Rafael Zapata Archives - The Observer

participants on zoom talking about racial solidarity

Gabelli Students and Faculty Discuss Racial Solidarity

June 24, 2020

The Zoom town hall held on June 15 addressed the history of racism, racial solidarity and student resources.

Melissa Labonte, Interim Dean of Fordham's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, is excited to help with the program's evolution.

Search For New Dean of GSAS Commences

October 30, 2019

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) is at a point of transition: as the school kicks off its search for a new dean, it is also attempting to reimagine its graduate programs.

Know the Faces of the Administration

September 19, 2019

Our administration is not a faceless monolith, and their roles and politics matter.

Fordham Begins Development and Diversity Training for Grad Students

September 18, 2019

The decision to join NCFDD is reflective of the university’s increasing commitment to diversity in recent years.

Rafael Zapata, chief diversity officer of Fordham University, has used this year to begin the planning process for policy overhauls. These initiatives aim to decrease discrimination and exclusion on campus.

Administration Addresses Concerns About Diversity and Inclusion

May 1, 2019

Historically, conversations between Fordham’s student activists and its administration have ranged from the cordial to the contentious. However, under Fordham’s Chief Diversity Officer Rafael Zapata, it appears as though the many conversations surrounding identity and inclusion on Fordham’s campus have finally come to a head.

Dean Keith Eldredge has been involved in planning this course since its inception.

Fordham Anticipates a Required Diversity Course in the Future

May 1, 2019

A task force called together by Father McShane developed the idea of a required credit-bearing diversity course for Fall 2019, but it is likely to undergo a three to five year delay. The program is a part of the newly implemented First Year Experience, a multifaceted interactive yearlong program for freshmen.

Dean of Students Keith Eldredge said that

Transgender Housing Rights Still Not Secure At Fordham

April 10, 2019

Jenifer Campbell, senior director of residential life, explained that the office works with transgender students on a case-by-case basis.

Community members like Kassandra D’Aniello, FCLC ‘21, who is transgender, will be able to obtain new IDs.

Schoolwide Chosen Name Policy Expected to Take Effect Next Semester

March 27, 2019

Some areas that will be affected are ID cards, class rosters, Blackboard, Gmail and other Google services. New ID cards will be available to students free of charge.

Fordham Feminist Alliance’s (FA) weekly executive board meeting. Photographs Provided by Chelsea Ashley from the FA.

Fordham Rallies Behind Feminism for Women’s History Month

March 27, 2019

Highlights of the month were the two “Women At Fordham Luncheons” that took place on March 6 and 13. The events included a panel of female Fordham faculty, staff and administrators who shared their experiences navigating society as women.

Chief Diversity Officer Rafael Zapata discusses efforts to diversify staff and faculty at Fordham.

CDO Aims to Improve Diversity Hiring Process

February 20, 2019

Fordham’s administration has long been working towards creating a more diverse faculty and student body. Chief Diversity Officer Rafael Zapata believes that process starts with diverse hires if the university will allow for the time that takes.

Muslim Community At Fordham Finds New Prayer Space

September 26, 2018

By ELIZA PUTNAM Staff Writer Jummah, a communal prayer for Muslims on Friday afternoons, was held a...

Rafael Zapata, appointed last fall as Fordham's Chief Diversity Officer. recently made recommendations on how to address student concerns.

Zapata Tackles Diversity Disparities at Fordham

February 16, 2018

By ELIZA PUTNAM Contributing Writer Since arriving on campus in January, Fordham’s inaugural Chief ...