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Commission on Diversity and Inclusion (CODI)

The Commission on Diversity and Inclusion (CODI) advises the University of North Florida's President on issues pertaining to diversity and inclusion.

 

CODI proactively engages the UNF community to embrace and accept diversity and inclusion as an institutional core value. CODI also cultivates a shared commitment to diverse and inclusive perspectives and a culturally competent and inclusive university environment that values and respects the human differences, dignity and well-being of every community member.

 

UNF stands in unity and solidarity with all members of our community, regardless of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, range of abilities, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, or veteran status. We are proud of the diversity in our students, faculty and staff.

 

Message from the President to the Osprey Community Regarding Racial Injustice (June 1, 2020)

Dear Osprey Community,

I am writing you this letter with a heavy heart, and to share with you my deep pain, sorrow, and outrage at the senseless murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Floyd's unjust death has become a symbol of the persistent discrimination and violence perpetrated against black people and other communities of color in our country. This continued injustice against underrepresented communities needs to stop now!

 

At the University of North Florida, we wholeheartedly reject hate in all its forms. We must all rise above hate and find meaningful ways to address the systemic racism that threatens the very fabric of our society. At UNF, we remain extremely committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment on our campus, and welcoming all of our students, faculty, and staff regardless of race, ethnicity, faith, national origin, range of abilities, sexual orientation or gender identity.

 

For our students, faculty, and staff of color, please know that your Osprey family is here to support you. We recognize the impact of racial trauma and acknowledge the pain, anger, sadness, frustrations, fear and other emotions you must be experiencing during this difficult time. We stand in solidarity with you against systemic oppression and will actively seek ways to create inclusive environments where all people are valued, respected, and free from fear and harm.

 

For our students, faculty and staff not of color, please self-reflect, educate yourself about your biases, whether they are conscious or subconscious, and use your knowledge to help make a positive difference.

 

During this difficult time, we encourage all members of the UNF community to seek support and take time for self-care. For more information on UNF's many diversity initiatives, support services, and resources, please visit both our Commission on Diversity and Inclusion.

 

Finally, I encourage all of our Ospreys to lend support, advocacy, and love to the marginalized members of our wonderful community. As Ospreys, we always rise above hate.

 

Sincerely,

David M. Szymanski

President

Pandemic Message

The spring and summer semesters have taken us on a new and unexpected journey unlike anything we have ever experienced. As Ospreys, we have rallied together to support one another and adjust to a new normal in a short period of time. The University cares about the well-being of every member of our campus community and is actively working to ensure the needs of our most vulnerable members are met during this difficult time.

 

One of the things that makes us 'Uniquely UNF' is our commitment to cultivating an inclusive and supportive campus community for every member of our Osprey family. This ideal transcends the physical boundaries of campus. Even though many of us are now fulfilling the mission of the university from afar, it is important to us that every Osprey continues to feel valued and affirmed.

 

During this time of uncertainty, it is disheartening that across the nation, there have been increased reports of discrimination against people of Asian descent. It is our hope no member of our Osprey family has experienced any form of directly-related discrimination. As stated in the UNF Statement of Unity, we strongly condemn acts of hate and bigotry as antithetical to university values. Members of the campus community are encouraged to use language that upholds university standards and to avoid using targeted phrases or terms that promote bias, prejudice or discrimination. If you have witnessed or experienced actions or behavior you perceive do not align with this recommendation, you can report it using the Bias Incident Online Reporting Form.

 

CODI recognizes this is a difficult time, but UNF is a spirited and caring community. Together, we will persevere and become a more unified Osprey family. Our thoughts are with each of you, your loved ones and our community.

 

Below are some of the supportive services and resources provided by the University. If there is incomplete, incorrect or missing information listed below, please email CODI@unf.edu or call 904-210-5906 and let us know how we can address it.

