Administrative Announcements: Office of Diversity & Inclusion

We are excited to announce that Mr. Melvin Lunkins has transitioned into this role. Melvin has been at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry since 2017 where he has worked as the Coordinator for Diversity & Inclusion. During his time in the Office of Diversity & Inclusion we have seen continued growth in our pipeline programs, such as Dental Imprint, Summer Enrichment Program, and further collaboration with the Wayne State University C2 Pipeline Programs. Melvin has also been successful in securing grants through the Mercy Education Project and the Michigan Dental Association to support our outreach and workforce development efforts. Melvin has an Bachelor of Science degree in Community Development from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts degree in Social Justice from Marygrove University. Please congratulate Melvin on his new role as Director for Diversity & Inclusion.

The transition within the Office of Diversity & Inclusion created a vacancy in our Coordinator role, which we are happy to announce is now filled by Ms. Betsy Lozano. Betsy has been at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry since 2008 when she joined as an Administrative Assistant in the Office of Dental Admissions. Since that time Betsy has become an integral member of the team, contributing her effort and talents in growing the admissions programs, administering our interview and selection processes, and moving the office forward with new initiatives. Betsy’s enthusiasm in working with students has led her to become deeply involved with our pipeline programs, especially those dedicated to underrepresented students in the Detroit community. Betsy has a Bachelor of Science in International Business & Economics from Madonna University and, this summer, she completed a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration from Madonna University. Please congratulate Betsy on her new role as the Coordinator for Diversity & inclusion.

Hispanic Heritage Month Door Decoration Contest

An annual contest to celebrate heritage, diversity and Detroit Mercy pride.

September theme: Hispanic Heritage History Month

We would like your participation in the door decoration contest for Hispanic Heritage History Month!  This voluntary opportunity to encourage inclusivity and celebrate equity is meaningful to our entire dental school community.  We encourage students to collaborate with faculty and staff for door decorating (FIRST FLOOR ONLY).  Students who are interested in participating please reach out to Melvin Lunkins to find a door.

Everything you need to participate and decorate your door or office space will be provided by the office of Diversity & Inclusion, please visit Melvin Lunkins in office 457 any time after September 17, 2020 , items include:

Orange, black, white, and dark blue, tape, scissors, markers, and glue (all supplies subject to availability of course).

Registration NOT Required

Take a photo of your complete door and be sure to TAG @detroitmercydental Instagram

You may decorate with a theme. For example – a library theme where various books are highlighted.  The options are limitless.

Final judging by IG Poll will be on Friday, October 16, 2020, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion will present the award to the winners.

The winner will be announced before close of business on Friday, October 16, 2020.  Doors will be judged by IG Poll

Any questions should be directed to Melvin Lunkins at lunkinms@udmercy.edu

1-EC0-F0-C8-436-D-45-CF-8190-19-E489-A478-B3

Fitness Floor Open at McNichols Today

Hours of Operation  
Student Fitness Center Tommy’s Smoothies & Snacks 
Monday – Thursday         11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday        11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 
Friday                            11:00 a.m. –  6:00 p.m. Friday                           11:00 a.m. –  5:00 p.m. 
Sunday                            6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Sunday                          6:00 p.m. –  9:00 p.m.

FITNESS FLOOR REOPENING 

Monday, September 21 

Modifications –We have modified our programs and procedures to keep you engaged and safe.  Here are a few to note: 

  • New check in/check out procedures for contact tracing 
  • Heightened cleaning and sanitizing throughout 
  • Masks required indoors 
  • Capacity limits (25%) and social distancing enforced 
  • Some equipment offline to allow for social distancing 
  • Courts closed 
  • Lobby furniture has been moved to the court to allow for social distance 
  • Tommy’s is open and has delicious offerings 
  • Bikes are available for check out with contactless system 
  • Tennis rackets, discs for disc golf and outdoor games are available for check out 
  • Group Exercise Room has a capacity of 2 
  • Fitness classes outside (weather permitting) and streaming on social media  
  • Locker rooms open 
  • Showers closed 
  • No day lockers 
  • No towels 

Fitness Classes – We are offering both in-person fitness classes and virtual through our social media.  

Fitness Class Schedule 

Ping Pong Tournament Tuesday 10/6 @ 6pm – Sign up at imleagues.com/udmercy or via Detroit Mercy Live  PRIZES!!!! 

COVID-19 Referral Reports

Employees, students and others may refer a member of the Detroit Mercy community who may be exhibiting concerning behavior related to COVID-19 University Guidelines. Concerns regarding students experiencing symptoms or in contact with others who are ill may be shared using this form.

Here is the form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofDetroitMercy&layout_id=19

Jewish High Holidays in a Pandemic

Rosh Hashanah was last weekend and Yom Kippur will be next weekend. L’shanah tovah to all who celebrated! If you’re curious about how local communities are celebrating, here’s some information: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/09/18/jewish-community-rosh-hashanah-high-holidays-amid-pandemic/5801571002/?fbclid=IwAR3V_XAe6gPvgw5wf6rh4OAnvPA1Gj4UYGIrP0kW0e6ys6R6FCkCa32yxcg

ASDA Fever Week

This week is the annual ASDA Fever Week! Although we wish we could meet the class of 2024 in person, this year’s Fever Week events will all take place online.   Throughout the whole week:

 Wednesday:

  • Healthy Meal Options and Prepping with Hayley Laird and the UofM Wellness Committee

Thursday: 

University Ministry Fall Opportunities

+ The Ignatian Solidarity Network has posted a 21-Day Ignatian Racial Equity Challenge. “The Ignatian Racial Equity Challenge is designed for all participants, regardless of race, ethnicity, prior anti-racism work, age or background and will include opportunities to learn, pray, and act on different themes of racial equity. Additional specific resources will be provided for white people, who benefit from and perpetuate racist systems in our society, both intentionally and unintentionally.” See the link below to participate: https://ignatiansolidarity.net/ignatian-racial-equity-challenge/
+ Christian Life Communities/Spiritual Life Communities will begin meeting this semester. These small, faith sharing groups are meeting in-person or virtually. They are open to students of all faiths, students without any faith, and students who just don’t affiliate with anything. 
Contact Dan Greig (greigda@udmercy.edu) or click the link below. 
SLC/CLC interest form.

+ University Ministry will be hosting events throughout Mercy Week (September 24). There will be a special student mass at Ignatius Chapel on September 21 at 9pm. The mass will also be livestreamed. Sr. Judy Mouch, RSM, will provide the reflection. Stay tuned for more information on Mercy Week events. 

Student Parent Support Group Tomorrow

The Office of Student Services & Enrollment Management will begin a Student Parent Support Group next Tuesday, September 15 at 7:00pm on Blackboard Collaborate in the Student Resource Center. Please join Bailey Andersen & Adrianna Moreno to share stories and challenges, meet other student parents, and develop a community for solidarity.