Dear Beloved Community,

Three hundred ninety-seven thousand four hundred forty minutes. 
397,440 moments so dear. 

How do you measure an academic year? 

In papers written at the last minute? In dance workshop rehearsals, in lab hours, in long athletic practices and longer campus sleep out nights? Perhaps in laughter that carried you and in moments that nearly broke you. 

By any measure, Congratulations. You made it. We made it—here, to this moment. 

For some, this is the final block. For others, the final chapter. For many, it is something softer; the quiet truth that you kept going. You found your way through another day, another block, another class, another game… or simply another minute to breathe, to rest, to exist. 

Recently, I read about a midnight cashier who built community by writing small notes on receipts—simple acknowledgments that reminded people they were seen. It stayed with me. In a year that has felt heavy for many, we are reminded that care does not always arrive in grand gestures. Sometimes, what someone needs is a quiet reminder: you are here, you are valued. 

As we close this academic year, and as you move into summer and new directions, let us remember the power of kindness: A smile. A hug.  A moment of recognition. 

Say congratulations to a senior when you see them. Celebrate all small wins; the finished paper, the hard conversation, the choice to keep going. Check in on a friend. Thank someone who made your days a little lighter. Be the reason someone feels human again. Don’t forget to extend that same grace to yourself. 

This year was not just measured in minutes, but in courage, in connection, and in countless ways you showed up for one another and for yourself.  

In celebration and gratitude, 
Rosalie 

As the Department of Homeland Security is still shut down, continued immigration enforcement presence at airports is contributing to heightened anxiety and safety concerns for many travelers. While policies and practices continue to evolve, these conditions impact travel decisions, sense of safety, and overall wellbeing. The College remains committed to providing clear guidance, individualized support, and resources to help students make informed decisions and navigate these uncertainties. Organizations such as the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, Southern Policy Law Center, Immigration Legal Resource Center, and Immigrants Rising have a number of resources that are timely.

As we strive to continually assess our campus community and climate, IEB will be conducting the HEDs Sense of Community Survey. Every campus member will receive their own link on Wednesday, March 25, and will have until Monday, April 27 to complete it. The survey will give us important data as we work towards realizing the College’s commitment to antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Previous campus climate surveys have shaped and/or led to the creation of impactful programming such as Butler Center’s Peer Education program and the Building Bridges program, which connects faculty and staff across campus. Thank you in advance for taking a few moments to complete the survey. We look forward to learning from your responses as we shape programs, spaces, and systems that reflect our campus community and its needs in relation to ADEI.  

Suspension of Third Country National Appointments (TCN): The Department of State announced that "[a]pplicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence," and that "[a]pplicants must be able to demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying, if the place of application is based on their residency." 

This means that nonresidents can only apply for a nonimmigrant visa in their home (passport) country, whereas in the past they were able to apply for their nonimmigrant visa in a “third-country” outside of their home country.  NAFSA has more information about these changes and the IPP Block 7 notes have additional information about impacts of this and other events to the CC community.  

The cover of Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange.

Would you or your department, program, or office be interested in partnering with IEB on our Fall ABC selection, Wandering Stars (2024) by Tommy Orange? We are currently in discussions to invite Orange, a 2025 MacArthur Fellow, to CC during Block 3 of the 2026-27 Academic Year. Both a prequel and sequel to There There (2018), Wandering Stars “traces the legacies of the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School through to the shattering aftermath of Orvil Red Feather’s shooting in There There.” Publisher Penguin Random House describes Wandering Stars as “a novel about epigenetic and generational trauma that has the force and vision of a modern epic..."

If you or your unit would like to get involved, please reach out to Nancy Ríos. 

Save The Date: Dr. Myrriah Gomez, author of our Fall ABC selection Nuclear Nuevo Mexico will be delivering The Hulbert Center’s Andrew Norman Guest Lecture on the evening of Saturday, April 28, 2–3 p.m. Please stay tuned for a book club discussion with Dr. Gomez.

