Dear DSA,

It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through March. Many important diversity events are being held this month including our own Diversity Council open meeting next week. Please read below for more information about those events and other news.

• As you know, DSA staff were asked to develop a diversity training Personal Development Plan last fall. I am pleased to report that 81% of required staff completed their plans by the Oct. 31 deadline and currently 99% of required staff have now established their plan. This development plan was formulated by our Diversity Council in response to President Smatresk asking each division to determine a required number of training hours for staff to complete related to diversity, inclusion, and equity topics.
• Please make plans to join the DSA Diversity Council’s open meeting at 2 p.m. Monday, March 22.
• March is Women’s History Month. Learn more about the history behind it and events being held in celebration of it at https://guides.library.unt.edu/mc.
• UNT’s inaugural Cesar Chavez Day of Action will be celebrated virtually from 3 to 5 p.m. March 31 via Zoom. In addition to the day’s activities, a Supply Drive will benefit the Angry Tias and Abuelas, a nonprofit that provides basic necessities to individuals and families seeking asylum at the border. The Amazon wish list was created with Team Brownsville, and donations will be sent directly to the organizations to be used where needed most.
• The 2021 Equity & Diversity Conference Presented by Hilti is rescheduled for March 23. It’s free for all UNT World faculty, staff and students. If you’ve already registered, you don’t need to re-register. The conference will feature a full day of workshop sessions, a virtual networking room and a keynote presentation by Jeff Chang.
• The University of South Florida is offering a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate beginning March 24 through May 5. If you are interested in this free course, please speak to your supervisor.

My thanks to you all for the careful attention you devote to these important initiatives and work.

Take care,

Elizabeth With Ed.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs