Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at SUUSI
In our ongoing work to deepen and strengthen our commitment to widening our
circle of community through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, in 2023, SUUSI launched
our new DEI Core Staff department.
The SUUSI DEI department focuses on development of programs and support for groups of people who experience societal marginalization including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and special needs populations.
OASUUS
OASUUS was envisioned by our beloved Danielle Gladd whose spirit left us. Danielle fought for creation of OASUUS. DEI works to create and expand on the vision that Danielle Gladd had and hopes to honor her legacy.
We will be working to re engage OASUUS with the SUUSI community to become a space FOR BIPOC and be run BY BIPOC. As a reminder, this is a space specifically for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) to come together in a community outside of the predominantly white SUUSI; this means that for non-BIPOC SUUSI members, this is not the space to talk about racism or how to be an ally to our community. Respect our space and we encourage everyone to be cognizant and remind each other that OASUUS is a sacred space to be respected and SUUSI needs to be accountable to each other in order to make this happen. OASUUS will not be perfect as we are growing and adapting, please reach out with any ideas or suggestions on how to make OASUUS better.
Queer Spaces
SUUSI strives to be a safe, welcoming, and accepting space for LGBTQIA+ people. Look for queer-centric programming in the catalog, during community time, and in the dining hall.
Many of us are aware of the policies that target the LGBTQIA+ Community, in particular the Trans community. These policies and laws are abundant in many of the states that we live in as individuals and pass through on our way to SUUSI. While we may never find the perfect location for SUUSI, we want to push forward, and find a location that can serve as a safe space for people of marginalized communities, especially those that are under attack and are at risk. This means broadening our region of SUUSI, adjusting to a new campus with different requirements and needs, and most importantly, being open minded to change that benefits and protects those that are at risk when they come to SUUSI by traveling through states that may be dangerous to their existence. We encourage those that are in communities that are impacted by these laws to join the site selection committee.
Special Needs and Accessibility
SUUSI recognizes the broad diversity of sensory and special needs of participants. Please see our Accessibility page for more information about mobility scooters, sensory-friendly spaces, fidget libraries, and programming accommodations.
LINKS
Food allergies or restrictions? Overwhelmed by dining hall crowds? Join SUUSI DEI-A staff members to discuss or discover your options! Get acquainted with the dining hall layout and learn more about the Accessibility QuickQueue. We will discuss options for addressing your questions and concerns at the start of the week as well as throughout our time with our wonderful Radford hosts. Favorite Fidgets! This meet and greet for families of all ages with sensory challenges and special needs are invited to create handmade fidgets to keep or to donate to our SUUSI Little Fidget Library baskets. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted or reacquainted with SUUSI friends. Share tips for making SUUSI a wonderful experience and enjoy a cold treat. A smaller group setting within the dining hall intended to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ SUUSI-goers to make connections. Look for the Meal Meetup table signs! A smaller group setting within the dining hall intended to create a welcoming space for ages 60+ SUUSI-goers to make connections. Look for the Meal Meetup table signs! BIPOC SUUSI-goers are invited to come together for fun and fellowship. OASUUS is an intentional community meant for Black, Indigenous, & other People of Color. Lounge for BIPOC members of the SUUSI Community LGBTQ+ of all ages are invited to play games and mingle! A smaller group setting within the dining hall intended to create a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ ages 60+ SUUSI-goers to make connections. Look for the Meal Meetup table signs! Welcome to Radford, or welcome back! Access to several buildings may be confusing or challenging. Join us as we review routes for wheelchairs, walkers, lower stim environments, and other accommodations to help you feel more welcome. If you are a newcomer [or if you've been to Radford before, but would like to get reacquainted], please join us for a campus tour led by our very own SUUSI Board members and DEIA staff. We will hit the main attractions as well as try to answer any questions if folks have them. We will meet outside the red clocks in front of Heth. Welcome home!