Dear Faculty and Staff,

You're invited to the April session of Tea & Talk, a monthly professional development space that connects, reflects, and builds community. This initiative is brought to you by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI), in collaboration with Human Resources, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Academic Personnel Services (APS), and Staff Council.

When: Thursday, Apr. 2, 2026, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Social Justice, Equity, and Inclusion Center (SJEIC), Vine Deloria Room, Balabanis House

This month’s conversation, “Community Sensemaking,” invites us to pause and reflect on how we show up professionally during difficult, complex, or unresolved moments. In times of tension, change, or uncertainty, including processing the recent revelations regarding Cesar Chavez alongside other pressing concerns, faculty and staff are often called to support students and one another while also navigating their own questions, emotions, and responsibilities. Together, we will consider how we make meaning of the moment before us and what it asks of us as educators, staff, and institutional stewards, with reflection on themes such as trust, accountability, ethical fading, and the challenge of holding complexity with care.

We facilitate from experience, not from a place of final authority. This session is designed as a professional development space, not a therapy session. Participants are welcome to reflect on lived and professional experience while honoring appropriate boundaries and recognizing the importance of additional support and campus resources when needed. This gathering aims to offer structured reflection, guided frameworks, and meaningful dialogue that help us stay grounded in our work and in our shared commitment to student success and inclusive excellence.

These sessions are intentionally scheduled during the workday to affirm our institution’s commitment to employee learning and well-being. Each gathering offers a supportive space to:

• Deepen inclusive leadership practices.
• Strengthen collaboration across roles and disciplines.
• Reflect on the relational dynamics shaping our campus community.

Grounded in respect, confidentiality, and cultural humility, Tea & Talk fosters mutual learning through meaningful dialogue.

Coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and bagels will be provided.

We look forward to sharing “tea,” conversation, and community with you.

With respect,
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI)
diversity@humboldt.edu | 707-826-4503