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Topic Area: DEI
Presented By: Ryan Smith, Jennifer Cobbina, Kendra Pyle
Abstract:
Restorative Justice in education facilitates learning communities that “nurture the capacity of people to engage with one another and their environment in a manner that supports and respects the inherent dignity and worth of all” (Evans & Vaandering, 2016, p. 8). Through this lens faculty, staff, and students from across campus formed an interdisciplinary learning community in 2019 to discuss how we can further incorporate restorative practices into our work and relationships in and out of the classroom. Over the last two years, community members have engaged in shared readings and discussions, community building circles, trainings, and supporting one another’s efforts at utilizing restorative practice to build inclusive and engaging communities, including racial healing circles. This session will model restorative practice as we discuss our work, and the ways we have incorporated RP on campus to further community, equity, and healing.Session resources:
Community Building Mini-circle (Document)
Racial Healing Circles FAQ (PDF)

Who did you work with (college administrators, key stakeholders, offices on campus, etc.) and what was their role in your project? I was one of eight women, PhD students, who authored the letter listed here: 

Madison Allen 
Joi Claiborne 
Andryce Clinkscales 
Adrianna E. Crossing 
Briana Green 
Brooke Harris-Thomas 
Lindsay Poole 
Briana J. Williams 

We met and worked with various people in CEPSE including several faculty members, Program Directors from Scholy psych and EPET. Department Chair Carey Roseth was instrumental in our working for change. We worked with other student groups including EPET Allies for Change and in other capacities in the EPET townhall meetings with Jen Schmidt. We also met with Dr. Terah Chambers in her capacity as the Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion.  How did you manage relationships with key stakeholders in your college to achieve your project goals? We outlined our disappointments and goals in our open letter to CEPSE and were open to meeting with anyone who wanted to discuss the letter and its aim. We scheduled regular meetings with Dr. Roseth and others to check in on progress.  What has been the impact of your project? Who was your target audience and what difference did your project make for them?  We supported the efforts of our department to create real and lasting change in CEPSE that supported BIPOC students and dismantled barriers to our education. Changes that have already occurred relates to admissions requirements and student representation. If someone were to continue your work in the future, what advice would you have for them?  My advice to anyone doing this work is to take care of themselves and always stand up for your values and beliefs. People will try to wrap your efforts in red tape and make you feel that you have done the wrong thing by pointing out injustice. You haven’t. This work is uncomfortable. Get used to that. This work means dismantling places of comfort. How did this work contribute to your personal leadership development? I was able to be a part of a team of women who cared about more than just themselves. We wanted change for everyone. We started out with just conversations and bonding, but we developed into a group of Black leaders without putting one person over the other. We support every effort of every person, small or large.  

The Open Pedagogy and Open Educational Practices Learning Community is excited to announce an open call for participation in our community for the 2021-22 academic year. This community will explore how open pedagogy and open educational practices are enabled through the use of open educational resources (OER). Participants will read works and share practices that promote open pedagogy and discuss specific approaches for improving teaching, learning, and student engagement both in-person and online environments.
This learning community is intended for instructors from any discipline who teach undergraduate and graduate courses and are actively interested in open educational resources and open pedagogy.  All instructors (fixed-term, tenure stream, specialists, graduate instructors, adjuncts) who wish to integrate open educational practices into their courses are welcome to apply.
The community will be a combination of monthly virtual meetings and asynchronous social annotation. All virtual meetings will take place via Zoom. Preliminary dates for the Fall semester are outlined below:

October 15, 10:00-11:30am
November 19, 10:00-11:30am
December 17, 10:00-11:30am

Please complete this application form to indicate your interest in participating. For this year, our learning community has 14 openings remaining. This call will close on Friday, September 24.
Thanks,
Regina



 

Regina Gong
Open Educational Resources (OER) & Student Success Librarian
Michigan State University Libraries
366 W. Circle Drive, W225 (DB9)
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: 517-884-6396
gongregi@msu.edu
she / her / hers




* Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary Lands of the Anishinaabeg–Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples. The University resides on Land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw. – Land Acknowledgement development by AIIS.

