HSCommunity: Friendships
HSCommunity is a newsletter highlighting diversity, equity and inclusion at WVU Health Sciences.
July 2024: Friendships
/ Court Side
July 30th is International Day of Friendship, and I cannot think of anything more amazing to celebrate than friendship. When I think about all the things I have accomplished and seen in life, it is the people I have connected with and call my friends that I cherish the most. When I am sad, who do I call – my best friend. When something amazing happens in my life, who do I call – my best friend. Our friends are the only people in our lives who CHOOSE to be there because they love us for us. How amazing!
When was the last time you checked in with your friends? Whether it be a facetime, phone call or visit to your favorite coffee shop, I encourage you to connect with them as much as possible. Get out your matching friendship bracelets and let the laughs begin!
/ Court 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
Hidden No More: The Enduring Impact of Native American and Enslaved People on the Evansdale Neighborhood and WVU Campus
This exhibit highlights people and circumstances comprising the many stories that are woven into 360 acres of land. Hear the authors discuss the origins of the project, the details they found, and how you might launch a similar project in your own neighborhood, contributing to truth and justice in our community. On display in the Evandale Library through August and Downtown Library through 2025. Learn more.
Voting Democracy & Design: Exploring Voting Culture and History
On display in the Evansdale Library from August to December, this exhibit will provide insights into voting culture and history, showcasing a curated collection of ballots, a voting machine training device, informative "field guides" to ballot design and other voting ephemera. Learn more.
Commuter Kickoff with President Gee
Join Commuter Student Programs for food, games and giveaways on Aug. 14 with our freshman commuter students. RSVPs will be sent to commuter students' MIX account ahead of time. Learn more.
International Students' Tour of Morgantown History Museum
Students are invited for a tour on Aug. 17 to learn a little bit more about the place they are calling home for the next few years. Learn more.
International Student Welcome Picnic
Grab a bite to eat and meet fellow international students on the Mountainlair Green on Aug. 19. Learn more.
Black Experience
On Aug. 19, first-year black students are invited to connect with involved upperclassmen on how to navigate being at a PWI. Learn more.
Belmear Welcome Back Cookout
Celebrate the start of the school year and enjoy great Southern food while meeting fellow students on Aug. 22. Hosted by the Center for Black Culture. Learn more.
Shabbat Dinners
The Rohr Chabad Jewish Center hosts weekly Shabbat dinners for all Jewish students. Learn more.
For more events, visit cal.wvu.edu.
/ News & Announcements
Office of Accessibility Services piloting new accommodation process
Faculty are asked to review changes being piloted for a new, streamlined accommodation process this summer even if you are familiar with past letters, as the process has changed somewhat. Learn more.
LGBTQ+ Commission seeks new members
This action-oriented group composed of faculty, staff, students and at least one individual from the broader community works collaboratively with the LGBTQ+ Center and engages in projects, policy changes, legal advocacy and other issues that have a positive effect on the community. Learn more.
Health Sciences graduate students lead diabetes education program at local church
In a collaborative effort to tackle diabetes in the community, graduate students from the WVU School of Nursing and Health Sciences teamed up to provide crucial education at Suncrest United Methodist Church. Learn more.
Nursing students invited to study abroad in Spain in 2025
During "Spain: The Art of Healthcare in Barcelona & Valencia," students will spend Spring semester meeting to discuss the trip experience and gain a working knowledge of healthcare and nursing in Spain. The semester will culminate in a trip to Barcelona and Valencia from May 19-26, 2025. Learn more.
New OTD graduate joins Country Roads staff after creating peer mentor workbook for capstone project
A graduate of the WVU School of Medicine Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program is building on her educational experience in her new job. Taylor Grout partnered with the Country Roads program at the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities for her capstone, developing a workbook for volunteer peer mentors. Learn more.
New podcast episode: Supporting other parents, a passion worth pursuing
In this month's episode of the Adjusting the Sails podcast, Whitney Price discusses how her experiences with her son's autism diagnosis led to her creating the UnPuzzled Parents Connect Support Group. Learn more.
Miles of smiles
Over the Kanawha River and through the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia’s winding roads are leading future dental professionals to small towns and healthcare deserts across the state. Read more.
Introducing WVU CED Ally Trainings; highly requested free virtual trainings about disabilities offered on rotating basis
The WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities is now offering highly requested free trainings focused on basic information about disabilities that are offered virtually, once per month, on a rotating basis. Learn more.