HSCommunity: Finals & Festivities
HSCommunity is a newsletter from the Health Sciences Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Subcommittee on Communications.
December 2022: Finals & Festivities
/ Court Side
Happy finals week!
You may be feeling stress, so be sure to take care of yourself. Last week I noticed a wall of sticky notes with messages of encouragement near the Pylons, and I learned that this is the week to take one of those notes of encouragement. I recommend stopping by and picking one that inspires you, or randomly select one for a surprise. Regardless of how you select, use it to give you that extra boost in your step. You can also stop by for Yappy Hour as well as a warm and supportive hug! Visit the Carruth Center website for other self-care tips.
As the fall semester comes to a close, we enter the holiday season. Many will take the time to step aside from work and education to focus on what we value and believe. It is important to remember it is much more about our fellow humans rather than ourselves. December brings important focus for many, so I would like to take the time to say Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, and, overall, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
During this season, I encourage everyone to spend time learning about others’ traditions. By exploring different customs, you open yourself up to a greater appreciation of each other. This interfaith calendar is a brief, and not comprehensive, list of holidays and days of observation to help get you started.
Take care of yourself and others. I cannot wait to see you in the new year!
/ Courtney Lanham, MSW
They/Them
Director of Diversity, WVU Health Sciences
Chancellor and Executive Dean's Office
/ Share Your Thoughts
All students, faculty and staff are invited to share their opinions and suggestions for diversity, equity and inclusion at WVU Health Sciences. Your participation will help develop strategic initiatives and plan future efforts.
/ Upcoming Events
Free Mom Hugs
Members of Free Mom Hugs will be available to give FREE HUGS TO EVERYONE on Monday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 14, from noon to 2 p.m. in Pylons Commons. Finals week and the upcoming holiday season can be stressful, and hugs can help reduce reactivity to stressors and help lower levels of anxiety.
Yappy Hour
Visit with Hearts of Gold service dogs on Tuesday, Dec. 13, to destress during Yappy Hour from 1-3 p.m. in Pylons Commons where you can pet a puppy and pick up a Zen treat.
Snack & Study
Students are welcome to come to the LGBTQ+ Center during Finals Week (Dec. 12-16) to study for finals and enjoy some free snacks. Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
LGBTQ+ Faculty & Staff Holiday Happy Hour
LGBTQ+ and allied faculty and staff are invited to join the LGBTQ+ Center staff to celebrate the end of the fall semester and reconnect before the winter break. Happy Hour will take place Dec. 14 from 5-7 p.m. at Iron Horse Tavern.
Administrative Grand Rounds: Women in the Health Care C-suite
The WVU School of Public Health Master of Health Administration program will host a virtual Administrative Grand Rounds on Friday, Jan. 13, at noon. Sponsored by the Graduate WVU Chapter of Upsilon Phi Delta, the national academic honorary society of health care administration.
Indigenous Appalachia Exhibit
Through visuals and educational content, the Indigenous Appalachia exhibit will explore themes of people, lands and waters, and will provide significant opportunity for campus and community involvement, and encourage informed, enhanced perspectives. On display in the WVU Downtown Library through the Spring 2023 semester.
Silent Witness Exhibit
The WVU Women’s Resource Center Silent Witness exhibit honors West Virginians killed in acts of domestic violence. The collection of life-sized silhouettes is on display at the WVU Downtown Library through the Spring 2023 semester.