Dr. Jennifer Wagner

Title
Instructional TechnologistD2L and Data CoordinatorInstructional Technology & Development TeamMSU IT - Educational Technology
Education

Certificate in Data Analytics, Google
Certificate in E-Learning Instructional Design, University of California, Irvine
Certificate in Geographic Information Systems, Michigan State University
Associate in Computer Information Systems, Mott Community College
Bachelor’s in French & Linguistics, University of Michigan-Flint
Master’s in Linguistics & Teaching English as a Second Language, Oakland University
PhD in Applied Linguistics, University of South Australia

Work Experience
I have worked in higher education in three countries for the past 15 years. I started as a Writing Center tutor and then taught English, French and linguistics to undergraduate students in the US, France, and Australia. I had always enjoyed using technology to teach my courses, and so I decided to transition to helping both instructors and students navigate the many educational technology tools available today. I was an E-Learning Developer as well as a Helpdesk Support Technician before joining Michigan State University as an Instructional Technologist in 2020.
Professional Interests
I am interested in improving course design by integrating technology and accessibility, while offering technical support and training for instructors and learners. I also enjoy updating the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in our D2L content templates to add more consistency and interactivity to online courses. Additionally, I create ETL dataflows in Domo Analytics to query the D2L data sets and generate reports for instructors.
Links
LinkedIn ProfileGitHub Profile
MSU Tools & Technologies Course (MSU NetID required)
 

At the outset of class, it is our responsibility for instructors to cultivate a productive learning environment. This can be accomplished by outlining the ground rules of engagement and participation guidelines (sometimes referred to as "community norms"). When students directly contribute to the development of the rules, it creates a sense of ownership and increases buy-in. Here is a good list to start from.

Treat everyone in the space with respect & dignity
Speak from experience and avoid generalizations
Listen respectfully
Avoid inflammatory and disparaging remarks
Avoid blame and snap judgments
Allow each other room to make mistakes while learning
Share air-time
Determine your own boundaries on what you are willing to share
Personal information should not leave the room

Having students sit in circles, providing name tags or table tents, interactive classroom discussions, and journaling are also very helpful (especially in large classes where instructors have to be intentional about building relationships).

Below is a list of resources that promote student success. All links provided are direct links (ONE CLICK) connecting you to contact information or an educator who can respond to your questions and/or help your students who are looking for fitness facilities. Thank you for helping our students achieve their goals.
Bikes [MSU Bikes Service Center]
Fitness Centers [for all students]  

IM Circle
IM East
IM West

Intramural Sports [Recreational Sports and Fitness Services]
Fitness Opportunities  [for students living on-campus]
"Tailgate Challenge 5K Run/Walk 2010" by I Run Flint is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

***This is part of a series of articles compiling useful resources and information for new graduate students. Some of the information in this series will be relevant for anybody new to MSU, including undergraduates, postdocs, faculty and staff. The topical areas range from settling into East Lansing and Michigan, getting to know which services can be found on campus to administrative steps and information needed throughout a graduate program at MSU. For the full series, see this playlist dedicated to (international) graduate students.***
 
Libraries
The biggest library on campus is the Main Library, located on West Circle Drive near Beaumont Tower, though there are a few other specialised libraries, e.g. the Schaefer Law Library or the Gast Business Library at other locations.
The main library offers many services besides being a space for studying and finding books. For example, there are the Digital Scholarship Lab (to explore new technology for use in research and teaching, e.g. VR or a 360-degree visualization room) and the Hollander MakeCentral Service Desk (for printing, plotting, publishing and even passport (photos) services).
If you can’t find a book at the MSU Library, there is a service called the Interlibrary Loan Service through which you can access books/ resources at other libraries.
The library also offers workshops, e.g. an introduction to the MSU Library Services, using different citation software and data/ content management.
There is a 24/7 Support Line for general library questions (and D2L support). Call (800)500-1554. Or “Ask A Librarian” using this link: https://www.lib.msu.edu/contact/askalib/
Skill Building
There are a range of units on campus dedicated to helping you develop skills.
Writing
The Writing Center provides one-on-one and group writing consultations and writing groups (“write-ins”) for graduate students and faculty. They also offer workshops including those on “Navigating the Master’s degree/ PhD” and incorporate issues like time management and writing strategies. They are available to help you with any type of writing project you may have, academic or not.
“Write-Ins” are offered through different units besides the Writing Center, e.g. by the Graduate School and provide a dedicated time and space (as well as some support if needed) to make progress on any of your writing projects – from class work to dissertation chapters.
Workshops
A myriad of workshops is offered throughout the semester.
Topics include anything from departmental/ research specific seminars to writing and time management strategies (as mentioned above) to improving mentor relationships to wellness/ mental health workshops (see the Health article in this playlist for more information). The organizing units differ depending on the topic area. A good starting point is the Graduate School’s events calendar.
Statistics
Besides course offerings to learn about statistical methods, there are a few resources available to help you with your statistical skills and projects.
The Center for Statistical Training and Consulting provides statistical support for your research projects (they won’t do it FOR you but they will help you figure it out!) and teaches workshops on statistical methods.
Check with your College if they have a dedicated statistical support unit. For example, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has a Statistical Consulting Center.
Want to improve your statistics, data science and programming skills in R? Have a look at what the R-Ladies East Lansing are up to these days. There may be a workshop just around the corner.
English Language
The English Language Center at MSU is a good place to improve your general English skills, learn about English for the classroom, i.e. if you are teaching, and to get support for your writing projects if English is your second language.
A note on skill building and other workshops…
I know we all get a lot of e-mails, but it is worth at least scanning each one because a lot of the workshops, seminars and service that MSU has to offer are advertised that way. They might provide that motivation or accountability to get you started on your next dissertation chapter.
 
