Campus closure causes SDEI to engage virtually with Hawks

The campus closure of the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) has led to offices and departments on campus, including the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) to help students feel a sense of normalcy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One office within DSA that is putting in effort to keep Hawks connected remotely is the Office for Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (SDEI). SDEI is committed to supporting and providing a diverse environment at the university, as well as forming inclusive relationships within the UHCL community.

SDEI works to help underrepresented students make the most of their college experience and increase their personal successes.

With classes transitioned to online, and the UHCL campus closed to nonessential personnel until at least April 30, SDEI continues to offer most of its services and programs virtually.

“The majority of the programming that we had to postpone were events that required speakers and off-campus guests as well as those that couldn’t be transitioned easily,” said Aliya Beavers, director of SDEI. “Since a good chunk of our programming is discussion-based and information sharing (book club, presentations/discussions about identity, etc.) that was easy to transition.”

One program being offered virtually is the Books of Color series, a book club that will be celebrating works by writers of color. The first book to start the book club off is “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Senz.

SDEI offered a limited number of free digital ebooks and audiobooks of the novel. The second virtual meeting to discuss the text will be held April 29 at 2 p.m. April 15 saw the first virtual book club meeting to discuss chapters one through three of the text.

Two other regular programs, which are part of SDEI’s Woke Wednesdays that have taken the virtual route because of social distancing is the “It’s Just A…” series, and “Voice-It”.

The “It’s Just A…” series spotlights a piece of popular work, including films, to analyze and have a critical discussion on how it can affect one’s thoughts and actions. The “Voice-It” series is designed to be a safe space to discuss and connect over aspects of identity.

“We have set up security parameters to make sure that the space stays safe and welcoming for all participants,” Beavers said.

Beavers emphasizes the best way to stay connected and informed with any of SDEI’s upcoming programs is to follow the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on Facebook.

SDEI has also been working on creating new programming that caters to the new virtual audience. One new event was a Zoom call April 8 featuring a discussion on multicultural awareness, which was hosted by Aja Rodriguez, coordinator of diversity programs of SDEI.

“I am personally working on Night Bazaar and Festival of Asian regions,” said Firoj Gurung, Coordinator of international student programs of SDEI.

Night Bazaar, which took place April 17, is in celebration of Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Heritage Month. A night bazaar is a platform where local business exchange takes place at night. Some things that might be sold at Night Bazaars are groceries, freshly made food, desserts, clothing, jewelry, and novelty items.

For more information regarding the Festival of Asian regions program, Gurung recommends subscribing to the Office of SDEI’s newsletter, as well as following SDEI on social media.

Additionally, SDEI has held virtual check-ins via Zoom for students to talk with the staff about how they are coping during COVID-19. The first check-in was held April 15.

“One of the biggest challenges we have is getting information out about our programming,” said Beavers. “If students do not connect with us via social media or on our website, we are not able to get word out to them which is why articles like these are helpful.”

Despite having to engage remotely, Beavers ensures The Signal readers that the SDEI staff is here to help and encourage participation.

“I would like the readers to know that the SDEI staff are here to help and that we do our programming for them, so they should participate because there is a lot to offer,” said Beavers.