Division of Diversity and Engagement Weekly Update 

April 18

  POSITIONS AVAILABLE                                                   

Administrative Specialist I

The Office of Community Engagement and Outreach, housed in the Division of Diversity and Engagement (DDE), seeks a full-time Administrative Specialist I to provide support in a complex and fast-paced environment. Apply here. 

Graduate Research Assistant

The Office of Community Engagement and Outreach seeks a graduate research assistant for the 2022-2023 academic year. Graduate students may learn more about the position and apply here.

DDE Faculty Fellows

The Division of Diversity and Engagement (DDE) is seeking applications for the Faculty and Administrative Fellows Program. This unique experience offers faculty and staff from diverse disciplines an opportunity to develop leadership skills, expertise, and strategies that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across a variety of colleges and units. All initiatives that are implemented deepen our commitment as the state’s flagship, R1, land-grant university.

Eligibility includes being a full-time faculty member (tenure-track or non-tenure track) or exempt staff member. A major portion of fellows’ responsibilities is centered around the advancement of diversity in academia as we seek to build and sustain an inclusive campus for all Vols. A demonstrated track-record of dedication to diversity and inclusion is required. 

Applications should be submitted here by May 2.

RDA Fellows 

The UTK Research Development Academy is now accepting applications for next year’s cohort.  The Research Development Academy (RDA) empowers diverse tenure-track faculty, including those from underrepresented groups, to advance their scholarship in a collegial environment with supportive guidance.  

RDA is a collaboration between the Office of the Provost, Division of Diversity and Engagement, and the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development.

Educational Program Coordinator 

The Office of Ombuds Services is hiring an Educational Program Coordinator who will be focusing efforts on the educational mission of the office. Interested individuals can learn more about the office here.

 Those interested can apply here.

Join the Safe Zone at UT Facilitation Team!
Interested in educating and empowering our campus community with the awareness, knowledge, and skills to support the LGBTQ+ community?

Applications are now open for UT faculty, staff, and graduate students to join the 2022-2023 Safe Zone at UT facilitation team! The application period runs from April 1 to May 18. Get more details here.

Paid Opportunity for Current College Students 

  UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES                                        

Something Special: The Role of Place in Researching LGBTQ Populations

The UTK Commission for LGBT People and its Equity and Climate Sub-Committee, in partnership with the Pride Center, are excited to host the third of four lectures taking place throughout this semester.

Dr. LaToya Eaves, Assistant Professor in our Department of Geography, will be leading the next virtual lecture on April 20 at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom. 

Those interested can register ahead of the event here. 

HR Career Fair at South Press Coffee

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Human Resources is hosting a career fair at South Press Coffee on April 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Getting to Know the UT Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Community

This discussion panel will help the audience define the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) group and its intrinsic diversity by zeroing in on the experience of faculty, staff, and students who identify as part of the AAPI community. It also provides an opportunity for the audience to hear the challenges facing the AAPI community from each panelist's unique perspective. The audience will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of the AAPI community, its contributions to the volunteer spirits and societal advancement, and how to become an ally and advocate for the group. The event will be held via zoom on April 21 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The registration deadline is April 20. Those interested can register here. 

Autism Panel Discussion

Student Disability Services, in collaboration with Advocates for Autism and the FUTURE program, invite you to attend our Autism Panel Discussion on Tuesday, April 26th, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. as we seek to understand and explore the many views, perspectives, and lived experiences of students on the spectrum with the hope of building continued respect, dignity, and an inclusive and welcoming campus for everyone.

This is a hybrid event that will be hosted remotely via Zoom and in-person in the Student Union. In-person attendance is limited. Registration is required. Real-time captioning will be provided, and other accommodations are available upon request. 

For more information about disability-related accommodations, please email Student Disability Services. Those interested can register for the event can do so here.

Navigating Conflict in Diverse Community

The Division of Diversity and Engagement will host a workshop, Navigating Conflict in Diverse Community, on April 27 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Overt bias and discrimination can be easy to spot, but it’s often harder to recognize and address more subtle everyday actions that undermine inclusion and equity.   Drawing insights from the book, “Subtle Acts of Exclusion,” this session will explore some of the not-so-obvious behaviors that can cause (often unintentional) harm to those with marginalized identities.  Participants will learn constructive communication strategies for responding to such behaviors in order to create understanding, promote accountability, and foster inclusivity. Presenters will include, Brooke Wichmann, Associate Ombudsperson, and Rachel Dey,  Assistant Director of OED and Compliance Officer.

Please register ahead for the session here.

Save the Date: Lavender Graduation 2022

Lavender Graduation is an affinity graduation ceremony celebrating LGBTQ+ and ally graduates and their accomplishments, achievements, and impact at UT. The ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 27, at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. We welcome graduates of ALL levels (graduate and undergraduate students) to participate. The ceremony is an optional ceremony open to everyone that supports the LGBTQ+ community at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

More information can be found here. 

