announcement: Approved 01-23-2019
January 23, 2019
TO:  UWRF Colleagues
RE:  Off-Campus, University-Sanctioned Event
FROM:  Nathan Riel-Elness, Center of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Department is sponsoring an off-campus activity and a student in your course might miss class time.  The offices of the Provost and the Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs require that students provide this notice to you no later than one week prior to their scheduled activity to be in compliance with appropriate policies.  Your consideration in allowing them to complete course assignments and work in compliance with these university’s policies* is appreciated.  Thank you for your support and cooperation.  Additional details are below.
Dates & Times (“activities should not be scheduled during the final exam period or one week prior to final examinations”): Departure: Friday, February 15, 2019 at 6:30 am
Return: Monday, February 18 at 1:00 am
Activity: The Midwest Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Asexual College Conference (MBLGTACC) is being held at Wichita State University this year. The conference will run from Friday, Feb. 15 through Sunday, Feb 17. This is an annual conference held to connect, educate, and empower queer and trans+ college students, faculty, and staff around the Midwest and beyond. It has attracted advocates and thought leaders including Jess Pettit, Nyle DiMarco, Angela Davis, Robyn Ochs, Janet Mock, Laverne Cox, Kate Bornstein, Faisal Alam, and LZ Granderson; and entertainers and artists including Jujubee, Margaret Cho, J Mase III, Chely Wright, and Loren Cameron. To date, MBLGTACC is America's largest and oldest continuously-held conference for queer and trans+ college students. And it remains proudly student-run. More information can be found here: https://mblgtacc.org/2019
Academic Rationale for Absence: Students attending this conference will be able to network with other students, faculty, and staff from around the country. They will be attending a variety of educational sessions providing them with professional and personal development. Our department is also going to be meeting with these students upon their return to have them serve as an advisory team for future programming and educational efforts.
Faculty Contact Information:
1.	Campus Address:  170 University Center
2.	Office Phone Number:  715-425-3894
3.	Email: [log in to unmask]
Participating Students: Please provide a list of the students who are participating in this activity:
1.	Maverick Grachen
2.	Michael Jacob
3.	Molly Shippy
4.	Michelle Stage
5.	Samuel DiStefano
6.	Shelby Behrens
7.	Kevin Huynh
8.	Sami Hellenbrand


email: [log in to unmask]