Cathy Pettid, LMHP, UNO's Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor, recently shared the following updates about the Division of Student Life and Wellbeing. Pettid also thanked all individuals who work to support UNO students.

Nick Oegema to Serve as Director of UNO's Accessibility Services Center

Nick Oegema will lead ASC's efforts to collaborate with students, administrators, faculty, and staff to ensure access to reasonable and appropriate student disability accommodations. Nick is focused on creating a fully accessible, inclusive experience for student learning, campus engagement, and residential life. Nick serves on the UNO Care Team and is active in the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) which is the premier national and regional professional organization for disability resource professionals. Nick can be reached at noegema@unomaha.edu.

Cassie Neal to Serve as Coordinator of Educational Outreach and Special Projects in the Office of Student Leadership, Involvement, and Inclusion (SLII)

Cassie Neal, who previously served as a Project Director for the Department of Justice and Office on Violence Against Women Campus Program Grant is now a permanent, full-time employee of the Division. As the inaugural Coordinator of Educational Outreach and Special Projects in the Office of Student Leadership, Involvement, and Inclusion (SLII), Cassie is responsible for identifying, creating, and delivering educational outreach trainings, workshops, and modules in collaboration with senior leaders through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Cassie can be reached at cassieneal@unomaha.edu.

Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) Updates

It is important to note that all GSRC services are still being provided.

Victim & Survivor Advocacy

Advocacy services is a confidential support and resource for victims and survivors of sexual violence. Assistance is available in navigating resources and reporting options. Nicole Naatz is the Senior Victim & Survivor Advocate and reports to Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS). She also works closely with the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice which has assumed responsibility for the previously mentioned DOJ grant. The DOJ grant also supports a part-time advocate, Meena Wilwerding, who works closely with Nicole. Nicole offices at 124 MBSC, 104 H&K, and remotely. Nicole can be reached at nnaatz@unomaha.edu.

Programming, Education, and Support

Programming and outreach initiatives are supported by graduate students Megan Heidenreich and Aidan Maher under the supervision of Cassie Neal. Megan and Aidan also work closely with the Queer and Trans Services and Women and Gender Equity Center Student Government Student Agencies. They are located at 124 MBSC. The primary activities they help support include:

• Bystander Intervention Training
• Healthy Relationship Training
• Consent 101 Training
• LezBiRealQueer Support Group
• Pride Month Activities
• Safe Space Training
• TRANScend Support Group
• Melanated Queerations Support Group
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April 2024)
• Denim Day (April 24,2024)
• Lavender Graduation (May 5, 2024)
• Supporting Survivors Training