The Bullseye Spring 2014 Edition 2 by UNO Division of Student Affairs

THE

BULLSEYE YOUR GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL STUDENT LIFE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA

INCLUSION AT UNO We all bring diverse perspectives, work experiences, life styles, and cultures to UNO’s campus. As students, the commitment to an inclusive on-campus community extends beyond the classroom. In this issue, you will find updates and information regarding UNO’s journey toward an inclusive campus.

SPRING 2014 | ISSUE 3.1

IN THIS ISSUE A Letter from James Freeman 2 LGBTQIA Info & Support 3 Military & Veteran Services 4 Engagement & Student Service 8 Calendar of Events 10 Sustain Dialogue at UNO 12 What is Disability Services? 13

a letter from JAMES FREEMAN SENIOR DIRECTOR OF INCLUSION

As we get ready to welcome the brilliant colors of spring, there couldn’t have been a more fitting theme to this edition of The Bullseye than ‘inclusion.’ Just as the colors of spring revitalize our spirits by lifting winter’s gloom and monotony, so do the various colors of inclusion infuse our lives with a similar vitality. My name is James Freeman, and I am the senior director for Inclusion at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I come from a little town in Georgia called Colbert. I was raised in the segregated south where the school days were separate and unequal. From my early days, I was an advocate for human rights and human dignity, and because of this, I often found myself in trouble in my little town. It was during my days at the Tuskegee Institute that I got an opportunity to meet and march with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was at this point that I immersed myself completely in the civil rights movement in the deep South. I came to Omaha 45 years ago and was a principal with the Omaha Public School system for 28 years. During my tenure, I saw the district move from segregation to desegregation in the 70’s. Unfortunately, desegregation was only a change in the school structure. I realized that it would take a lot more effort to change the mindset of the people, and so my struggle for equality for all students continued. Ten years ago, I joined UNO as the director of Multicultural Affairs. I held that position, until about a year ago when I was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Inclusion Subdivision. The word inclusion gets thrown around rather loosely today. It seems like everybody wants to be inclusive, but might not have a clear idea about what inclusion really means. I will take this opportunity to introduce you to inclusion as it exists on UNO’s campus.

Inclusion, to me, means that everyone is accepted, welcomed, and has a sense of belonging. It means that we offer equal opportunities and respect to each individual on campus, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, economic status, nationality, gender, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or religion. Inclusion also means that we show compassion to people with disabilities and gratitude to people who served our country. Fairness, equality, compassion, acceptance, participation, belonging, and support are the various colors of inclusion that allow us to paint a picture of equity on this canvas that we call UNO. The Subdivision of Inclusion works to create a more inclusive UNO by providing a number of programs and services. UNO offers disability services, military and veteran services, women’s resources, community outreach programs, pre-college and scholarship programs, assessment and recruitment initiatives, representation and social justice advocacy, and cultural awareness. UNO’s cultural awareness includes cultural programming, support for student organizations representing diverse ethnic groups, and support for LGBTQIA students. These services and programs are essential to developing the various facets of inclusion on our campus. However, this picture would not be complete without the most critical piece – you. It is impossible to build an inclusive UNO without the support and participation of the students. I call on each and every one of you to join us on this endeavor to make UNO more inclusive. I welcome you to stop by any of our offices, at any time, to learn more about and participate in our various programs and services. Thank you for being an ambassador of inclusion. I wish you all the best.

COUNSELING & SUPPORT The Counseling Center offers an LGBTQ+ Student Support Group every Tuesday, except over spring break, in the Maverick Village Clubhouse from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. This group provides a space for LGBTQ+ individuals to get to know others and express themselves in a safe space. The group will be finished meeting on April 1st, but will be available again for the fall semester. The Counseling Center also offers informative LGBTQ+ outreach programs through workshops and class presentations. These workshops help participants understand relevant terms, explain identity development of LGBTQ+ persons, and help you become an Ally.