Other support resources
Legal Support
MSU offers some free legal support for students. Check out this website for their services.
Family Resources/ Support
The Student Parent Resource Center offers support and resources for students with children.
Work Life Office
The Work Life Office is a one-stop destination for your needs regarding work life fit, including career transitions, community connection, workplace assistance and family care among others. Though their target group at MSU is faculty and staff, as an employee of MSU (TA or RA) you are more than welcome to use their services.
 
Sports and Wellness
Gyms
MSU has 3 gym buildings: IM West, IM Circle and IM East. Traditional gyms with workout machines are found at IM East and West. All buildings also have spaces for different types of sports, e.g. basketball, soccer, squash, tennis, gymnastics, etc. There are swimming pools at IM West and IM Circle which you can use for free. However, you will have to register your student ID online in order to access the building/ locker room (at IM Circle).
Too cold for running outside in the winter? Make use of the free running track in IM East (above the basketball court). You don’t need a gym membership to use this, just a valid student ID to get into the building.
Gym memberships are organized through Recreational Sports and Fitness. There are also a variety of group exercise (fitness classes) options available, both in-person and through an online platform called Fitness-on-Demand. Since a fee is automatically collected each semester, all you need to do is activiate your StudentID card on their website and your ready to work out.
You can also sail (and paddle board and kayak) at MSU! The MSU Sailing Center on Lake Lansing is your address for water-based sports.
Other Fitness options
Health4You offers fitness and wellness options throughout the year, including a lunchtime fitness series (Yoga, Pilates, TaiChi, etc). Make sure to look at their calendar of scheduled events and workshops.
A fan of shooting sports? Check out MSU’s Demmer Center that offers indoor and outdoor shooting ranges and classes for firearms and archery practice.
Want to get on the ice? No problem, you can ice skate at Munn Ice Arena.
Sports teams
Want to join a sports team? There are different avenues for that at MSU.
Club Sports are Registered Student Organizations and compete regionally and nationally.
Intramural Sports offer the opportunity to participate both competitively and recreationally in your favorite sport. There is a set list of sports types and you can join or create your own team to participate in campus competitions.
Spartan Fit
The Spartan Fit program aims to support you in your fitness and wellness journey. They offer assessments and programs to help you achieve your goals, including using exercise as medicine.
Watching sports
College Sports are a big deal in the US - think football, baseball, basketball or ice hockey for example. MSU is no exception, with Sparty being our mascot and helping us cheer “Go green, Go white!”. As part of the MSU community, especially as students, you get reduced rate tickets to the student sections for football, men’s basketball and hockey. The other sport events are free to attend. Check out the MSU Athletics website to purchase tickets. Also note that COGS sometimes has special deals for graduate students.
 
