Social Justice and Diversity
Residence Life has a clear and strong commitment to diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice. We believe that cross-cultural and intercultural experiences enrich our halls, and are central to the residential experience. We strive to provide our staff and students with quality programming and training designed to help us support a mission of equity and equality for all.
Residence Life recognizes and values the commonalities and differences among students at the University of Arizona. Discrimination, sexual and bias-related harassment, hate crimes, and other violations of student rights disrupt the educational process and are not tolerated. Students in our communities have the right to be free of discrimination for reasons of disability, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
A few highlights of how Residence Life works to support social justice in all that we do:
- Employing a full time, master’s level Coordinator of Social Justice Education
- Advocates Coming Together (ACT), an active group of student social justice advocates who are the Directors of Social Justice for their hall councils
- Social Justice Committee made up of professional and graduate Residential Education staff
- 16 hour year-long training series for all 45-member Residential Education staff – 2011 training focuses on understanding race and racism in the United States
- Organized the University of Arizona’s first ever International Student Transitional Series, a workshop series aimed to help international students make a smooth transition to college life in the US
- Sending Residence Life staff and students to social justice professional development opportunities such as the Social Justice Training Institute, and the University of Arizona Equiss Social Justice Retreat
- Offering students the opportunity to explore social justice issues in an intimate themed community setting - Social Justice Wing
- Annual programs to raise awareness about diversity and social justice issues such as a Day of Silence Photo Shoot, Diva La Paz, the Hunger Banquet, Tunnel of Oppression, and the World Traditions Fair
UA Residence Life’s Commitment to Diversity and Social Justice
Residence Life is committed to creating and maintaining safe, inclusive communities that welcome and accept people of all identities. The diverse characteristics and backgrounds of our residents and staff are central to the mission and values of Residence Life. We strive to create an environment that invites the full and equal participation from all who live and work in our halls. We believe that a multicultural, socially just environment is essential to the personal growth of students and staff, and their involvement in our increasingly global world.
Contact
Hannah Lozon, Coordinator of Social Justice Education
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM MST
socialjustice@life.arizona.edu
Phone: (520) 626-4855
Fax: (520) 626-6348
Awards and Recognition
2011 Advisor of the Year - Intermountain Association of College and University Residence Halls (IACURH)
2011 October National Diversity Program of the Month - National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
2011 Commitment to Diversity Award – National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH)
2011 Outstanding Multicultural Program – Tunnel of Oppression, Residence Life – University of Arizona Accolades 2011 Student Affairs Outstanding Student Group – Advocates Coming Together – University of Arizona Accolades 2007 Peter W. Likins Inclusive Excellence Award – Residence Life El Mundo Diversity Initiatives
2007 Special Recognition from the Governor’s Office – Residence Life El Mundo Diversity Initiatives
1999 Departmental Diversity Award - Association of Intermountain Housing Officers (AIMHO)