Creating an environment of inclusion takes more than organizations and support groups. It takes individuals open to learning more about others and themselves and creating a positive and accepting environment. This means using inclusive language or letting others know that their words or actions are not acceptable. An inclusive environment can be easily created by finding someone new to eat with or meeting new people. Consider learning and practicing more ways of being inclusive or becoming an Ally to those in need. To schedule a workshop for your group, organization, or class, or to become an Ally, contact the Counseling Center at 402.554.2409, or stop by HPER 102 Monday through Friday between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

HATE CRIME vs REGUlaR CRIME A hate crime is different than a regular crime in that the act is motivated by real or perceived bias against someone due to race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, gender, or disability. When a hate crime is committed, it sends a message to a whole community, not just the individual victim, that they are not welcome or safe. If you experience or witness a hate crime, please contact one of the following: For immediate assistance Call Campus Security at 402.554.2911 Send an anonymous text to 50911, with “UNO911 (your message)” For ongoing behavior Submit an online report to the Behavioral Review Team

Gender & Sexual Orientation Agency The Gender and Sexual Orientation (GSO) agency has its own office that serves as a safe space for students, faculty, staff, and guests to utilize services and meet their peers. GSO is student-led and hosts events for the entire campus each semester. Milo Bail Student Center Suite 109D 402.554.2730 unogso@unomaha.edu

LGBTQIA

Letter Breakdown Lesbian A term used to describe a woman who is attracted to women. Gay A term used to describe a man who is attracted to men, but often used by women attracted to women as well. Bisexual A term used to describe an individual who is attracted to people of their own gender as well as another gender. Transgender An umbrella term used to describe any individual who doesn’t fit society’s traditional perception of gender roles and/or expressions. Transexual A person whose gender identity is the binary opposite of their biological sex, who may undergo medical treatments to change their biological sex, often to align it with their gender identity. Questioning The process of exploring one’s own sexual orientation, investigating influences that may come from their family, religious upbringing, and internal motivations. Queer A term that has been embraced and reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community as a symbol of pride, representing all individuals who do not fit gender and sexuality “norms.” Intersex A person with a set of sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit within the labels of female or male. Ally A heterosexual person who supports queer people. Asexual A term used to describe an individual who generally does not experience sexual attraction (or very little) to any group of people. Please keep in mind that LGBTQIA is not a complete list of identities. Visit social justice advocate Sam Killermann’s blog for a longer list of terms and definitions.

MaVUSO renamed the Office of Military and Veteran Services The department was created to support students by serving as a one-stop office for military, veteran, and dependent students by providing information and guidance to current and prospective students. The Office of Military and Veteran Services also aims to advocate for and support student veterans for the university, assist with career services and job placement upon graduation, and support the wellness, achievement, and engagement of UNO military and veteran students and dependents. In October 2013, Military and Veteran Services added a new Vet Success Coordinator, Anna Sabina-Stratton. She works to help students with anything from navigating their VA benefits to applying for VA benefits, accessing vocational rehabilitation, and answering questions students might have about available resources.

difficulty to their peers as a result of the program review. However, some of the most important services the department provides are still being implemented. With this momentum, they has a real opportunity to refine and build on its current services to help more students achieve what they came to UNO to do. Currently, UNO has more than 1,150 military and veteran students enrolled in this spring semester, and was recently named the most military-friendly public, four-year university in the nation. Contact Us Office of Military and Veteran Services Mike Connolly, Director 402.554.2349 unovets@unomaha.edu

Starting in fall 2013, the office began a comprehensive review of the academic success for every military and veteran student over the last few years in an attempt to find patterns of trouble spots. As a result, the department implemented study groups for mil/vet students enrolled in courses that have previously provided

“The one thing we aren’t content with for our veterans is the status quo. Our ranking is just a number on a page if we don’t improve what we’re doing to support student success.” Mike Connolly

Veteran Student Organization The Veteran Student Organization’s (VSO) mission is to provide peer-to-peer support to ensure that UNO’s military and veteran students are equipped with the resources that will help them transition smoothly into campus life, achieve academic and social success, and reach their personal and professional potential. It is a difficult transition, and VSO is here to help. As veteran students, VSO believes that in order to be successful in college and in the community, it’s important to start with a strong foundation. To establish this foundation, they help out organizations on campus and in the community and sometimes provide free pizza and sodas for students after a long day of classes.

VSO works hand-in-hand with the Office of Military and Veteran Services to ensure that students get the help they need. It’s not easy finding your purpose in life, especially after spending a number of years serving your country where your purpose was clear. VSO’s main focus is to help military and veteran students rediscover that sense of purpose. If you feel this is something that you might benefit from and would like to join VSO, please contact anyone in the Office of Military and Veteran Services, EAB 108, or contact Dustin Lair, VSO president, at dlair@unomaha.edu.

Through the lens...military and veteran students

Sunday, April 6th 12 pm to 3 pm Pep Bowl (green space between Allwine and Arts and Sciences Hall)

Holi Festival of Color Presented by: Indian Student Association Holi is the festival of colors welcoming Spring. It celebrates unity in diversity and promotes inclusion and oneness. Come enjoy playing with colors while dancing to some amazing tunes. Colors for sale at the event: $2 per pack or $5 for 3 packs. For more information, please visit the Indian Student Association on MavSYNC or Facebook.

