Center for Diversity and Inclusion

Confidential consultations and advisement are available for faculty, staff, students and other University affiliates. Our services cover a wide range of topics, including transforming curricula, enhancing diversity recruitment efforts, managing difficult/sensitive conversations with colleagues and students and sustaining inclusive classroom practices. We also facilitate dialogues among individuals and small groups and support departments with developing diversity and inclusion plans for their respective areas.

In collaboration with the Offices of People and Culture and Institutional Research, we analyze data on the recruitment, success, and retention of Adler’s historically underrepresented students, faculty, and staff to develop appropriate action plans. Additionally, we research best practices on a range of topics and provide individuals and departments recommendations based on the current literature. Bi-annually, we launch a diversity climate survey for faculty, staff, students, and administrators to ensure we are making progress towards our goals.

We coordinate the selection of scholars and experts to address a range of topics, such as implicit bias and managing difficult conversations in the classroom. We also provide internal training sessions, such as Safe Space (focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer populations), Inclusive Language, Principles of Inclusive Pedagogy, and Generational Diversity. Upon request, we design customized presentations to meet unique departmental needs.

We deliver programs that bring an increased awareness of equity, diversity and inclusion and/or events that represent underserved communities, often in collaboration with our Campus Diversity Committees. Our programming promotes a learning community that values varied ideas and experiences that reinforce pluralism, one of Adler’s institutional values.

We offer a range of resources to support Adler community members. Examples include an Inclusive Pedagogy website, a flowchart that identifies where to report incidents (e.g., biased incidents, discrimination, sexual assault, etc.) and diversity recruitment and hiring materials. Our office also maintains queery.org, a website that lists LGBTQIA+ resources for faculty, students, staff and the greater Chicagoland area.

The Center regularly works with the University’s Diversity Committee, student, academic, and student affairs leaders to design, develop, facilitate, and assess programs and resources.

The Diversity Scholars Program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students from underrepresented/underserved backgrounds to learn more about graduate study in psychology at Adler University. It is designed to increase diversity among graduate students in various areas of psychology.

More specifically, this program is designed to:

• Preview graduate-level courses in psychology
• Share information regarding success strategies for completing graduate programs
• Offer practical tips regarding selecting and applying to graduate programs
• Expose participants to prominent faculty and administrators from diverse backgrounds
• Establish authentic and lasting relationships through ongoing mentorship
• Explore the intersections of psychology and social justice

Program Funding

Students who attend the Diversity Scholars Program that decide to apply to Adler University, will receive an application fee waiver. Additionally, those that are accepted into one of Adler University’s academic programs will also receive a Diversity Scholars Scholarship that provides a 50% tuition waiver! Please note, participants must attend and participate for the entire time of the program to qualify for any scholarship opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Identify as a member of an underrepresented population (i.e., student of color, low income, first generation students, LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, etc.)
• Current classification as a junior or senior in college (minimum of 45 completed credits)
• Genuine interest in the field of psychology
• Strong commitment to social justice

Application Process

Please submit the following application materials:

• A completed application form, signed and dated
• An updated copy of your resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Recommendation – Please provide one letter of recommendation from an individual who can speak about your academic potential.
• Essay – Please submit a statement (500 words maximum) describing your future career goals and commitment to working with underrepresented populations.
• A copy of your Official Transcripts.

Students must submit all application materials by Friday, September 10, 2021 to [email protected]. Please feel free to email us with any further questions about the program.

The Diversity Leadership Program (DLP) at Adler is sponsored by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion to provide opportunities for Psy.D.-level students of color to find community, develop a sense of belonging and receive academic support, resources, and advisement. 

For more information about D.L.P please contact [email protected] with subject line Diversity Leadership Program Information request 

The Leading with Excellence, Achievement, and Diversity (LEAD) program at Adler is sponsored by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion to provide opportunities for Master’s level students of color to find community, develop a sense of belonging and receive academic support, resources, and advisement. 

For more information about L.E.A.D please contact [email protected] with subject line LEAD Program Information request. 

Mission 

The DFI Fellowship Program’s goal is to increase the number of minoritized full-time tenure track faculty and staff at colleges and universities in Illinois. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Admission 

Applicants must be admitted to a Master’s or Doctoral program at Adler at the time of application. If awarded, the applicant must enroll as a full-time student (12 hours). DFI Fellowship Program Applications must be submitted to [email protected].  

