Activate O'Neill: Activation, experimentation, and transformation
Activate O’Neill is a program for Black, brown, Indigenous, students of color, and international students to foster a sense of belonging, support community well-being, and transform O’Neill to be a more just and equitable place. As a student entering this program, you will have access to specialized programming such as community-building social events, peer and alumni engagement, social and academic support, and career exploration group trips.
Starting in the spring semester of 2022-23 as a pilot program, we hope to identify the needs and interests of BIPOC students in undergraduate and graduate programs to plan for future programming, advocacy, services, and engagement.
This first class of Activate O’Neill leaders will take part in programming and support tailored to the needs and interests of BIPOC and international students. This program is in the spirit of activation, experimentation, and transformation. We aim to activate students by empowering you to develop affinities and student organizations, take part in career and support resources, and take your O’Neill experience into your own hands. We aim to experiment with programming to figure out how to best celebrate and support you for the upcoming academic year. We aim to transform O’Neil as a whole, making it a more just and equitable place just by virtue of us thriving here.
Planned programming, events, and benefits
Opening and closing receptions with catering and Activate O’Neill gear
Group trips and community retreat: travel with fellow Activate O’Neill students to Indianapolis or Chicago to meet alumni, explore career possibilities, and build community
Incentives and support to create affinity groups and student organizations: consulting, project management training and tools, leadership training, workspace in O’Neill, priority resource allocation, administrative support, and funding assistance
Peer and staff support from the Office of DEI, including academic and social or personal support
Tailored resources and support from international students
Programming is subject to change based on number of applicants, student interest, and approval.
Frequently asked questions
This program is for BIPOC O’Neill students or prospective students of any identity or country of origin (international students). If you are an O’Neill undergraduate, graduate, Ph.D. student, or a prospective student, you are welcome to apply at any point in your educational journey, including part-time and continuing students. Students from both Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses are welcome to join!
There is a rolling deadline to apply for spring 2023. If you do not apply or haven’t heard back about your application, you are still welcome to join us for events!
Yes! We are working on programming to accommodate online students.
Yes! We will be offering tailored support for international students, including assisting with post-graduation careers and connecting you to student organizations and affinity groups.
Yes! We are planning IUPUI campus and online programming. We are also hoping to schedule a cross-campus retreat and group trip to bring O’Neill students across campuses together!
Yes! We will be reaching out to regional campuses to find ways for more students to be involved. In the meantime, feel free to fill out an application and make sure to specify your campus.
This program is intended to support BIPOC students, including queer, disabled, and first generation BIPOC students because of their shared experiences. However, the O’Neill School’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion supports all students from marginalized and historically underrepresented groups and is planning additional programming and we are also organizing school- and campus-wide events for all to attend!
Yes! Email Rebecca Valeriano-Flores at oodei@indiana.edu. We would love for you to be part of the team!
Yes! Contact Rebecca Valeriano-Flores at oodei@indiana.edu, office phone (812) 855-4286, or drop by the office any time (SPEA 235). If this is an emergency, please call 911 or IU Police (812) 855-4111. There are also additional resources on our website.
The lead organizer for this program is Rebecca Valeriano-Flores (oodei@indiana.edu).
Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs resources and social media channels
