GSSM: A Community of Consciousness

GSSM: A Community of Consciousness logo

The Committee for Inclusive Excellence is launching a year-long initiative for 2024-25 called GSSM: A Community of Consciousness. Each month, we will focus on one of the concepts in the inclusion statement and offer community-wide activities and conversations centered around that word. Community of Consciousness is all about being aware of how our words and actions affect our community, from interpersonal interactions to shared facilities. Join us to explore how we can pursue inclusive excellence together!

Please help us track our progress during the year by responding to our Inclusion Survey.

Word of the Month: Respect

Respect is often defined as a feeling of deep admiration for someone because of their abilities, qualities, or achievements. In this context, respect must be earned, and we could also call it esteem or acclaim.

Looking at respect from an inclusive standpoint, perhaps it is better defined as demonstrating regard or consideration for the feelings, wishes, rights, and/or traditions of others. Respect in this context is not something that must be earned by the recipient, but rather something that we willingly bestow upon them.

Community of Consciousness Schedule

December: Respect

January: Value

  • Monday, January 13: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Creative Expression Contest Entry Deadline
  • Tuesday, January 14: Faculty & Staff Inclusion Conversation
    12 p.m. (bring your own lunch) in the SAC conference room (D203)
  • Monday, January 20: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Creative Expression Contest Prize Announcement

February: Empower

  • Tuesday, February 11: Faculty & Staff Inclusion Conversation
    12 p.m. (bring your own lunch) in the SAC conference room (D203)
  • TBD: Empower Program

March: Thrive

  • Tuesday, March 11: Faculty & Staff Inclusion Conversation
    12 p.m. (bring your own lunch) in the SAC conference room (D203)
  • TBD: Thrive Program

April: Belong

  • Tuesday, April 8: Faculty & Staff Inclusion Conversation
    12 p.m. (bring your own lunch) in the SAC conference room (D203)
  • TBD: Belong Program

May: A Community of Consciousness

  • Tuesday, May 13: Faculty & Staff Inclusion Conversation
    12 p.m. (bring your own lunch) in the SAC conference room (D203)