The 2022-2023 application should be available in January 2022. Be on the lookout for a message from our Center.  

Illinois Residency 

To be classified as an Illinois resident, an applicant must have received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution in Illinois or received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution outside of Illinois and has lived in Illinois for a period of at least three years prior to applying for a grant. 

Underrepresented Groups 

African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. “Traditionally underrepresented minority group” means any of the minority groups designated in the Act which are represented in Illinois post-baccalaureate enrollment at a percentage rate less than the percentage of the minority group’s representation in the total Illinois population. The Illinois Board of Higher Education shall determine annually which groups are underrepresented based upon census data and annual graduate enrollment reports from Illinois institutions of higher education. 

Academic Ability 

• Applicants must possess above-average academic ability as evidenced by: 

• An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning;
  A minimum grade point average of 2.75 (scale 4.0 = A) in the last sixty hours of undergraduate work or over a 3.2 (scale 4.0 = A) in at least 9 hours of graduate study; 
• Unconditional admission to a master’s or doctoral degree program at Adler 

Academic Pursuit 

Applicants in all academic disciplines are eligible. Applicants must be pursuing a doctorate or master’s degree. Applicants must plan on pursuing a career in teaching or administration at an Illinois post-secondary institution or Illinois higher education governing board. 

Financial Need 

Applicants must demonstrate financial need.  Applicants must have a financial need of at least $10,000 for eligibility.  Please complete the Federal Applications for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) must be filed each year to maintain eligibility. Information regarding the student’s Total Direct Expenses minus the Expected Family Contribution [EFC] determines financial need [Need].  

Terms of the Award 

Upon graduation or separation from the DFI institution, an award recipient must agree to actively seek and accept when offered a teaching or non-teaching full-time appointment at an Illinois post-secondary educational institution or accept a position as an employee of this state in an administrative, educational-related position equal to the number of years for which he or she receives the DFI fellowship. Students failing to fulfill this condition of the award shall be required to repay 20 percent of their cumulative award amount, subject to revision by the DFI Program Board. 

The DFI Award is available for a maximum of four years: 

Doctorate Degree – Four (4) Years
Master Degree – Two (2) Years
Master’s degree holders funded through DFI are eligible to apply for additional years of support for doctoral study; total DFI funding is not to exceed four years 

Contact: 

DFI Fellowship Program Institutional Representative, Melissa Moore, [email protected]  

Please check the Black History Month events page to learn more and register. Click Here.

Common Hour: Queer Black Healthcare: What’s Missing? With Ericka Hart (Students, Faculty, and Staff)

In honor of Black History Month, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion hosted the Chicago Virtual Common Hour event, Queer Black Health Care: What’s Missing? With kinky poly, cancer-warrior, activist, and sexually educator Ericka Hart.

Facilitated by Dr. Jenae Thompson, we engaged the Adler community in conversation regarding issues relating to Queer Black community Health Care, acknowledging community pain, and ways to engage in advocacy during the pandemic.

Universal Design for Learning Workshop, with Luis Perez (Primarily for Faculty)

When: February 22, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CT / 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT

Please register here.

• Lunar New Year – Interfaith/National: February 1

February 1 – 28   Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual observance, created to bring attention to the contributions of Blacks, in the United States. It focuses on and honors Black people from every period of U. S. history, highlighting their perseverance, experiences, and accomplishments. It has received official recognition from the United States and Canadian governments and has recently been observed in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Interrogating Whiteness in University Teaching, with Chayla Haynes Davison (Required DEI Faculty Training)

When: March 22, 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. PT

Register here.

Let’s Talk Teaching (Drop-in informal teaching discussions.) (Faculty)

When: March 24, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CT / 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT

Join here.

For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts: A Love Letter to Women of Color

Join the Center for a conversation with author, Latinx activist, and founder of Latina Rebels, Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez. Facilitated by Michelle Tiwade, we will discuss her new book For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts: A Love Letter to Women of Color. Free copy of Prisca’s book to the first 20 virtual attendees.*

When: March 24, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT / 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT

Join here.

Check out our new Diversity and Inclusion Resources.

