Dear Faculty and Staff,

You're invited to the August 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, August 6, 2026, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Social Justice, Equity, and Inclusion Center (SJEIC), Vine Deloria Room, Balabanis House

This month’s conversation, “Reconnecting Before the Rush,” invites us to make use of the brief period between returning from summer and welcoming students back to campus. Together, we will reconnect with colleagues, reflect on what helps us feel grounded and supported in our work, and consider how we want to show up for one another and for our students in the year ahead. This conversation offers space to renew relationships, reconnect with our shared purpose, and begin the academic year with greater intention, clarity, and care.  

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 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