Diversity & Belonging at U-SoA
In 2023, the U-SoA Diversity Taskforce was established to cultivate a shared vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the School of Architecture. Now a standing committee, it is dedicated to fostering equity and belonging for all students. Key initiatives led by this committee include the U-SoA Teaching Fellowship and the Social Justice Prize. The U-SoA Teaching Fellowship promotes research exploring Miami and its region as a testing ground for contemporary issues in the built environment, with a focus on justice amid political and societal upheaval. Its thematic focus is on justice in the built environment, tackling specific issues and questions made urgent in a time of radical political and societal upheaval. The Social Justice Prize funds innovative projects by students, faculty, and staff that address social and environmental justice through architecture, including events, installations, exhibitions, and course development, all with clearly defined social equity goals.
Social Justice Prize
U-SoA Teaching Fellowship
Join the DEI Committee at U-SoA
The School of Architecture’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is actively seeking new members among our faculty, staff, and students who are passionate about advancing DEI initiatives within our community. Joining the committee is an opportunity to help build a more equitable, inclusive future at U-SoA.
To introduce prospective members to our initiatives and the commitment involved, we’ll be hosting two Zoom sessions:
Current DEI initiatives include administering the Social Justice Prize and Teaching Fellowship, developing practices to reduce financial burdens on students, designing strategies for a more diverse and inclusive curriculum, and fostering design opportunities that address spatial justice.
All are welcome to attend and explore how we can work together toward meaningful change within U-SoA.
Student Empowerment and Equity at U-SoA
The University of Miami School of Architecture strives to ensure every voice on campus feels equal and included. This webpage is dedicated to helping students navigate a variety of campus, school, and personal resources available to students. Additionally, this page hopes to empower students in any moments of difficulty they may face throughout their time at the school, whether those difficulties be personal, among colleagues, or with faculty and staff members of the University.
In particular, the University of Miami School of Architecture believes all of its faculty, staff, and students deserve and have a right to a workplace and school environment that is free from any form of discriminatory act or hateful language. While some instances of these may be unintentional or misunderstandings, the School believes that these situations, no matter the scale, should be reported. It is our hope that with your continued feedback and support; the School of Architecture can continually improve at its mission of providing and fostering a culture of belonging.
We understand that navigating these situations can be particularly difficult and confusing for all. We have gathered the information below to help students, staff, and faculty find the appropriate resources within the University to aid them in this process. Please use the diagram below as a general reference for where the appropriate resources may be for your situation. Within each section we have compiled further information and resources below for you to review and use as needed. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the School of Architecture through any of the contacts listed below.
Academic Services
Academic Services at the U-SoA offer students an ability to talk to school advisors on a one-to-one or group basis, as needed. These conversations can be private and off the record, or a starting point for a more serious complaint regarding issues arising during your time at the University. Students can either schedule an appointment or go to the Academic Services office, located in Building 48 at 1223 Theo Dickinson Drive, Coral Gables, 33134.
For Undergraduate Students:
Ana Regalado
Associate Dean of Student Development Programs
anaregalado@miami.edu
For Graduate Students:
Nicole Hejazi
Associate Director of Student Development Programs
nhejazi@miami.edu
*If you would feel uncomfortable reaching out to your typical coordinator, please feel free to reach out to one of the other advisors as needed.
Student Council
The Student Council can be a great option for students to reach out with as they come across difficulties at the University. Student Council members are available to discuss these situations with students as they have likely experienced similar circumstances. Additionally, if students prefer anonymity, the Student Council members are available to speak on behalf of students directly with the administration to address student concerns.
Student Council President 2023-2024:
Diego Zubillaga Chavez
dxz307@miami.edu
Student Vice President2023-2024:
Ashley Ward
alw5189@miami.edu
The Dean
Dean Rodolphe el-Khoury cares tremendously about fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging at the School of Architecture and is able to meet directly with students to address any issues they face at the School of Architecture. In many circumstances, systems of support can unintentionally force students to have to confront someone who may obstruct a solution to their situation. Available to all students is the option to go directly to the Dean to address and solve these issues as they arise.
