SEPTEMBER 2024
Perspectives on Belonging Newsletter
Global Campus
World Alzheimer's Month
World Alzheimer’s Month focuses on raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Dementia slowly destroys a person’s memory and behavior, affecting millions of people worldwide. As with many diseases, dementia can also take a toll on caregivers. Learning more about dementia can help us support those affected by it.
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15)
The Hispanic Heritage observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and expanded to a monthlong celebration in 1988. It’s a time to celebrate the rich culture and contributions of our Hispanic community. The start date marks the independence days of several Latin American countries. If you see any fiestas happening around town, now you know why!
National Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide Prevention Month offers us a chance to learn about information and resources we can use all year. If someone you know seems down, it’s OK to ask if they’re all right. Get information about suicide warning signs and risk factors as well as resources you can use to help someone on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website.
Community:
Arkansas Crisis Center – call 988 or visit https://www.arcrisis.org/
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – text TALK to 741741 or visit https://afsp.org/chapter/arkansas
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – call 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org/
Campus:
Pat Walker Health Center – https://health.uark.edu/mental-health/suicide-prevention.php
Pat Walker Health Center – 479-575-5276 or visit https://health.uark.edu/mental-health/emergencies.php
Global Campus Hobby Gathering
Want to share your hobby interests with your co-workers? Let’s gather in the lobby on the first floor of the Fayetteville building or online on Friday, Sept. 20, to talk about and share our hobbies. You may crochet, make crafts, paint, game or collect anime figures. It doesn’t matter. You’ll likely find a colleague with a similar interest.
Events & Things To Do
ℹ️ Note: Each slide offers a direct link to relevant content. Simply click or tap to explore further.
Labor Day – September 2
The first Monday in September is a day when some of us kick back and relax. Did you know it started in 1984, when workers were fighting for higher pay and better conditions? Nowadays, we celebrate with barbecues, family get-togethers, picnics, races, fireworks, parades, and maybe catch a football game—summer’s last hurrah before we break out the fall decorations.
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
– Author unconfirmed
“Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
International Day of Charity – September 5
National Arts in Education Week – September 8-14
This celebration week is all about honoring the importance of arts in our schools—painting, music, drama, graphic design, and the like. The arts help our kids think creatively and solve problems better.
International Festival – September 10, Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 3 – 7 p.m.
Positive Thinking Day – September 13
Mawlid Un Nabi (Muhammad’s Birthday) – September 15-16
Mawlid Un Nabi is a religious festival that observes the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. It is an occasion filled with deep respect, love, and gratitude for the prophet, who is revered by followers of Islam. For American Muslims, Mawlid Un Nabi holds an especially important meaning, given that it offers an opportunity to reaffirm religious identities, celebrate Islamic heritage, and engage in interfaith dialogue.
Bisexuality Visibility Day – September 23
National Rehabilitation Awareness Week – September 18-24
International Happiness at Work Week – September 23-27
You can play this word search online at: https://thewordsearch.com/puzzle/7436825/september/
Opportunities for Professional Development Through LinkedIn Learning
The University of Arkansas Information Technology Services offers instructions on how staff can access LinkedIn Learning Online Tutorials. Offerings are free with unlimited access to classes, as well as an online library of instructional videos. Visit their website for more information and a link to log in.
This newsletter is intended to align with the University of Arkansas campus initiative: Belonging. Messages are intended to nurture a positive working environment at the Global Campus, where all individuals can feel welcome and valued.
“Belonging is defined by each of us and connects us all as Razorbacks. … Belonging is a feeling we all desire and long for, regardless of life experiences. We all want to find a connection with others in our community. Some of the key components to belonging are: mutuality, open-mindedness, willingness to change, shared purpose, acceptance, acknowledging differences, authenticity, honest curiosity, respect, safety, self-reflection, trust, and mattering.”
~ the University of Arkansas’ “Our Belonging Framework”
This newsletter also supports the Global Campus core values of Excellence, People, Innovation, Empowerment, and Access and Reach.
All employees are welcome to provide feedback and suggestions for this newsletter to gccomm@uark.edu or ksmurphy@uark.edu.