Food on Campus
There are many options to eat on campus – from the little Sparty’s stores where you can buy snacks to full dining halls with several different food options, you’re sure to find what satisfies your appetite. Your go-to website for anything food related on campus is Eat@State.
Coffee and Snacks
Sparty’s are little campus stores that usually offer filter coffee and snacks, including packaged sandwiches and in some instances even warm foods like soup or sausages. They are located all over campus. There is also a Sparty’s Market – a small grocery store at 1855 Place.
There are a few Starbucks on campus (1855 Place and main library) and a Panera Bread in the Edward J. Minskoff Pavilion (Business College). Both offer a variety of coffee specialties as well as sweet and savory foods.
Cafeterias and Dining Halls
Look at Eat@State for a full overview of dining halls/ cafeterias and available meal plans (you can pay for a whole semester or a set number of meals in advance, but you can also pay for a single meal when you enter the dining hall). I just want to mention a few highlights here.
Brody Square at Brody Hall is probably the biggest one, offering a variety of cuisines from stir fries to pizza to (vegetarian) burgers and salads.
The Edge at Akers Hall is another big dining hall offering a great variety of cuisines and has its own Tandoori oven.
Thrive at Owen Hall is a recent addition and focused on providing allergen-free food.
Dairy Store
The Dairy Store is an MSU business and produces ice cream and cheese from our own cows! You can buy packaged cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, soup (changes daily) and delicious ice cream. It has two locations, one inside the MSU Union building and one in Anthony Hall (entrance on Farm Lane). In the summer month, they usually also have an ice cream food truck outside.
MSU Student Food Bank
If you need some support in procuring sufficient food for you (and your family), please make use of the MSU Student Food Bank. It is a volunteer-based organization on campus providing free foods and related items, helping you to cut your food bill down to half. Please make sure you are eligible and bring your student ID.
Social Life
There are many different ways to socialize and make friends on campus. Here are just a few formally organized ways.
OISS hosts weekly coffee hours, usually on Fridays. Meet and mingle with fellow international students. OISS also sometimes organizes sightseeing trips. Keep an eye on the e-mails they send.
The Council of Graduate Students (COGS) puts on social events like tailgates (a type of get-together with lawn games before a big football game), trivia nights and free dinners for graduate students.
There are a lot of different Registered Student Organizations (RSO’s) that bring together groups of students with similar interests, anything from cultures to sports.
Your department will probably have a Graduate Student Organization that might put on events or gatherings. They are a good way to connect with people and get involved in your department.
Looking for volunteering opportunities? One way to start might be to sign up to the volunteering listserv of the City of East Lansing. You can check out opportunities and sign up here.

Please apply here by February 19:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1N3H76YYEDzlYuN1jZKp3EVy6K7mbo9AivP-142eyd9I 
Epistemic Justice Fellows: Incorporating Students’ Home and Community Knowledge in Teaching and Learning 
 
To instructors in the arts, humanities, and natural sciences and STEM fields: 
We invite faculty (of any appointment type), academic specialists who teach, and graduate students who teach to apply for the interdisciplinary Epistemic Justice Fellowship for this Spring 2025.   
 
This Fellowship is designed to support instructors who want to add or change an assignment, activity, or module/unit in a course to incorporate students’ home and community knowledge, such as students’ home languages, student knowledge about their communities, or home and community knowledge about the natural world. Incorporating and valuing student experiences as assets can positively impact student learning about subject matter as well as enhance student engagement, enjoyment, and belonging. 
 
Fellows will receive $500 at the conclusion of the fellowship. Fellows are expected to:

Develop a new or change an existing activity/assignment/module to incorporate students’ home or community knowledge, and present this work to the cohort
Provide a collegial community for the rest of the cohort who will also be working on their own courses
Attend three Fellow meetings (most in person) from 10AM-12PM on the following Tuesdays:

February 25: Kickoff - foundational concepts and identifying changes to your courses
March 25: Midpoint meeting - check in and group discussion on fellows’ projects, followed by mini-workshop on “Facilitating Teaching Workshops”
April 22: Presentations of fellows’ change or addition to their courses 

Attend the lecture/workshop series connected to this topic, consisting of 3 public talks, some in person and some virtual, throughout the semester (dates TBA - but exceptions/alternatives can be made if those dates are not feasible for a fellow)  
Commit to offering a workshop or mentorship opportunity in the future for colleagues in your own field related to valuing home and community knowledge  

Please apply here by February 19:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1N3H76YYEDzlYuN1jZKp3EVy6K7mbo9AivP-142eyd9I 
 
Please note that if you are not sure if your course would be make sense for this fellowship, you are very welcome to contact the organizers at mollelle@msu.edu and troutma1@msu.edu to ask; for example, if you wanted to allow an existing assignment on any topic to be written in the student’s home language for a first draft, that could apply to any subject matter in any course with any writing. 
 
This Fellowship and lecture series are graciously supported by:
Creating Inclusive Excellence Grant from Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
Office of the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the College of Arts and Letters
Office of the Assistant Dean for STEM Education in the Office of Undergraduate Education
 
Organizers: Denise Troutman, Sophie Huss, Ellen Moll
Additional PIs: Kristin Arola, Marcie Ray, Stephen Thomas