Dean Rodolphe el-Khoury
1223 Theo Dickinson Drive
Building 48, Second Floor
Coral Gables, FL 33146
relkhoury@miami.edu
Lunch with the Dean
Throughout the semester, the Dean will also host a more informal lunch time session called Lunch with Dean to invite students to openly speak as a group about any issues they are currently facing at the School. This is a great platform to speak up and out against issues within the School of Architecture. Students who prefer not to speak in this open format public venue may send comments directly to the Dean via a questionnaire provided prior to the lunch, or by speaking with a Student Council representative who can voice their concerns for them.
University of Miami Resources
While the School of Architecture hopes that it can deliver its mission of fostering a culture of belonging internally, there are some instances that should rise above the School level and into the University Level. Additionally, as a University, there are additional resources available to all students at the University regardless of major. One key resource below has many available options for reporting concerns:
https://doso.studentaffairs.miami.edu/student-support/report-a-concern/index.html
However, we have also compiled additional University wide resources below:
Ombudspersons
Oftentimes, students, faculty, and staff encountering difficult times experience a situation where they are fearful of retribution from people holding positions of power over them. At other times students may even be directed to report their incident to someone directly involved in the situation. In these cases, the University has created positions of Ombudspersons, who are meant to facilitate issues where there is a preference to speak to someone that you are less directly familiar with or frequently involved with. If you are experiencing a problem and would like to talk to someone neutral and outside the scope of the School of Architecture, please feel free to reach out to any of the Ombudspersons below and they can assist or guide you with how to move forward in addressing and solving the problem you are experiencing. Please keep in mind, these positions are dedicated to this service, so please do not hesitate to contact them for assistance.
Jennifer G. Rau
Assistant VP, Student Affairs & University Ombudsperson
jjr61@miami.edu
(305) 284-4922
Heather Michelle Stevens
Associate Director, Divisional Initiatives & Student Advocacy
h.stevens@umiami.edu
(305) 284-5221
Michael Stokes
Director, Academic Initiatives and Academic Ombudsperson
m.stokes1@miami.edu
(305) 284-4585
For FACULTY:
James M. Tien
Professor
ombudsperson-faculty@miami.edu
(305) 284-7888
TITLE 7
If you feel that you have been or are currently a victim of racial, sexual, religious, or national discrimination, the University can assist you throughout the reporting process. Please see the steps below for how to begin and move through the entire process. While the University understands this can be a difficult and uncomfortable process for students, they absolutely encourage students to pursue and file any complaints they may have within this category.
TITLE 9
If you feel that you have been or are currently a victim of any form of sexual harassment or assault, no matter how minor the incident may seem, the University can assist you throughout the reporting process. Please see the steps below for how to begin and move through the entire process. While the University understands this can be a difficult and uncomfortable process for students, they absolutely encourage students to pursue and file any complaints they may have within this category.
If you would like to find more information about this process, please see the diagram below and visit: https://titleix.miami.edu/faqs/index.html
For Concerns Related to Other Students
If you feel that another student or students are creating an uncomfortable situation for you or another you can reach out to the Dean of Students Office, either by emailing doso@miami.edu, calling +1 (305) 284-5353, or by visiting their office at the Dean of Students Office, University Center, Suite 2250, Coral Gables, FL 33146.
For Concerns for Faculty Members
If you feel that another faculty member is creating an uncomfortable situation for you or another you can reach out to the Office of Faculty Affairs, either by emailing facultyaffairs@miami.edu, calling +1 (305) 284-3386, or by visiting their office at the 1252 Memorial Drive, 235 Ashe Building, Coral Gables, FL 33146.
For Concerns for Students Related to Faculty or Staff Members
The University of Miami is committed to the highest standards of ethical behavior as described in the Business Conduct and Ethical Standards for Faculty and Staff handbook.
