Each of us are impacted differently by racist events like those witnessed in our country these past few weeks and we know students will continue to reflect and process differently. With the many messages of solidarity our campus community has shared, we want to reiterate that Black Lives Matter. Racist, discriminatory and harassing acts do not align with our core beliefs and values especially those named in our Colorado Creed.
If you are still processing these events and wondering how best to move forward, you are not alone. Some of you want to help, but aren’t sure where to start. Others of you are hurting and need more time to process. The Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement (ODECE) are here to support you and help you to process, learn and grow, and take action if you wish.
Dialogue circles
Next week ODECE will partner with Student Affairs to offer dialogue circles for all CU Boulder students. Dialogue circles allow us to learn and grow together by sharing personal stories and hearing different perspectives. We may not have all the answers right now, but together we can explore themes that include (re)building community, discussing conflicts and sharing ideas. They provide space for us to process when society is hurting, even if we don’t have the perfect words. It is important for anyone who signs up to be an active participant.
If you are interested in participating in dialogue circles, please sign up here. Details will be emailed to you soon.
e-Let’s Talk
Many Buffs are hurting right now. Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) acknowledges the impact that current and historic racial and social injustices have on our Black students, students of color and our community as a whole.
e-Let’s Talk is a free service for all CU Boulder students, both in and out of state, to virtually connect with a counselor. CAPS is offering specific e-Let’s Talk sessions on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon MDT for students who are processing current injustices and inequities in our communities. While CAPS has added this specific time, students are encouraged to use any e-Let’s Talk hours that are convenient for them.
Skill building dialogue series
We are planning a skill building dialogue series over the summer for all CU Boulder students to participate. Dialogue topics will focus on skill development, and include discussing anti-bias and anti-racism, what it means to listen and more. Stay tuned for more details about the dialogue series in the next few weeks. If you are interested in participating, fill out this form and we will email you with more information as details are finalized.
Several areas within CU Boulder are offering opportunities and we encourage you to stay involved as much as possible. Some of you may want to engage individually, or with your friends. ODECE provides excellent resources, trainings and programs. Student Affairs and ODECE will continue working together to provide more opportunities for our campus community to collectively process, educate and grow over the next weeks and months. We must not become complacent and we will continue these conversations and opportunities. Black Lives Matter always at CU Boulder.
We are here to support you and we are in this together.
Akirah J. Bradley, EdD
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Dyonne Bergeron, EdD
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Inclusion and Student Achievement
From CU Student Government:
As leaders of CU Student Government, we believe these Student Dialogue Circles are an important first step in moving toward a more educated and informed student body. As we continue to work toward long-term solutions and change, we have noted a consistent rise in student need and desire for education and exposure to the Black Lives Matter movement and strongly encourage students to engage in this dialogue to strengthen our own CU Boulder community.” –CU Student Government presidents Amalia Frommelt, Isaiah Chavous and George Conway
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Akirah Bradley
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Inclusion and Student Achievement Dyonne Bergeron