Photo Credit: Andrea Comiskey Lawse

Saturday, April 26th 1 pm to 8 pm (grand entry at 1 pm, dinner served at 5 pm) Sapp Fieldhouse, UNO’s Dodge street campus

Wambili Sapa Memorial Pow Wow Presented by: University of Nebraska at Omaha and Inter Tribal Student Council The “Wambli Sapa Memorial Pow Wow” is named in honor of the legacy of Fred Leroy, a prominent Ponca leader and respected elder. The pow wow, which is held annually, honors the generations with indigenous dance, song, arts, and traditional crafts. Parking and admission to both the pow wow and pre-pow wow concert is free. All vendors are welcome. $500 drum split available. For more information, please contact Cindy Krafka. 402.554.2248

the first stand-alone, campus-based facility devoted entirely to community outreach in the United States COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CENTER The Community Engagement Center (CEC) offers students extensive learning, community service, and leadership opportunities. It also applies faculty, staff, and student expertise to local issues and provides a rich environment in which community and university partners can grow, learn, and benefit from one another.

Extra Benefits of The CEC

The CEC houses campus-wide engagement programs like the Service Learning Academy and the Student and Service Collaborative (the Collaborative), as well as current and future initiatives founded by individual faculty, students, organizations, or community partners.

Opportunities for internships, volunteerism, and projects with nonprofits

Among the CECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature programs, there are 12,000 square feet of community and university partnership space, which places nonprofit, governmental, academic, and student organizations in one location. The CEC also offers extensive space for community and campus meetings, workshops, special events, and planning activities.

Four project rooms that are available for hands-on organizing work

The CEC is also bringing Inclusive Communities and the Queer Nebraska Youth Network to UNO. Inclusive Communities is a human rights organization that conducts workshops and events around social justice and inclusion for the community. More information can be found at www.inclusive-communities.org.

The Queer Nebraska Youth Network is a grassroots organization whose programming and events are aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ youth in the state of Nebraska. More information can be found at www.theqnyn.org.

Two open resource rooms designed for joint planning, meetings, and collaboration

Numerous reservable conference rooms Large meeting spaces for campus events focusing on public good The Maverick Food Pantry will occupy a permanent space in an effort to assist even more students

STUDENT & SERVICE COLLABORATIVE

Signature Service Days

Various service days give volunteers an opportunity to make an impact on social problems and develop leadership skills.

Seed Projects

Student initiated and led service opportunities that contribute to the greater community and encourage social innovations, learning, intellectual understanding, and service experience.

SummerWorks Omaha

A nine-week program designed for high school students, aged 15 through 18, who earn income while also learning important service and leadership skills that can be used to secure later employment.

Volunteer Resource Center

Stay updated on civic and social engagement opportunitites throughout the community, track your volunteer hours, and more.

Six Community Issue Areas Opportunities abound for students wanting to serve with nonprofit organizations in the six issue areas of Social Justice, Educational Support, International Service, Economic Sufficiency, Health and Wellness, and Environmental Stewardship.

Students will be able to discover new interests and ignite their passion by becoming involved. Student learning and engagement are critical pieces of the CEC. Research shows that students involved in community activities, such as service learning or volunteerism, while in college are more likely to stay in school, graduate, find a job, maintain employment, and be involved in community leadership after graduation. The Student and Service Collaborative (The Collaborative) will be a significant new program developed along with the opening of the CEC. This student-led program will serve as the primary structure for organizing and coordinating university-wide community service and volunteering opportunities for students. The Collaborativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inclusive programming model will provide students and volunteers with great opportunities to engage in civic learning and community engagement both locally and beyond. As a memeber of the Clinton Global Initiative, UNO students will have the distinct opportunity to become involved on a global level. Students benefit from participating in intentional programming that supports the development of their employment and leadership skills, intercultural, social, and emotional competencies, and the Collaborative aims to provide these opportunities.