Diversity Leadership Program (DLP) and Leading With Excellence Achievement and Diversity (LEAD)

The Diversity Leadership Program (DLP) and Leading with Excellence, Achievement and Diversity (LEAD) are programs sponsored by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and provide excellent opportunities for students of color to find community, develop a sense of belonging, and receive academic support, resources, and advisement. We encourage students interested in participating to contact the following peer leaders:

Diversity Leadership Program (DLP) – For first-year Psy.D. students: Muneet Malhi

Leading With Excellence Achievement and Diversity (LEAD) – For first-year Master’s students: Chelci Oliver

Diversity Leadership Program Mentors, Dreanna Curry, Muneet Mahli, and Aveen Sharma, provided an overview of DLP for first- and second-year Psy.D. students. They also discussed practicum sites, what students can expect from practicum, and how to make the most of their experience.

• Disability Day of Mourning: March 1
• Ash Wednesday – Christian: March 2
• Eastern Orthodox Beginning of Lent  – Orthodox Christian: March 7
• International Women’s Day: March 8
• Purim – Jewish: March 16-17
• Holi – Hindu: March 18
• Ostara/Spring Equinox – Wiccan/Pagan: March 21
• Naw-Ruz – Baha’i: March 21

March 1-31  – Women’s History Month (U.S.)
Women’s History Month is an annual observance dedicated to recognizing the contributions women have made to United States history. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the first National Women’s History Week, which coincided with International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th since 1909. The National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March in 1986.

March 31  – International Transgender Day of Visibility
International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual day that focuses on celebrating transgender people, honoring their contributions to society, and raising awareness of the discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide. In response to the lack of recognition of living transgender people, Rachel Crandall founded this day in 2009. President Joseph Biden, officially proclaimed March 31st, 2021, as Transgender Day of Visibility, stating, “I call upon all Americans to join in the fight for full equality for all transgender people.” A Proclamation on Transgender Day Of Visibility, 2021 | The White House

Staff Training: Unpacking Power and Privilege, with Dr. Cheryl Richardson and Melissa Moore (Staff)

When: April 6, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CT / 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT

Join Here

• Ramadan – Islam: April 2 – May 1
• Vaisakhi – Sikh: April 14
• Mahavira Jayanti – Jain: April 14
• Good Friday – Christian: April 15
• Passover (Pesach) – Jewish: April 15 – 23
• Easter – Christian: April 17
• First Day of Ridván – Baha’i: April 21
• Orthodox Easter (European Traditions) – Orthodox Christian: April 24
• Orthodox Easter (Ethiopia Fasika) – Orthodox Christian: April 24
• Laylat al-Qadr – Islam: April 28
• 9^th Day of Ridván – Baha’i: April 29

April 22 – Earth Day (International)
Earth Day was first held on April 22, 1970. It is globally celebrated to highlight efforts to protect the planet from pollution and deforestation and call attention to rapid climate change. Earthday.org coordinates a wide range of global events from picking up litter, planting trees, protest, and proposing legislation, all to ensure our world is a healthier place to live.

April 24 – May 1 – Days of Remembrance and
April 27 – 28 – Yom HaShoah
Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust, an annual eight-day period designated by the United States Congress, is time set aside for Americans to mourn victims of the Holocaust and draw lessons that can prevent such atrocities in the future. The commemoration begins the Sunday before Yom HaShoah and ends the following Sunday. Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) commemorates the six million Jews and five million others who died as a result of Nazism. The day also marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, thereby honoring Jewish resistance of the period. In 2022, it begins at sundown April 27 and ends at nightfall on April 28.

* Note: January 27, is the UN International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which commemorates victims of the Holocaust and falls on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Camp. 

