year
Buddhist, Confucian, Daoist
Feb. 1, 2022
President's Day
Feb. 21, 2022
Maha Shivaratri
Hindu
Mar. 1, 2022
Beginning of Lent
Christian Orthodox
Mar. 7, 2022
Ash Wednesday
Christian
Mar. 2, 2022
Magha Puja Day
Buddhist
Mar. 30, 2022
Holi
Hindu
Mar. 18, 2022
Purim
Jewish
Mar. 17, 2022
Spring 2022
Holiday or Observance
Religious Group
Dates
Additional Notes
Ramanavami
Hindu
Apr. 10, 2022
Passover (Pesach)
Jewish
Apr. 16-23, 2022
Apr. 16-17, 22-23 Primary Obligation Days
Designated non-work day for observersGood Friday
Christian
Apr. 15, 2022
Class not in session
Easter
Christian
Apr. 17, 2022
Orthodox Good Friday
Christian Orthodox
Apr. 22, 2022
Orthodox Easter
Christian Orthodox
Apr. 24, 2022
Yom HaShoah
Jewish
Apr. 28, 2022
Beginning of Ramadan
Islamic
Apr. 2, 2022
Ramadan: Apr. 2-May 1, 2022
Dates not fixed. See note above.Mahavir Jayanti
Jain
Apr. 14, 2022
Beltane-Samhain
Wicca/Pagan
May 1, 2022
Visakha Puja
Buddhist
May 27, 2022
Laylat Al Qadr
Islamic
Apr 29, 2022
Date not fixed. See note above.
Declaration of the Bab
Baha’i
May 24, 2022
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
Islamic
May 3, 2022
Ramadan: Apr. 24-May 24, 2020
Dates not fixed. See note above.Memorial Day
May 30, 2022
Class not in session
Ascension of the Bab
Baha’i
May 29, 2022
Shavuot
Jewish
Jun. 5-6, 2022
Designated non-work day for observers
Pentecost
Christian
Jun. 5, 2022
Summer 2022
Holiday or Observance
Religious Group
Dates
Additional Notes
Independence Day
Jul. 4, 2022
Observed Jul. 4, 2020
Class not in sessionAsalha Puja
Buddhist
Jul. 13, 2022
Eid al Adha
Islam
Jul. 9-10 2022
Janmashtami
Hindu
Aug. 18, 2022
Obon
Buddhist/Shinto
Jul. 13, 2022
Muharram (Al Hijrah New Year)
Islamic
Jul. 29, 2022
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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.
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
AfricanStudentUnionClub@stevenson.eduBlack 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.
BSU@stevenson.eduInternational 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.
ISA@stevenson.eduOrganization 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.
OLAS@stevenson.eduThe 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.
qgroup@stevenson.eduWomen 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.
WORTHClub@stevenson.edu -
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