Ayela Ruiz was focused on the task at hand — carefully removing the block from the tower without knocking it over.
She was also conversing with Hannah Ridzuan, a graduate assistant with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Ruiz, a first-year student, was able to ask some questions and learn about ODI in a fun, relaxed setting during the first ODI at the Union event — a celebration for faculty, staff and students to kick of the new semester.
“This gives us the opportunity to meet with students and share that we have resources for all identities,” Ridzuan said. “It allows for the students to make a face-to-face connection with us, and with other students.”
Nearby, Zainab Ridha and Hajer Al-Eid, both first-year students, competed in a game of memory to see who could find the most matches in 30 seconds, and chatted with Jerri Harner, executive specialist.
Games, swag and information were available at various booths on the space around Broyhill Fountain outside Nebraska Union, along with a welcoming group of Diversity and Inclusion staff.
“We want students to know that we’re here for them. It gives them a chance to meet us, and it’s also a great time,” said Charlie Foster, assistant vice chancellor for Inclusive Student Excellence and Director of the Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services.
The fun atmosphere got an assist from Lawrence Chatters, executive associate athletic director for strategic initiatives, who has toured internationally as a DJ and spinned music for the crowd.
Nkenge Friday, senior assistant vice chancellor for strategic initiatives in ODI, said having an event at the beginning of a new academic year was very beneficial.
“We’ve gotten to meet a lot of students — especially first-year students — because everyone is out exploring campus before they get busy with activities and academics,” she said.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is always open to students, said Marco Barker, vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion. The most direct way to connect is through OASIS, which is located in the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center on City Campus.
“That’s a great way for students to come in and have a chance to meet our team members, and connect with other students on campus,” Barker said. “I also do open office hours, which is an opportunity for students who have questions, thoughts or observations to meet with me.”
Barker’s open office hours are the third Monday of each month, noon to 1 p.m., and the fourth Monday of each month, 5-6 p.m.
For more information on the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, check out the website.