Exploring Elements of Diversity Among Jewish Populations (Faculty/Students/Staff)

(Co-sponsored by the Adler Jewish Association and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion)

When: May 5, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT

Join Here

#Whatshappeningin Webinar event – Myanmar. The Spring Revolution: Myanmar’s “New” Unity in Diversity (Faculty/Students/Staff)

(Co-sponsored by the Vancouver Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Adler Student Association)

When: May 12, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT

Join Here

#Whatshappeningin Webinar event – Thailand. What is the Milk Tea Alliance? Thailand and the Pan Pacific democracy movement (Faculty/Students/Staff)

(Co-sponsored by the Vancouver Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Adler Student Association)

When: May 17, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CT

Join Here

Bat soup: Social media regulation and the “free speech” conundrum (Faculty/Students/Staff)

(Co-sponsored by the Vancouver Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Adler Student Association)

When: May 18, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT

Zoom Meeting ID: 341 614 1368

First Step to Mindfulness – Thich Nhat Hanh’s philosophy & meditation workshop (Faculty/Students/Staff)

(Co-sponsored by the Vancouver Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Adler Student Association)

When: May 19, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. CT

Join Here

#Whatshappeningin Webinar event – Hong Kong. From the Tiananmen Massacre to the Revolution of our Times – the past and ongoing suppression of China to Hong Kong’s democracy (Faculty/Students/Staff)

(Co-sponsored by the Vancouver Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Adler Student Association)

When: May 25, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CT

Join Here

#Whatshappeningin Webinar event – Tibet. The self-immolation of the Tibetan Pop-Star, Tsewang Norbu – the long fight for Tibetan freedom and independence (Faculty/Students/Staff)

(Co-sponsored by the Vancouver Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Adler Student Association)

When: May 26, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT

Join Here

• Ramadan – Islam: April 2 – May 1
• Eid al-Fitr– Islam: May 1
• 12th Day of Ridván – Baha’i: May 2
• Vesak or Buddha Day – Buddhist: May 6
• Declaration of the Bab – Baha’i: May 24
• Ascension Day – Christian: May 26
• Ascension of Baha’u’llah – Baha’i: May 29

*Ramadan is a time of strict fasting, extensive charitable giving, and increased prayer. Please see Student Affairs to locate prayer spaces on the Chicago and Vancouver campuses.

May 1 – 31 – Jewish American Heritage Month (U.S.)
Jewish American Heritage month is an annual celebration recognizing American Jews’ contributions and achievements to the United States. The National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia repositioned Jewish American Heritage Month to celebrate and educate public audiences on the history of Jewish culture in America, sparking important conversations about the present and future of American Jewish people.

May 1 – 31 – Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month / AAPI Heritage Month (U.S.)
An annual celebration recognizing the historical and cultural contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the United States, including science, medicine, literature, art, sports, recreation, government, politics, activism, and law. AAPI includes cultures from the entire Asian continent—including East, Southeast and South Asia—and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

May 1 – May 31 – Mental Health Awareness Month (U.S./Canada)
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues, helping to reduce the stigma many people experience. This awareness sheds light on of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives, and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. This acknowledgement sheds light on the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives.

May 5 – RED Dress Day (Canada)
May 5 is Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-spirited Individuals. Artist Jaime Black inspired the REDress Project, an installation in public spaces throughout Canada and the United States. This project is based on an aesthetic response to this critical national issue, providing a visual reminder of the staggering number of women who are no longer with us.

May 20 – Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Global Accessibility Awareness Day, (GAAD) launched in May 2012, and was inspired by Joe Devon, a web developer, and Jennison Asuncion, an accessibility professional. This is a day of awareness focusing on digital access and inclusion for more than one billion people with disabilities and impairments. This acknowledgement sheds light on the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives.

Learning the Ropes: Introduction to Kink-Affirming Practice (Open to all members of the University)

When: June 8, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT

Sexuality is often an under-discussed part of a therapist’s training – and when it does exist, it often only fits a narrow conceptualization that reinforces dominant discourses of sex-negativity. A true understanding of sexuality must include a broadening of horizons to include LGBTQ+ issues, non-monogamy, and kink. Meet Jake, an MFT specializing in kink-affirming practice. Together, we will create a framework through which we can understand marginalized sexualities and learn the basics of what “kink” even means. Bring your best questions and personal experiences so we can learn together.

Join Here

Radical Authenticity: Exploring the Spectrum of Identity (Open to all members of the University)

When: June 15, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT

The spectrum of identity is vast. Every person is an expression of their lived experiences at various intersectional identities. These intersectional identities help us understand more about who we are in the world and who we wish to become. Join Moe A. Brown, LMFT, transgender therapist and former adjunct professor at Adler University, as he explores “Radical Authenticity” and how he has applied this principle in therapy to help others transform their lives.

