HSCommunity is a newsletter highlighting diversity, equity and inclusion at WVU Health Sciences.
April 2024: Refuel for Finals
/ Court Side
You’ve almost done it – you are so close! I know it’s been rough but look how great you have done. Things probably have been difficult; you probably have spent several late nights studying and reviewing content, and the world itself also presents stressful times. It’s during these times that we need to not lose focus on our goals and not lose focus on ourselves and those around us. I have found that when times get hard for me, I look to my support system. Those who help me refuel my tank or help with the heavy stuff are so important to connect with regularly. So, make sure you are checking in with your loved ones, going for a coffee break with a peer to talk about something non-school or work related, or even just giving a friend a call for a good laugh or cry. All these things will make the tough times easier to get through.
I’d like to remind you of some resources on campus to help you refuel:
- Carruth Center
- WELLWVU
- Collegiate Recovery
- Student Rec Center
- Student Life
- Student Organizations
- Well-being at WVU
Please stop me for a high five, a hug, a laugh or anything else before the semester wraps up or drop me an email to connect! And don’t forget, I have a Spotify playlist you can listen to while you study – I am always taking recommendations!
Before I sign off, I want to let you know how truly amazing you are doing and that I am very proud of you.
Court
/ 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
Women's Resource Center Menstrual Cup Module
Free menstrual cups will be available to faculty, staff and students through April 23 to help raise awareness about menstrual health and sustainability. Those interested in receiving a free cup must complete an educational module. Learn more.
ECHO Series: Transforming Care for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities
The WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities is offering an online training series to provide education and resources to individuals, families and healthcare professionals about transforming care for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The next session will take place April 16. Register online.
Mental Health Awareness Through the Lens of Multiple Lived Experiences
Join the WVU Health Sciences Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Cross-Cutting Committee on April 16 for a panel discussion on how our lived experiences can shape mental wellness. Learn more.
420 Panel
Learn about the current state of cannabis in its many forms during a panel discussion on April 16. Discussion will include risks and benefits of personal use and legalization. Learn more.
Mountaineers Jump!
Join WELLWVU and WVU Collegiate Recovery for a fun evening at the trampoline park with friends on April 19. Transportation will be provided with pickup and drop-off locations at Towers and the Mountainlair. Register online.
Lavender Graduation
Lavender Graduation will be held April 21 to honor LGBTQ+ students and acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the University. Register online.
Wellness in the Pylons
All Health Sciences students are invited to Wellness in the Pylons for trail mix snacks and self-care activities on April 22. Learn more.
chillFEST
Join WELLWVU, the Carruth Center, Campus Recreation, Collegiate Recovery, Adventure WV and more on April 24 for free chair massages, painting, aromatherapy, therapy dogs, stress balls and more. Learn more.
Silkroad Ensemble: Uplifted Voices
In Uplifted Voices, Silkroad shines a light on previously under-recognized voices from across the globe to change our perspective of the history and migration of music. The College of Creative Arts and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will present this performance, followed by a panel featuring Meshea Poore, Michael Vercelli and Jennifer Walker, as well as commentary from some of the artists, on April 24. Learn more.
Using Best Evidence to Improve Rural Population Health and Well-Being: A Call to Action
As part of the Kandzari Lectureship, the WVU School of Nursing will welcome Dr. Bernadette Melnyk as the keynote speaker on April 25. Learn more.
The Mounties
Join the Diversity Ambassadors and the Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion on April 26 for a showcase of the initiatives that many of our student leaders engage in to promote diversity, equity and inclusion on campus. Learn more.
Graduate Student and Faculty Museum Trip
Join Diversity No Matter What on an evening trip to the Andy Warhol Museum on April 26. Registration will include travel, dinner and museum ticket. Learn more.
Community Health Expo
The Health Sciences & Technology Academy, Minorities Association of Pre-Healthcare Students and Student National Medical Association will sponsor the Community Health Expo on Sunday, April 28, from 1-5 p.m. outside the Student Rec Center. The event is free and open to the public.
Finals Week Chair Massages
Relax before finals with free chair massages from BlissBlissBliss on April 29 in Pylons Commons. Learn more.
Finals Week Grab and Go Snacks
Refuel for finals with a snack and enjoy creative time on April 30 in Pylons Commons. Learn more.
Inclusive Portrait Project Unveiling
WVU's Art in the Libraries hosts the third Inclusive Portrait Project unveiling on May 3 where artist Kamara Townes will unveil her portrait of Regina Charon. Learn more.
Multicultural Graduation Celebration
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host its annual Multicultural Graduation Celebration on May 7 in the Mountainlair. Learn more.
LGBTQ+ Book Club
This book club focuses on one piece of LBGTQIA2+ literature each semester to allow you to read for pleasure at a reasonable pace. Engage in conversations surrounding mental health as it relates to the literature and building connection with one another. The group meets once a month at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Health Building Room 101. Learn more and register online.
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
Women in Science and Health fosters community, growth at WVU
As the female workforce has grown over the last three decades – now representing nearly 70 percent of health workers worldwide – faculty and staff at WVU Health Sciences have been supported through the Women in Science and Health Committee (WISH). Learn more.
Dental students provide care through mission trip to Guatemala
With a heart for patients in rural West Virginia, the same compassion was in play when WVU School of Dentistry students and faculty visited Antigua, Guatemala in March. Learn more.
Students explore origins of medicine during study-abroad trip to Italy
Students from WVU recently completed a trip to Florence, Italy, as part of the School of Medicine’s Immunology and Medical Microbiology Class: Origins of Western Medicine. Learn more.
WVU CED introduces new autism resource directory and interactive map
The WVU CED has announced a new autism resource directory and interactive map to help connect families to important services in West Virginia. Learn more.