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�ڰ������� is pleased to welcome its new Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Shireen Roshanravan. NEIU is also excited to announce a new partnership with four other Illinois schools to create a more diverse and equitable data science workforce through the Metropolitan Chicago Data-science Corps. Plus, two faculty members published books, several presented on various topics and so many exciting events are happening next week. Read about all this and more in Noteworthy at �ڰ�������. 

Around the Commons

�ڰ������� names Shireen Roshanravan as its first Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

Dr. Shireen Roshanravan was named �ڰ�������’s first Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and began serving the University in this capacity in July 2021. Roshanravan, a Chicago native, said there were a number of reasons she applied for this position, one of which was the school’s dedication to providing access to education for everyone. “I was drawn to NEIU's visible commitment to provide quality education and mentorship to the vast diversity of Chicagoland communities and beyond,” Roshanravan said. “As the executive director for equity, diversity and inclusion at �ڰ�������, I am excited to work with all members of the NEIU community to develop and implement programming, policies, standards and protocols that move us toward true and equitable inclusion for all.” Roshanravan’s academic research, pedagogical approach, and administrative style focus on coalition-building across diverse communities. She earned her doctorate from the State University of New York at Binghamton in the interdisciplinary program of Philosophy, Interpretation and Culture. 

�ڰ������� announces partnership to create Metropolitan Chicago Data-science Corps

�ڰ������� is one of five Illinois schools to partner in the establishment of the Metropolitan Chicago Data-science Corps (MCDC). The MCDC was founded to help meet the data science needs of the Chicago metropolitan area and will assist a wide range of community-based groups in taking advantage of increasing data volume and complexity while also offering data science students opportunities to apply their skills. “By providing data science education to a diverse cohort of undergraduate students and integrating real-world data science projects into the undergraduate curriculum, we are creating multiple pathways to develop a representative, inclusive national workforce proficient in data science in the future,” Associate Professor of Earth Science Nadja Insel said. “Through cross-disciplinary training, mentoring and learning opportunities, the MCDC will instill in students broad analytical skills, transferable soft skills, and agile technological abilities as well as provide opportunities to connect and engage with community partners.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In light of the heightened isolation experienced by many domestic violence survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial—now more than ever—that we advocate for awareness around this issue. �ڰ�������’s K(NO)W More campaign developed the Red Folder as a resource for survivors of sexual violence and other students in distress. The Red Folder offers a directory of counseling and support resources available for students, including a 24-hour emergency hotline. This guide will help individuals recognize indicators of distress, respond appropriately, and refer the student for assistance. K(NO)W More is a partnership between many departments throughout the University and community providers that help those impacted by sexual violence. Please visit the K(NO)W MORE website for more information.

And there’s more!

• Associate Professor of History Francesca Morgan published “” (University of North Carolina Press).
• Associate Professor of Political Science William Adler published “” (University of Pennsylvania Press).
• Professor of Political Science and Jewish Studies Ellen Cannon will be the convener of six talks for ’s seminar series, “.” On Oct. 4, Cannon chaired and participated in Professor Joel Kotek's discussion "."
• Brooke Mullins (current student, M.A. Linguistics) and Professor and Coordinator of Linguistics co-presented a paper, “‘Tu Futuro Empieza Aquí’: Spanish in the linguistic landscape of Midwestern HSIs,” and Kayla Stenstrom (current student, M.A. Linguistics) also presented a paper, “Language and race: A keyword study,” at the recent online annual meeting. 
• The Department of Communication, Media and Theatre recorded the and have made it available for public viewing. 
• The NEIU Memorial Tree is accepting sponsors for leaves. Those who complete the Memorial Tree Leaf Sponsorship form by Oct. 15 will have their leaf added in time for the annual remembrance ceremony which will take place on Nov. 1 outside Room SU 124.

To do

Latinx/a/o Heritage Month

The Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs invites the University community to its Latinx/a/o Heritage Month virtual closing event celebrating the 50th anniversary of Proyecto Pa’lante from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14. This will feature guest artists, scholars and cultural activists who will share how culture has been formative in their lives and conceptualize what the future holds for the Latinx/a/o community. 

