Schedule a Meeting with Your Dean

Selecting a Dean for a One-on-One Appointment

Many of you are aware of our spaces throughout Dawson’s Row, some have figured out ways to engage with our programming, and most of you have broken bread in Dawson’s Row with us and one another. In addition to the cultural programs we host, however, each Dean is available to meet with students to provide one-on-one support (i.e., academic, social, and emotional) to all our students.

For this transitional year, we have made a few significant changes to how students can make appointments with the Deans. All Deans are available to provide academic advising, support through difficulties, and sometimes, simply be a trusted mentor or guide.

Office of African-American Affairs: Schedule a Meeting with Your Dean

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Spring 2023 Academic Calendar

Saturday, March 4 – Sunday, March 12
Spring Recess

Tuesday, May 2
Spring Term Courses End

Thursday, May 4 – Friday, May 12
Examinations

Sunday, May 7 & Friday, May 1
Reading Days

Friday, May 19 – Sunday, May 21
Finals Weekend

Student Spotlight: Erika Onyeka Ezeiruaku

Erika Onyeka Ezeiruaku is a third-year, medical anthropology major, on the pre-med track from Berlin, New Jersey. While on Grounds at the University, Erika had become a member of several organizations including two newly formed CIOs: Black Ladies Abroad Collective (BLAC) where she currently holds the title of President, and Momentum a newly formed, growing political movement. Erika is also the Historian for the Organization of African Students (OAS); a model chair for Fashion For a Cause (FFC); and a member of the Black Student Alliance (BSA). Erika looks forward to traveling abroad this summer and next J-term. In the future, Erika’s plans include going to medical school to become a private practice doctor, and starting a large family

Quote of the Week

“There’s been many times in the room where I’ve been the only woman, the only African American, and often lonely. Interestingly enough, what has been great about those moments is they’ve been empowering. I realize that I bring a unique perspective based on my own set of life experiences that no one else in the room has, and so it’s empowered me to find my voice.” – Latasha Gillespie

Latasha Gillespie is the Executive Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Amazon Studios. Her role is to build mechanisms to improve the diversity and inclusion of content, creatives, and the ecosystem across Amazon Studios.

Upcoming UVA Events, Learning & Services

2023 Fulbright Forum

Thursday, February 23 - 5:00 pm-6:15 pm – Special Collections Library Auditorium

This is our kick-off event for the Fulbright process. We are welcoming back four past UVA Fulbright recipients for a panel discussion and reception. The Fulbright funds a further study, research, teaching, or creative opportunities abroad after graduation. Join us for a panel discussion and reception. For more information. Contact: Office of Citizen Scholar Development

Open Grounds: Inclusion, Engagement, and Learning through Open Pedagogy and Open Educational Resources at UVA

Friday, February 17 – 9:30 am-5:30 pm – Harrison Institute and Small Special Collections Library

Join faculty, staff, & students from across UVA to explore Open Pedagogy and Open Educational Resources at UVA by attending the symposium. Registration is open through February 14, 2023. Lunch and afternoon reception provided for all registered attendees. We are committed to making this event accessible to all interested attendees. Contact Emily Scida with any accommodation requests by February 10. This event will be held on Grounds. Contact for more information Ellen Daniels

Fellowships & Undergraduate Research Series

Mondays – 4:00 pm – Rotunda Multipurpose Room

Our regular series continues. The introductory workshops are the best first touch point with our office. The full schedule is here.

Opportunities with Deadlines.

The Kishore Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: Saturday, February 25 by 11:59 PM EST
The Kishore Scholarship Fund was established in 2015 to honor the memory of Kris Kishore (Col '95, Educ '02) and the unique impact he had on the University community through his legendary love of learning, dedication to service, and selfless leadership. Nominees for the scholarship should demonstrate the following values that Kris Kishore lived by: servanthood, community impact, leadership through connection (humble, reflective, intuitive, and inclusive), and passion for learning and inspirational teaching. The $35,000 scholarship will be awarded to a rising fourth-year student (for the 2023 - 2024 academic year). Use these links to nominate candidates for the scholarship or to read more about Kris Kishore and the Kishore Memorial Scholarship Award. Please email with any questions or concerns. Contact Name: Patrick Cloud

Contemplative Practices for Higher Education Conference

Register for the 2023 Contemplative Practices for Higher Education Conference being held at Radford University on Thursday, March 2 - Friday, March 4. The event offers an opportunity for higher education professionals, students, and others who are using or interested in learning more about contemplative practices to gather to share new work and explore new methods across disciplines and domains. Teachers, professors; researchers; students; community members; and contemplative practitioners are welcome. For More Information Contact Name Ellen Daniels

Documentary Outreach Program Information

Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 15

The Documentary Outreach is a month-long travel course with a focus on nonfiction mediamaking that is collaborative and impact-driven. Students learn how to produce a short documentary film entirely on location while telling stories about local changemakers. In 2023, we are leading Documentary Outreaches in Guatemala (June/July) and Ghana (July/August). Students can choose to earn internship or independent study credit through participation in the trip. All the details about these trips are at https://actualityabroad.org/documentary-outreach

Citizen Storyteller Scholarship Information 2023

Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 15

The Citizen Storyteller Scholarship is a $1000 award for University students and recent graduates who demonstrate passion, initiative, and aptitude for impact-driven documentary storytelling. The scholarship can be used to help fund participation in any Actuality Abroad Documentary Outreach program. To apply, students submit a scholarship application on the Actuality Abroad website that includes (1) a written or video personal statement about their interest in documentary storytelling, (2) links to a reel, portfolio or past nonfiction work examples, and (3) an educational/professional resume. All the details about the scholarship are at https://www.actualityabroad.org/citizen-storyteller-scholarship/

Generative Contemplation Symposium: The Art and Science of Effortless and Self-Emergence Contemplative Practices

The Contemplative Sciences Center is hosting the Generative Contemplation Symposium: The Art and Science of Effortless and Self-Emergence Contemplative Practices on April 21 and 22, 2023 at UVA. This in-person event will convene scientists, scholars, philosophers, and teacher-practitioners from across the world to explore the tension between effort and effortlessness in contemplative practices within Indian and Tibetan Buddhism. For More Information Contact Name Ellen Daniels

Cornerstone Summer Institute Counselor Applications Now Open!

Wednesday, June 21-Friday, June 30

Apply Now!

The UVA Cornerstone Summer Institute is an eye-opening weeklong summer program for high school students to learn about slavery and its legacies and develop thinking skills that prepare them for success in college and beyond. The program focuses on uncovering the history of the area through historical investigation, archaeological excavation, and community engagement. Counselors of this camp are facilitators of learning who help students reckon with their own racial identities and their place in the world. Each counselor will lead a project group of 5 campers and serve as a role model for all. Counselors will receive a stipend for the week of the camp. All meals and housing will be provided. For More Information. Contact Name Ashley Schmidt

Did you know? William Henry Richardson made a huge improvement to the baby carriage, creating a carriage to be shaped more like a symmetrical basket, rather than a shell patent number is #405600. Richardson (December 5, 1808 – December 14, 1878) was an American physician and politician. In 1899, William H. Richardson walked to a Baltimore patent office and received one that changed the way baby carriages are made. It was his idea to use a special joint to allow a bassinet to be turned to face the operator. He created the first reversible baby carriage. Several changes were made that allowed his carriage for the wheel to turn individually, which meant that the vehicle could turn 360 degrees in a smaller turning radius.

OAAA E-Weekly February 13, 2023