Building Community

Gibbs College seeks to build our communities through sustainable and resilient constructs of mind and matter. Our most important task is to ensure that we are shaping places that help each individual find an anchoring in this world. We all wish to belong, to be heard, and to be respected for who we are, in our best configuration. Through our sheer existence, we have earned that right. No one should take that from us. We are committed to the principles of equity, equality and empathy that prove the worth of the planning, design, and construction professions. The GCA seeks to remain a beacon for others in matters of actively supporting belonging, open-mindedness, and community engagement.

To this end, we support our faculty, staff and students in developing a strong sense of community. If you have concerns, we invite you to reach out to one of us or to a staff or faculty member whom you trust. Listed below are a variety of resources and contacts that you may find helpful, as well. If you are having trouble connecting with a resource that fits your specific concern or need, please let us know, and we will be happy to help connect you.

Together, we can cultivate empathy and understanding and build stronger communities.

The University of Oklahoma Inclusion Council encompasses two members from each college and several administrative offices for a total of 60+ members across campuses. Council members liaise between Gibbs College and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by maintaining a consistent channel of communication, by participating in a monthly meeting, and by sharing and dispersing important information to key stakeholders in the college.

In Spring 2020, faculty in each division of Gibbs College explored how professional organizations and learned societies in planning, design and construction frame DEI efforts, and how these understandings can guide future initiatives in the college. The video and PDFs below summarize our findings.

Behavior Intervention Team

The OU Behavior Intervention Team helps keep our community healthy and safe. You are an important member of the team. Your reports allow the team to reach out to individuals and provide appropriate intervention and support. With your help, the team is better able to keep the campus a safe environment in which students, faculty and staff may live, study and work. To learn more or to file a report, visit www.ou.edu/normanbit.

Diversity Ally Workshops

Diversity Ally workshops are now open for enrollment! Faculty and staff who attend “Unlearning Sexism,” “Unlearning Racism,” “Unlearning Ableism,” and “Unlearning Classism” will earn their Diversity Ally certificate. Visit their website to enroll and learn more.

Diversity Enrichment Program

Diversity Enrichment Programs (DEP) strives to identify, recruit and guide prospective undergraduate minority students, who meet or exceed admission requirements, through the admission process. To learn more, contact dep@ou.edu.

Faculty and Staff Resources

The University of Oklahoma supports a diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. Through mindful hiring practices, the University strives to build a diverse group of faculty and an inclusive work climate for faculty to excel in teaching, research, and service. To learn more, please visit the Faculty and Staff Resource page.

Food Pantry

The OU Food Pantry aims to solve food insecurity for OU students, faculty, and staff. Located right next to the Residence Halls, it is easily accessible and open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 – 6:30 p.m. Learn more at http://www.ou.edu/foodpantry.

Gender + Equality Center

The mission of the OU Gender + Equality Center is to foster social justice by advocating for the rights of women and LGBTQ students, empowering those without a voice, and challenging inequality. Its LGBTQ+ Community Lounge, located on the first floor of the Oklahoma Memorial Union, is a place where people of all identities within the LGBTQ+ community can gather and connect with one another in an accepting environment. Learn more at www.ou.edu/gec.

Institutional Equity Office

The purpose of the OU Institutional Equity Office is to promote and foster the University’s commitment to the prohibition of gender discrimination in the educational and employment context. There are two offices within the Institutional Equity Office, each report to the President and Board of Regents: the Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office handles discrimination claims, as well as affirmative action plans, and the Title IX Office handles claims involving the Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination and Harassment Policy and gender equity issues related to athletics. To learn more or to report misconduct, visit www.ou.edu/eoo.

McNair Scholars Program

The McNair program provides encouragement, guidance, and mentorship to underrepresented students in preparation for graduate school. Learn if you qualify at http://www.ou.edu/studentlife/scholarships/mcnair.

Office of Student Life

The mission of OU Student Life is to guide students in realizing academic, professional, and personal goals as they progress toward graduation and beyond. There are more than 400 student organizations to choose from, including groups that celebrate your culture and background and others that are tied to your major. Student Life offers dedicated multicultural programs and services, including African American Student Life, American Indian Student Life, Asian American Student Life, and Latino Student Life programs and services. Learn more at www.ou.edu/studentlife.

OU Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In July, 2020 the University of Oklahoma launched a new strategic plan called “Lead On University.” This strategic document is now the roadmap for how the university will achieve success. Within the plan, pillar number IV’s focus is on “Becoming a Place of Belonging and Emotional Growth for All Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni.” The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is leading the charge by engaging the university community and conducting environmental scans to ensure we are tuned-in to the successes and barriers that exist within our campus community.  Learn more at: www.ou.edu/diversity/

OU Advocates

OU Advocates is a free, confidential resource offering short-term and long-term support to the OU community. Advocates are volunteer staff members who are on-call 24/7 and trained to respond if anyone in our OU community experiences sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, or sexual harassment. We are not mandatory reporters, so we will not share your information with the Sexual Misconduct office. Learn more at www.ou.edu/gec/advocates.

Police Department

The mission of the OU Police Department is to maintain and enhance the quality of life for the university community by protecting life, liberty, property, and the preservation of peace. Contact OU PD with non-emergency concerns at (405) 325-2864. For more information, visit www.ou.edu/police.

Project Threshold

Project Threshold provides a personalized approach to delivering academic support services to individuals who may face barriers to academic success in their college careers. It is designed to serve students who meet one or more of the following criteria: First Generation – Neither parent received a four-year degree; Economically Disadvantaged – Based on federal guidelines; Disabled – With appropriate documentation. Learn more at www.ou.edu/threshold.

Students with Disabilities

Learn about the support services and resources offered by the Disability Resource Center for students, employees and faculty. DRC encourages full participation for those with disabilities and help ensure equal opportunities that meet your needs. Learn more at www.ou.edu/drc.

University Counseling Center

The mission of the University Counseling Center is to promote student success, both in and out of the classroom, by providing the highest quality psychological services. Learn more at www.ou.edu/ucc or call (405) 325-2911.

Veteran Student Services

OU’s Veteral Support Alliance is a group of faculty and staff volunteers who provide a positive and supportive learning environment, helping student veterans and service members achieve academic excellence and personal success. Learn more at www.ou.edu/veterans.

24-Hour Bias Reporting Hotline

The 24-hour Bias Reporting Hotline is operated by an independent third-party to provide a simple and anonymous way to report incidents or concerns that may be in violation of University policy. Call (844) 428-6531 to report an incident or visit www.ou.ethicspoint.com to learn more.