NEIU Golden Gala and Alumni Awards Celebration

�ڰ�������'s Alumni Association invites the community to attend its virtual from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16. This year’s ceremony will honor Miguel del Valle (B.A. ’74 Secondary Education-Spanish; M.A. ’77 Guidance and Counseling), Laura Stock (B.A. ’82 Secondary Education, Physical Education), Jessie Fuentes (B.A. ‘13 Justice Studies; M.A. ’18 Community and Teacher Leaders), Dr. Samniqueka Halsey (B.S. ’11 Biology), and Kimberly Nu-Tall (current student, Biology).

Undergraduate Open House

�ڰ������� will hold an from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20 on the Main Campus. Prospective students can learn about academic and support programs, meet with financial aid advisors, visit with faculty and staff, and take a tour of the campus and student housing. This event is geared for undergraduate students to review our programs in the arts and sciences, education and business.

Coming next week

• Undocu-Career Series: Science of a Résumé and Professional Attire, noon Oct. 12
• Ruth Page Dance Series: BEHIND THE CURTAIN: The ‘Expanding Universe’ Project, 3:05 p.m. Oct. 12
• Undocu-Career Series: Crafting a LinkedIn Profile, 11 a.m. Oct. 14
• CVS Health Employer Diversity Info Session Webinar, 12:30 p.m. Oct. 14
• Future Health Professionals Information Sessions: Midwestern University, 3 p.m. Oct. 14
• Brommel Distinguished Research Professor Lecture: Dr. Chielozona Eze, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 14
• Community Conversations Lecture at CCICS: Dr. Harold Pates, 6 p.m. Oct. 14
• NEIU String Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14
• Jewel Box Series: JIJI, Guitar, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15

View the NEIU events calendar for additional information on all upcoming events. 

In the media

Support for Afghan refugees

President Gloria J. Gibson was interviewed by regarding �ڰ�������’s initiative to offer housing and tuition waivers for Afghan refugees. The program was also discussed in an article published on the website.

One Book, One Chicago: “Bedrock Faith”

The Chicago Public Library in collaboration with �ڰ������� presented “,” on Oct. 4. Acting Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Tim Libretti joined Director of the F.M. Johnson Archives and Special Collections of Brandel Library at North Park University Andy Meyer and Teaching Artist and Company Manager of Albany Park Theater Project Stephany Perez to discuss themes in the 2021 selection “” by Eric Charles May.

Also in the media

• Associate Professor of History Francesca Morgan was quoted in a Christian Science Monitor article titled, “.”

COVID-19 update

During the week of Sept. 29, 2021, four students reported a positive COVID-19 test. One student was on campus. Since March 2020, a total of 65 employees and 306 students have self-reported to the University that they tested positive for COVID-19. Employees and students who feel sick should stay home. If you test positive for COVID-19, students should immediately notify Student Health Services, and employees should notify their supervisors and the Office of Human Resources. Additionally, faculty and staff are required to report positive and presumptive student COVID-19 cases and exposures to Student Health Services. When someone who has been on campus tests positive, �ڰ������� works with the Chicago Department of Public Health to determine the appropriate response, which differs greatly depending on the situation. We continue to follow Chicago Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines as we ensure proper protocols and preventative measures are in place for the health and safety of our students and employees. 

Other COVID-19 updates

• SHIELD Illinois COVID-19 testing is available on the Main Campus and Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies. SHIELD Illinois testing will be available at El Centro beginning Oct. 20.
• As part of �ڰ�������’s Vaccine Incentive Program (VIP), all students and employees who have completed and submitted their COVID-19 attestation or exemption forms can stop by Village Square to pick up a free NEIU keychain and a $5 gift certificate to Fooda or Café Descartes Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-noon, Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. and Thursdays from 3-4 p.m. through October. 
• COVID-19 attestation or exemption forms and COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Students and COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Employees can be found on the University website.

Stay up-to-date on everything regarding COVID-19 updates by visiting the Return to Campus website. 

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