Friday, April 24: Happy Independence Day: Senegal

Join the campus community in celebrating Senegal’s Independence Day with dance, music, performances, and food. This event highlights Senegalese culture and community through shared celebration and creativity. Location: Haskell House. Time: noon–2 p.m.

 

Wednesday, April 29: Three Sided Stories with Radio Rahim

Attend a featured lecture presented as a conversation between Associate Professor Jamal Ratcliff and journalist and human rights advocate Radio Rahim. The discussion explores Rahim’s life journey and work at the intersection of media, activism, and social justice. A reception will follow the event. Location: Kathryn Mohrman Theatre. Time: 6–8 p.m.

 

May 1–8: National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives

Visit the campus display honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives, with opportunities for reflection, learning, and solidarity. The week includes a featured program with Indigenous food, a film screening of Somebody’s Daughter, community conversation, performance, and a smudge ceremony. Location: Worner Fireside and Fine Arts Center (display); main program held May 5 in the Cornerstone Screening Room, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 2: Colorado Black Equity Listening Session, noon–2 p.m.

Join History Colorado and the Colorado Black Equity Study for their Colorado Springs Community Listening Session at CC. Colorado Springs residents will be asked to contribute to the study by sharing lived experiences and knowledge in a guided table discussion facilitated by the research team. RSVP for the listening session. Email Nancy Ríos at nrios@coloradocollege.edu with questions. The event will be held in Gaylord Hall in Worner Campus Center.

Tuesday, May 5: Talking Circle

Join the Talking Circle, a traditional Indigenous practice that brings people together for sharing perspectives, personal reflection, gratitude, and experiences. The Talking Circle centers the seven Lakota/Dakota values of courage, respect, compassion, truth, generosity, humility, and wisdom, and fosters connection, community building, and healing through open and respectful dialogue. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome. Location: Worner Center 213. Time: 12:15–1:00 p.m. Pizza lunch provided.

Friday, April 24: Unpacking Whiteness in Higher Education

Attend a keynote and dialogue exploring how whiteness shapes everyday campus experiences and how institutions can work toward more inclusive and equitable communities. Featuring Dr. Cameron Beatty and Crystal Garcia, this event examines identity, power, and belonging in higher education and offers strategies for inclusive action. Location: Kathryn Mohrman Theatre. Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Week 1

Tuesday, April 21: Table Talk: Slumber Party, 3–5 p.m.

Wednesday, April 22: T‑Time: Serving Face Makeup Werqshop, 2–4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 22: Financial Aid Wednesdays with Graysen, 12:30–3 p.m.

Thursday, April 23: Taste of Asia: Celebrating AAPI Month, 11–1 p.m.

Friday, April 24: First‑Gen Fridays: Major Exploration and Declaration Process, 12:30–2 p.m.

Week 2

Wednesday, April 29: Financial Aid Wednesdays with Graysen, 12:30–3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 29: Advocates for Immigrant Justice, 3–4:30 p.m.

Friday, May 1: First‑Gen Senior Luncheon, 12:30–2 p.m.

Friday, May 1: AAPI Month Lei Day: Lei‑Making Workshop, 2–4 p.m.

Week 3

Tuesday, May 5: Table Talk: Water Marbling in Arts & Crafts, 3–5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 5: T‑Time: Gay Bear Party, 1:30–5 p.m.

Wednesday, May 6: Crystal Queer: An LGBTQ+ Staff, Faculty & Student Luncheon, noon–2 p.m.

Thursday, May 7: PowerPoint Passion Presentation: Kiana Sump & Connor Skinner, 12–1:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 7: YGQ: Queer Scrapbooking, 1:30–3 p.m.

IEB offers up to $250 in co-sponsorship funding for campus events that promote equity and justice. Departments, offices, student groups, and athletic teams may apply by submitting the request form and required materials. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions issued within two weeks. Funded events must acknowledge IEB’s support and include the IEB logo on all promotional materials. For questions, contact Institutional Equity and Belonging or review this form.

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