OIB Newsletter

Dear Bobcat Community,

As November unfolds, we are reminded of one of our most fundamental rights: the right to vote. I hope you took part in shaping your future by exercising this right and choosing your representation on national, state, and local levels. For many within the Black community, the path to voting has been fraught with barriers—intimidation, violence, poll taxes, and other obstacles meant to silence voices. I vote in honor of the ancestors who fought tirelessly for our right to be heard and to shape our own futures.

November also provides us an opportunity to acknowledge and honor the contributions of Indigenous communities. Their cultural heritage enriches our customs, language, and traditions. This month, we reflect on and celebrate their enduring impact and continued influence within our society.

Additionally, our office is excited to host a Friendsgiving celebration time for students, faculty, and staff to come together in community and gratitude. We look forward to sharing this special gathering with each of you and encourage you to make our office a place you visit often. Our doors are always open, and we are eager to connect and create a true sense of belonging with you.

Wishing you all a joyful Thanksgiving, filled with safe travels and meaningful time with loved ones. Remember, we are here to support, serve, and connect with you.

Sincerely,

Michael T. Snowden

Gain insightful knowledge and strategies to nurture a mentally healthy workspace. This event will take place on Nov. 20, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. in A&S Room 251. Register now using the QR code provided below.

The eighth annual Making Excellence Inclusive Day was held on Aug. 13 in the A&S Auditorium, A&S classrooms, and the Peabody Auditorium. The opening session began with a nomenclature by Dr. Michael Snowden, GCSU Executive Director of Inclusion & Belonging. After the opening session, there was a series of breakout professional development sessions for faculty and staff. The afternoon session concluded with lunch and the MEI Day keynote speaker, Dr. Clyde Wilson Pickett, vice chancellor for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at the University of Pittsburgh.

The Office of Inclusion & Belonging, in partnership with the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce and J. Whitney Bunting College of Business & Technology, presented “The Bottom Line: A Business Blueprint for Inclusion” on Aug. 14. It was held in the Peabody Auditorium and Kilpatrick classrooms from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event was the second part of Making Excellence Inclusive Day for the Milledgeville business and professional community.

The morning session began with a panel discussion about inclusion and the economic impact on small businesses, consisting of GCSU alumni and middle Georgia business professionals. Concurrent professional development breakout sessions followed the panel. The event concluded with lunch and keynote speaker Sirnette Dickerson, Customer Success Leader with UPS Capital.

The Office of Inclusion & Belonging is excited to present the second year of the Inclusive Leadership Certificate (ILC) Program. In this program, Georgia College & State University faculty and staff will have the opportunity to gain valuable professional skills and knowledge concerning foundational concepts of inclusion. After the program concludes in the Spring, the ILC cohort will enhance individual aptitudes and knowledge, develop the capacity to appreciate differing perspectives, and acquire valuable skills to contribute to a welcoming and inclusive academic and workplace environment at GCSU.

The ILC Cohort for the 2024 – 2025 academic year is:

• Shonta Fluellen
• Desaree Murden
• Eric Griffis
• Taylor Elsey
• Andrea Christoff
• Ryan Jones
• Sandra Hill
• Dishonda Pittman
• Kasey Karen

Congratulations everyone!

In the spirit of giving, we kindly ask each attendee to bring canned food or non-perishable items to support GCSU’s on-campus food pantry.

We will provide the main dishes, and we encourage other organizations to bring a side dish to share! If you or your group would like to contribute a dish to our potluck, please scan the QR code to register.

Looking for a way to celebrate the end of the semester and the upcoming holidays? Join us for our final Tupperware Tuesday and Holiday Drop-In for some food, community, and holiday activities.

Your voice is crucial to us at the Office of Inclusion & Belonging! As we continue to grow and evolve, we need your insights to ensure our programs and services align with your needs and aspirations. This needs assessment survey will help us understand how we can better support you and enhance your experiences on campus. Your feedback will directly shape our future initiatives and enable us to create a more vibrant and inclusive community. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us—it's your voice that drives our mission forward.