Dear Faculty and Staff,

You're invited to the November session of Tea & Talk, a monthly professional development space for connecting, reflecting, and building community. The Office of Diversity, Equity & 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, November 5, 2026, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Social Justice, Equity, and Inclusion Center (SJEIC), Vine Deloria Room, Balabanis House

Our upcoming gathering, “Showing Up With Intention,” offers an opportunity to pause and consider what we bring into our daily interactions and professional roles as we navigate the mid-semester point. Recognizing that each individual experiences this time uniquely, we aim to offer a mindful space to re-ground, align with our core values, and reflect on how we can engage our students, colleagues, and broader university community with care, intentionality, and dedication to excellence.

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.