Join Here

Understanding and Addressing Racism in the Classroom with Cheryl Richardson, Ph.D. (Faculty)

When: June 7, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT

In this conversation with faculty, we will explore how racism emerges in exchanges among students, with faculty, and in the curriculum. Strategies for mitigating harm will also be shared.

Register Here

Check out our new Diversity and Inclusion Resources.

Affinity Groups

The Center for Diversity & Inclusion is offering the opportunity for faculty and staff to create Affinity Groups at Adler. Those interested in starting an Affinity Group can learn more about them online or apply to start one.

• Orthodox Ascension Day – Orthodox Christian: June 2
• Shavout– Jewish: June 4 – 6

National Indigenous History Month
National Indigenous History Month has been observed every June in Canada for 12 years. The celebration and recognition of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples’ history, culture, and contributions to Canada happens in June to commemorate their Canadian history.

Pride Month
Recognized worldwide with pride parades, rallies, parties, workshops, festivals, and concerts, people gather to show tribute to those involved in the Stonewall Riots of 1969, celebrate achievements, and express joy in the self-defined visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. Groups commemorate those lost to hate and AIDS and raise political awareness of current issues facing this diverse community.

June 19 – Juneteenth – Interfaith/African American
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of all who were enslaved in the United States. The day marks the last announcement of freedom for enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas; an order given on June 19, 1865—nearly two years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth emphasizes freedom, reflection, rejoicing, planning, and achievement while celebrating a liberated Black body and identity.

June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day
Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated to recognize the many achievements of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, their distinct cultures, and the unique traditions of native communities.

June 26 – Pride Day and Festivals – LGBTQIA+
Pride Day and Festivals take place in June nationwide, including the legendary Chicago Pride Parade that marches through Chicago’s vibrant Boystown neighborhood to show tribute to those involved in the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and celebrate the achievements of people in the LGBTQIA+ community.

There are no events for the month of July.

Check out our new Diversity and Inclusion Resources.

Affinity Groups

The Center for Diversity & Inclusion is offering the opportunity for faculty and staff to create Affinity Groups at Adler. Those interested in starting an Affinity Group can learn more about them online or apply to start one.

• Holy Day of Arafah – Islam: July 9
• Martyrdom of the Bab– Baha’i: July 9
• Eid al-Adha – Islam: July 9
• Eid al-Ghadeer– Islam (Shia): July 17

June 1 – July 31 – Disability Pride Month (U.S.)
Since July 1990, Disability Pride Month has been celebrated annually in the United States with parades and a distinct flag. The chosen month coincides with the passage of the American Disability Act (ADA), prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities, and reminds the public of the needs for more representation and justice for people with disabilities.

More than 1 billion people worldwide experience a disability and are more likely to experience adverse socioeconomic, educational, and psychological outcomes than others. In addition to working toward equity and justice, disability advocates champion greater representation in policy making, employment, government, positions of leadership, and media. It is imperative to listen to and include people with disabilities as we create, reform, and rebuild more just institutions and systems.

Planning with the Diversity Learning Outcomes Guide

When: August 11, 3-5pm CT; 1-3pm PT
During this workshop, faculty will think together about how to use the Diversity Learning Outcomes Guide developed by Diversity Faculty Fellow, Erica Wade-Ball, to revamp or design a new course. Bring a master course outline, syllabus, or a course idea. (Offered twice and recorded)
Please register: Here

Planning with the Diversity Learning Outcomes Guide

When: August 17, 1-3pm CT; 11am – 1pm PT
During this workshop, faculty will think together about how to use the Diversity Learning Outcomes Guide developed by Diversity Faculty Fellow, Erica Wade-Ball, to revamp or design a new course. Bring a master course outline, syllabus, or a course idea. (Offered twice and recorded)
Please register: Here

Check out our new Diversity and Inclusion Resources.

Affinity Groups

The Center for Diversity & Inclusion is offering the opportunity for faculty and staff to create Affinity Groups at Adler. Those interested in starting an Affinity Group can learn more about them online or apply to start one.

Adler University will not inhibit or penalize students for exercising their rights to religious observance.  Please see the faculty handbook or refer to course syllabi to understand policies for honoring religious holidays’ observances.

• 1st of Muharram (Islamic New Year) – Islam: July 30
• 10th of Muharram (Ashura)– Islam: August 18