Dear Faculty and Staff,

You're invited to the September session of Tea & Talk, a monthly professional development space to connect, reflect, and build community. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) brings you this initiative in collaboration with Human Resources, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Academic Personnel Services (APS), and Staff Council.

When: Thursday, September 3, 2026, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Social Justice, Equity, and Inclusion Center (SJEIC), Vine Deloria Room, Balabanis House

This month’s conversation, “Finding Our Rhythm,” invites us to reflect on the first few weeks of the semester and consider how we are settling into the academic year. Together, we will explore what we are noticing, what is helping us feel grounded and connected, and where we may need to recalibrate as individuals and as a community. As the semester picks up, this conversation offers an opportunity to consider the practices, relationships, and shared commitments that can sustain us throughout the year.  

We facilitate from experience, not from a place of final authority. This session is designed as a professional development space. 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 offers structured reflection, guided frameworks, and meaningful dialogue to help us stay grounded in our work and 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, and hot cocoa are available. 

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