  • The University's Covid-19 website details all of the communication from the University regarding the pandemic.
  • Victim Advocacy Program provides 24-hour support services to students, staff, and faculty who have experiences any form of harassment, threats or violence.
  • Student Health Services continues to serve the health needs of our student community by offering telehealth consultations, office appointments, and COVID-19 resources and education.
  • The Counseling Center has transitioned to remote phone and/or video call appointments and is available to provide phone support 24-hours a day / 7-days a week.
  • The Disability Resource Center continues to assist students remotely with accommodation concerns, testing barriers, and assistive technology.
  • The Dean of Students Office is providing ongoing services and support for students experiencing unstable housing situations.
  • The UNF Foundation and Student Government have partnered to create the UNF Student Emergency Relief Fund, which will provide immediate financial assistance to currently enrolled students most in need.
  • Student Government's Lend-A-Wing pantry is providing "to go" meals for students experiencing food insecurity.
  • Closure of physical campus buildings may have resulted in some members of the campus community needing technological resources to fulfill their academic or professional responsibilities. There are options available for students, faculty and staff who may need additional support.
    • CIRT is providing laptops, tablets, webcams, etc, to faculty who need them to teach remotely. Email cirtlab@unf.edu or call 620-3927 or to request equipment.
    • ITS is providing information about equipment loans and Internet access for students on their Working Remotely page.
    • Comcast and Spectrum are offering free Internet access to new households in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
    • Virtual Lab provides access to UNF licensed software applications including SPSS, SAS, and Minitab from off campus. More information available on the VLAB page.
    • Adobe has provided temporary at-home access for impacted students, faculty and staff, so that they can continue their work remotely. Please follow the instructions below to enable access to the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Apps on your personal device.
    • Visit https://creativecloud.adobe.com and use your UNF email to sign in.
    • At the UNF login screen enter your N number and password
    • Use Duo for two-factor authentication
    • From the Creative Cloud website, browse for and download your desired app. Click Apps on the top of the page to view all apps
    • For more information on how to download or install apps, see Download and Install Creative Cloud apps
    • Academic Continuity website provides provide faculty with strategies and resources to assist in the transition of face-to-face courses to online delivery.
    • The Center for Instruction and Research Technology (CIRT) will monitor and respond to cirtlab@unf.edu and voicemail (904-620-3927) daily (8 am - 5pm) to support faculty preparing for remote instruction. Questions and requests will receive an initial response and routing to staff for follow-up via email, phone, or Zoom.
    • The Carpenter Library is available to answer your questions via chat, text, and email. Visit their COVID-19 Information page for details
     
  • Disability Resource Center accommodations:
    • All DRC staff are working remotely during this time. If you need assistance with accommodation concerns, please email drc@unf.edu. Individual staff members are also available at their university email address during this time. DRC staff are listed on the DRC web site.
    • Testing: Students should contact the DRC if they have disability-related barriers to completing an exam within Canvas or have accommodation-related requests (drcexams@unf.edu). The DRC will not facilitate or proctor exams while we work in a distance learning format. Professors should contact CIRT for assistance with providing (accommodated) extended time on exams in Canvas (cirtlab@unf.edu). The DRC's Clockwork exam portal has been temporarily suspended for exam scheduling.
    • Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students: Professors are encouraged to make their recorded lectures or audio recordings accessible by either auto-captioning through Canvas Studios, prerecording lectures to be captions by CIRT or requesting interpreters for real-time (virtual) class meetings. For assistance with this, please contact Debra Lenahen (dlenahen@unf.edu) or Carly Hudson (c.hudson@unf.edu) directly.
    • Semester Accommodations Renewal: Students will continue to request accommodations through Clockwork via MyWings -> Student Tools -> Clockwork.
    • How to complete registration with the DRC: At this time, there will not be in-person DRC registration appointments. As an alternative, our department will be conducting remote registrations. Please continue to submit your disability documentation via Clockwork (MyWings -> Student Tools -> Clockwork).
    • Guidelines for documentation and forms are on the Disability Resource Center website. Once a student has submitted their documentation and completed their Online Intake, they will receive an email inviting them to make a virtual registration appointment. India Hamilton will be the point of contact for all registration questions and can be reached at india.hamilton@unf.edu.
    • Assistive Technology: Please contact Andy Sullivan andrew.sullivan@unf.edu if you require course texts in an alternate format or require Assistive Technology resources. Information on how to utilize common assistive software is available upon request.
     
  • Human Resources and departments across the University are identifying opportunities for OPS/Student (including Federal Work Study) employees to work remotely if appropriate given their job functions and with supervisory approval.
  • Human Resources has employee FAQs, information about working remotely, expanded FMLA and reemployment assistance on this website.
  • Osprey Life and Productions is holding virtual events online and through social media including virtual trivia, virtual Twisted Tuesday craft nights, movie watch parties, and more.
  • Recreation and Wellness is offering podcasts, virtual classes, and at-home workout routines.

The Commission on Diversity and Inclusion is interested in acknowledging and honoring exemplary efforts and awards for those who promote, foster and demonstrate understanding and appreciation for advancing and celebrating diversity and inclusion. Any recommendation will be considered, from the UNF community or otherwise. If you have a recommendation you would like to see included on this website, please submit by Email