Engagement & Belonging
Fostering a Greater Sense of Belonging
All while building self-awareness and cross-cultural understanding
The Office of Engagement & Belonging provides oversight, assessment and consultation to connect and empower the CFA Community. We work to cultivate a broader understanding of our global society and equip individuals in our community to engage meaningfully with each other.
Our work is grounded in the belief that art is a valuable tool for effectuating change, exploring individuality and finding commonality. We believe in the unique capacity of creative expression to prepare students to live in a pluralistic society.
Meet the CFA Office of Engagement & Belonging
Angelica Perez-Johnston
Associate Dean for Engagement & Belonging
angelicaperez@cmu.edu
Hall of Arts 132
Britney Yauger-Limtham
Associate Director for Engagement & Belonging
byauger@andrew.cmu.edu
Hall of Arts 135
Alexander Farrell
Graduate Assistant
Master of Arts Management
jafarrell@cmu.edu
Vivian Ma
Graduate Assistant
Master of Arts Management
vivianma@andrew.cmu.edu
Ashley Ross
Graduate Assistant
School of Art
ashleyro@andrew.cmu.edu
Center Well-being and Belonging for Our Community
OEB curates opportunities that encourage CFA students, staff and faculty to find both individuality and commonality while learning, working and creating in a pluralistic community.
Belonging Events & Programming
OEB hosts events and programs for all CFA community members focused on belonging, self-actualization and comprehensive well-being. You can follow our Instagram page for the most current updates regarding upcoming events.
Community-proposed Events & Initiatives
Our office is currently accepting proposals from students, staff and faculty in the College of Fine Arts who need support for the funding, planning and/or implementation of an event. Cultural celebrations, wellness events and guest lectures are just a few examples of programming that could be eligible for support from the Office of Engagement & Belonging. We encourage CFA community members to learn more and submit a proposal, or email Britney Yauger-Limtham with any additional questions.
Individualized Support
We provide personalized support for students facing challenges related to self-expression and belonging in our pluralistic CFA community. Please email Angelica Perez-Johnston with any questions about individualized support.
Cultivate an Environment for Continuous Learning and Growth
OEB provides educational opportunities for all CFA community members, and supports faculty and staff as they pursue professional development within and beyond the university.
Professional Development Grants
OEB is accepting faculty and staff applications for professional development grants (personal funding sources to be used for professional development opportunities outside of CMU). CFA employees can learn more and submit an application or email Angelica Perez-Johnston with any additional questions.
Educational Opportunities
OEB hosts a variety of recurring educational programs for the CFA community. In addition to the regular offerings listed below, we work with our CFA schools and campus partners to create additional opportunities in response to community needs.
- Mental Health First Aid Certification: training that helps you identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
- Inclusive Leadership Institute: focus on theory, practice and applicability as you explore self-awareness, inclusive leadership models and recognizing an individual's contributions to a more inclusive environment.
- Learning Communities: a collaboration with the Eberly Center, an opportunity for faculty to asynchronously engage in professional development, which includes discussion boards, readings and monthly meetups.
- Coaching, Consulting & Mentorship: an individual service for our community, provided by our office, and offered as requested by CFA students, faculty and staff.
Strengthen Community Engagement and Feedback
We prioritize community-informed decision making and rely on feedback from CFA students, staff and faculty to shape our ongoing initiatives.
Student Council
The newly formed OEB Student Council is made up of student representatives from each of the five schools in CFA, as well as BXA Intercollege Degree Programs. This council includes both graduate and undergraduate students who bring a variety of disciplinary perspectives to the team. These students assist with the implementation of office initiatives, and play an important role in keeping the office informed about the needs and ideas of the CFA community.
Faculty & Staff Community Council
Council Delegates play a vital and participatory role in determining the direction of engagement and belonging work for the College of Fine Arts. The council, comprised of representatives from the five CFA schools, the Dean’s office, Research & Creative Practice and the Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry, collaborates with the Associate Dean for Engagement & Belonging to affect the CFA community experience. Council Delegates also share information back to their respective schools or departments, and assist with policy review and recommendations.