Multicultural Graduation Celebration and Recognition

The Multicultural Graduation Celebration and Recognition honors graduating BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students and students affiliated with MSL's organizations and programs. The ceremony recognizes graduates' accomplishments, achievements, and impact at the University of Tennessee. The event celebrates undergraduate and graduate students graduating in 2022 (Spring, Summer or Fall). All are welcome to attend! Registered graduates will receive a Multicultural Graduation stole, a tassel, and a gift from the Office of Multicultural Student Life.

When: Thursday, April 28th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Cox Auditorium

Register as a graduate by Friday, April 15th here.

OCEO Call For Proposals

UT’s Office of Community Engagement and Outreach (OCEO) seeks proposals for its 5th Annual Engagement and Outreach Conference, “Community Engagement: Strategies, Solutions, and Impacts.” This hybrid conference will be held on October 3 – 5 at the UT Student Union. A limited number of presentations will be available virtually. Proposals are due April 29. 

Those interested can submit a proposal here. More information can be found here.

University of Tennessee Inclusive Leadership Academy - 
Submission Date Extended!

Are you interested in becoming a more inclusive leader on the UTK campus or know someone who would?  Good news…Learning and Organizational Development in partnership with the Division of Diversity and Engagement is proud to announce the 2022-2023 University of Tennessee Inclusive Leadership Academy (UTILA) is now accepting applications.

To learn more about UTILA and what is required to participate in this impactful leadership development opportunity, click here.

Those interested can apply here or you can nominate someone here! The application is open for submissions now and will close for submissions on May 4, 2022.  

UConnecT is open for applications

Are you a non-exempt employee interested in leadership development and participating in the yearlong UConnecT program?  Do you know someone who would? Good news! L&OD in partnership with the Division of Diversity and Engagement is proud to announce UConnecT for 2022-2023 is now accepting applications. 

To learn more about UConnect and what is required to participate in this wonderful leadership development activity click here.

Those interested can apply here or you can nominate someone here.  Submissions can be made now and before the deadline of May 9, 2022!

2022-2023 Professional MBA program Scholarship

The James A. Haslam II College of Business Administration will be sponsoring a scholarship for the 2022-2023 Professional MBA program.  Nominations are currently being accepted for the program which begins in August 2022.  In order to be eligible for the scholarship, the following criteria must be met:

- Potential applicants must be nominated by their Dean or appropriate administrator and complete an application for the Professional MBA program.  Nominees must currently be a UTK full-time employee as well as having been employed full-time at UTK for a minimum of 1 year.

- The Selection Review committee will be comprised of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, the Vice Chancellor for Diversity & Engagement, the Executive Director of Executive Programs, Director of Executive Strategic Leadership MBA Program, and the Director of the Professional MBA program.  The committee will select one applicant for the program who must then meet all application requirements for the program.

- Scholarship recipients must remain as full-time employees at UTK for three years following graduation or will be responsible for repaying the scholarship portion and, if appropriate, any departmental funding.

- In addition to the normal waiver of tuition, the scholarship will cover the program fee except for 10% of the variable cost which can be funded by the individual or the appropriate department. Currently, the amount not covered by the scholarship will be $4,950 for the 2022-2023 Professional MBA program.  Scholarship recipients will also be responsible for any miscellaneous costs which are not covered in the program fee and are required by all students. In 2021-2022, these costs are approximately ($250 - $4550 which includes choosing to attend the optional international residency period).

- Individual leave must be taken for the time required in the program and coordinated with the recipient's supervisor.

Prior to applying for the GEE / ProMBA scholarship, the UT faculty or staff member must have applied and been accepted to ProMBA as well as followed the UT admissions employer verification requirements.

If you have an individual you wish to nominate, please submit the person's name, job responsibilities, and the reason why you feel this person would be a good candidate.  Nominations should be submitted to Molly Kinard here no later than May 13. If you have questions, please call Molly Kinard at 865-384-6478. 

Your Voice Matters

The Office of Title IX’s Vol Voices research survey is gauging campus experiences and perceptions related to sexual misconduct. The survey is completely anonymous and confidential. Results will help inform positive change in our community.

Those interested can scan the QR code or visit the survey here.

Please complete the survey by May 31 and encourage your colleagues and students to do the same. If you have trouble accessing the survey please email Markie Cook here and the Social Work Office of Public Service (SWORPS) team will be happy to assist you.  

  CALL FOR EVENTS                                                             

The Division of Diversity and Engagement sends weekly emails highlighting engagement opportunities in the community and throughout campus. Those interested can submit upcoming DEI-related events by emailing [log in to unmask]. Events should be submitted at least two weeks in advance.