The University is committed to an environment where open, honest communications are the expectation, not the exception. Employees should feel comfortable approaching their supervisor or manager to discuss instances where a violation of policies or standards may have occurred. In those situations where an employee prefers to make an anonymous report – via the web or by telephone – the University Hotline can be used to report concerns related to violations of policies and procedures, rules and regulations, or other irregularities/improprieties. The University Hotline is hosted by EthicsPoint, a third-party hotline provider. Reporting areas include the following:
- Accounting and financial matters
- Athletics
- Human resources
- Information technology
- Medical
- Privacy, data safety, and security issues
- Research
- Risk and safety matters
- Student affairs
- Other
Reports can be filed either by calling +1 (877) 415-4357 or by visiting the link below:
CaneWatch (University Hotline)
Canes Care for Canes
Canes Care for Canes is a campus-wide action-oriented initiative that promotes the ideal of a caring and responsible community where students respect and support one another, especially if one is encountering difficulties or challenges and needs assistance. ’Canes Care for ’Canes is a call to our community to look out and stand up for one another. By aiming to achieve a campus community where all ’Canes respect and support each other, every member of our community will know that they belong. We accomplish this together by caring, even in the smallest ways, for one another. If you take a moment to care about a classmate, friend, or a fellow 'Cane, you will make a difference in the life of another person.
Report a Concern
If you know a fellow 'Cane in need, take action now by submitting your concern—anonymously if you choose—to get them the help and support they need to be successful.
If this is an emergency or there is an immediate threat of harm to a student or the community, contact University Police at 305-284-6666, the Miller School of Medicine Public Safety at 305-243-6000, or dial 911.
Additionally, in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, members of the University community are asked to do their part in helping to slow the spread by practicing a variety of healthy behaviors including physical distancing, wearing face coverings, as well as frequently washing your hands and using hand sanitizer. Furthermore, students must not host or attend large gatherings—whether on or off campus—where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Students are encouraged to report concerns about unsafe behaviors to 'Canes Care for 'Canes by completing the form below.
REPORT A CONCERN
The reports are reviewed by designated University administrators who will reach out and respond to the student of concern by the next business day. It is our goal to intervene before the student reaches a crisis level. If you are a University faculty, staff, or administrator, we encourage you to reach out directly to the Dean of Students Office or Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs. Anyone providing false information may be subject to University disciplinary action.
Bias-Related Incident Reporting
To foster a Culture of Belonging, the University of Miami encourages everyone to report bias incidents that occur in our community so that inappropriate and unwelcome behavior may be properly addressed and the community at large can be educated. A bias incident - defined as an action, behavior, or expression against an individual’s or group’s actual or perceived identity - can be reported to the Dean of Students Office via this form:
REPORT A CONCERN
Standing Committee on D.E.I.
In addition to Bias-Related Incident Reporting, you may also reach out to the Standing Committee on D.E.I. The committee is led by Dr. Renée Dickens Callan (rcallan@miami.edu) and Dr. Marvin Dawkins (mdawkins@miami.edu).
For Emergencies
The University of Miami provides the following resources for emergencies, both during the day and on the evenings and weekends:
During the Day (Normal Business Hours)
The Counseling Center provides emergency services during our normal business hours. To be seen for an emergency appointment, call our office 305-284-5511 or simply walk into the center. Be sure to inform the receptionist that you are requesting an emergency appointment and we will make every effort to respond to your situation as quickly as possible.
Evenings and Weekends
In an immediate emergency, CALL 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, choose the option that best suits your needs:
Counseling Center After Hours Line
If you (or a friend) are experiencing distress and need someone to talk with in the middle of the night or on the weekend, please call the Counseling Center’s main number, 305-284-5511, press 1 and you will be connected to a licensed therapist. Wait times may vary depending on demand. This service cannot change or schedule appointments. The after-hours crisis counselor is available when the Counseling Center is closed.
University of Miami Police Department
UMPD is a professional law enforcement agency that actively works to maximize the quality of life on the Coral Gables campus. Please visit their website for more information.
(305) 284-6666 (emergency)
(305) 284-3152 (non-emergency)
Department of Housing and Residential Life
(305) 284-4282
The Residence Life team is available to help.
Please visit their website for more information.
SART Hotline
(305) 798-6666
The Sexual Assault Resource Team provides a 24/7 anonymous hotline for UM students who may have experienced a sexual assault recently or in the past and are seeking information or support around these issues. The hotline is administered by the UM Counseling Center. Please visit the website for more information or call the number below.
JCS Helpline Services
2-1-1
A local 24hr hotline that assists in suicide prevention as well as information and referrals to health, social, and human services. Please visit their website for more information.
ULifeline
1 (800) 273-TALK (8255)
A nationwide 24hr service that forwards your call to the nearest crisis hotline.
Florida Poison Information Center
1 (800) 222-1222