EVENTS

sun

MARCH – APRIL 2014 mon

tues

wed 19

CIT Tournament PREGAME @ ralston arena Ralston Arena 5:30 pm $9 gets you into the game

thurs 20

fri 21

Prose Reading: Dr. John Price’s Daddy Long Legs

Maverick Food Pantry Boxes for Break

Thompson Alumni Center 7 pm

MBSC Student Life Office 11 am - 2 pm

sat 22

SPRING BREAK

Library Building Hours 12 pm - 9 pm

Library Building Hours 7 am - 9 pm

Library Building Hours 7 am - 5 pm

Library Building Hours 9 am - 5 pm

HPER Building Hours 10 am - 6 pm

HPER Building Hours 6 am - 9 pm

HPER Building Hours 8 am - 8 pm

Seven Days of Service 30

women’s soccer vs North Dakota state

the a'mav'ing Talk to the Queers race hosted Hands: Guest and Allies by Mav pro Speaker Amy Meeting Pep Bowl MBSC Council Room Willman

Caniglia Field 12 pm

6 pm - 9 pm

MBSC Nebraska Room 5 pm - 9:30 pm

college fair

UNICEF Fundraiser/ Clothing Drive

Chi Omega Swishes for Wishes

Scholastic Book Fair

Sapp Fieldhouse 8 am - 8 pm

MBSC Plaza 11 am

HPER 5 pm - 10 pm

Criss Library All day

4:30 pm - 6 pm

Green Dot Bystander Training Maverick Village Clubhouse 11 am - 5 pm

Relay For Life Mav Pro Day UNO at the Zoo 6 pm

Henry Doorly Zoo 11 am - 3 pm

EVENTS

April – May 2014 sun 13

mon 14

tues 15

wed 16

Symphonic Wind Ensemble Concert

American Red Cross & Physiology Blood Drive

BFA Thesis Exhibit

Lauren Zuniga Slam Poet

coffee and career connections

Strauss Performing Arts 3 pm - 4:30 pm

CPACS 132 All day

PKI Room 158 12 pm - 1 pm

Thompson Alumni Center 9 am

Weber Fine Arts Gallery 10 pm

chamber orchestra Concert

MavProse Series Night: Matt Mason

Strauss Performing Arts 7:30 pm

PKI Room 158 7 pm - 8 pm

thurs 17

fri 18

UNO Theatre presents: THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE A hilarious musical of overachievers’ angst chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. UNO Theatre, Weber Fine Arts Building Call the Box Office for reservations at 402.554.PLAY

sat 19

wambili sapa memorial pow wow Sapp Fieldhouse 1 pm - 8 pm

PREP WEEK Library Building Hours 12 pm - 9 pm

Library Building Hours 7 am - 1 am

Library Building Hours 7 am - 5 pm

Library Building Hours 9 am - 5 pm

FINALS WEEK STUDY TIPS Don’t bite off more than you can chew Focus on the task at hand, friends can wait until after your exams are over.

Divide and conquer Divide up your study materials into manageable chunks and create a study plan that will help you build up your speed and confidence.

Consider all your STUDY materials

Don’t mix your study topics

Take it easy on the breaks

Use resources like lecture and discussion notes, readings, handouts, quizzes, and previous tests.

Spend an entire two-hour session on one subject and you’ll feel you’re making genuine progress (because you are).

Try not to take frequent breaks. During two hours of study time, breaking often means only getting 45-minutes of study time.

COMMENCEMENt

Congratulations to all the graduates!

Sustained Dialogue centers around studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; social justice, connection despite difference, and social identities, like national origin, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and economic and ability status. Sustained Dialogue at UNO is a studentled, campus-wide initiative that brings groups of 8-12 students together to discuss ways to improve our campus for everyone. The mission of UNOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sustained Dialogue Initiative is to develop everyday leaders who engage differences as strengths to improve campuses, workplaces, and communities. It has a special focus on creating and maintaining a welcoming campus for both international and domestic students. Sustained Dialogue students meet and discuss topics regularly. This is more unique than one-day forums that provide only enough time for individuals to express their problems and concerns. Sustained Dialogue allows students to continue the

dialogue, get to the root of the issue, and come to an understanding before taking action to solve it. Together, students share experiences and perspectives, build relationships and understanding, and move to action on social issues that exist on our campus, in our community, in the nation, and the world. Each group aims to come up with its own action plan that usually ends with anything from an education campaign for diversity to the creation of a peace committee or even a major movement at a university, community, national, or international level. Last semester was the first of the Sustained Dialogue Initiatives at UNO,

and there has been major growth in the relationships between international students and domestic students as a result. In the future, Sustained Dialogue will play an increasingly crucial role in creating a diverse and thriving campus community at UNO. This student-led group has the backing of UNOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faculty and administration and is part of the inclusiveness agenda that makes UNO a welcoming place for all students. Applications are still being accepted for discussion participants. If you are interested, contact Cassidy Cooper, student assistant for UNO Dialogue Initiatives, or head to MavSYNC to sign up for a dialogue group.

DID YOU KNOW?

Smoking of e-cigarettes is not allowed in any university building. The complete policy can be found by clicking HERE.

What is Disability Services?

NAMI Comes to UNO

Disability Services Office (DSO) serves any student on campus with a disability that affects their learning or their ability to access the classroom. Many students struggle in their classes before they attempt to get help, often assuming there is no help available.

For those who feel passionate about advocacy, there is a new organization coming to UNO called NAMI on Campus. NAMI stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the campus organization is comprised of students who want to raise awareness of mental health issues on campus.

To be approved for accommodations, students need to provide documentation of a disability and meet with one of our staff members. At that time, students discuss difficulties they are having in class, and the staff in our office help come up with solutions that may work in the classroom. Extended test time, use of the testing center, volunteer notetakers, accessible texts, and priority registration are examples of common accommodations made for students with disabilities.

Conditions covered by DSO Physical disabilities ADHD Learning disabilities PTSD Bipolar disorder Autism

Some overlooked conditions Diabetes Crohnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease Traumatic brain injury Undergoing medical treatments (cancer, brain injury) Seizures Eating disorders Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Obsessive/compulsive disorder (OCD) Migraines Fibromyalgia Depression Anxiety Contact Disability Services Anne Heimann aheimann@unomaha.edu 402.554.2872

Nearly 60 million Americans experience a mental health condition every year. Regardless of race, age, religion, or economic status, mental illness impacts the lives of at least one in four adults and one in ten children across the United States. People living with mental illness need help and hope: they need a community that supports them, their families, and their recovery. If you want to get involved with this organization, please contact Cheryl Campbell at cdcampbell@ unomaha.edu or 402.554.2409.

Agencies within SGâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;UNO UNO has five agencies that exist to serve underrepresented student populations on campus. These agencies act as a safe space, provide resources, and program events on campus. To apply to be a student director of one of the following agencies, please check sguno.unomaha.edu for more information.

Gender and Sexual Orientation Network for Disability Awareness American Multicultural Students International Student Services Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resource Center

If you are experiencing difficulties in your classes and think a disability is affecting you, a visit to Disability Services might be the right step. 13

bystander

[bī–stan–der] noun

A person who is near but not taking part in what is happening.

Bystanders who out number those doing harm

What can you do? By attending bystander training, you can learn how to become or grow as an active bystander through building and maintaining healthy peer and personal relationships, learning behaviors in your comfort level that empower you to be an active bystander, and identifying situations in which someone may need help.

When Where

Friday, April 4th | 11 am to 5 pm Maverick Village Clubhouse Free swag, food, and drinks. Sign up on MavSYNC.

one person one choice one moment 402.554.2368 MBSC Student Life Office, 110B UNO is an AA/EEO institution. For special needs or assistance please call/contact unogreendot@unomaha.edu.

STEP IT UP 5K/10K

RUN AND WALK

FOR AUTISM SPEAKS

SATURDAY, APRIL 12TH

10:00 A.M. LAKE ZORINSKY STUDENTS $15 ADULTS $25

CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER $10 PRESENTED BY THE WOMEN OF ALPHA XI DELTA

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT AUTISM SPEAKS

Pioneering Innovation

Calling all Mavs with a new or novel innovation, a better implementation of existing technology or the targeting of new markets. ELIGIBILITY

WHAT TO SUBMIT

The 2014 Competition requires a business or not-for-profit proposal in general terms and should outline the idea, the market, the competition and competitive advantages, as well as a general understanding of how the firm will operate and generate a profit. The requested document is a simplified business plan.

Any team with a current UNO, UNMC or PKI undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, or postdoctoral student. Students must be enrolled in a degree granting program. Teams may not compete if their concept is part of another venture, or has raised angel or VC funding. A current undergraduate, graduate, doctoral or post-doctoral student must present the concept before the judging panel.

Concepts are evaluated on their viability in the current marketplace. The submission should have a one page Executive Summary followed by no more than a ten page proposal for the business. Additional documentation should be placed in an appendix, along with team membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; resumes.

HOW TO ENTER

If you would like assistance writing your plan, contact deesley@unomaha.edu

Email plans to deesley@unomaha.edu by midnight on April 6, 2014.

Prizes:

First Place Second Place Third Place

April 6 Submissions due @ midnight April 14 Finals @ 6-7:30pm

$3,000 $2,000 $1,000

Location: Mammel Hall Auditorium

Visit mavbusplan.unomaha.edu for complete terms and conditions.

Winners from 2013: Rachel Ostrander 1st Place & $3,000 with members of Stem-Direct, 2nd Place & $2,000