You see the ads in every bathroom around campus urging students to help a friend or even themselves. The conversation has already been initiated, but many still ignore the invitation. Popular rapper Rick Ross was recently ridiculed for some choice lyrics many exclaimed as promoting sexual assault, while many more came to his defense.

In the song “U.O.E.N.O,” Ross raps: “Put molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it. I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain’t even know it.” If that doesn’t cry foul, I don’t know what does. It is not about who is performing the lyrics, it’s the message those lyrics are sending; the culture mimicking those actions and the repercussions of simply wanting to be about that life.

Molly, a form of MDMA, is a date rap drug made popular recently by hip-hop artists who leisurely use the substance and have been promoting it in songs. In return, the trend has spread like wildfire and so too has the ignorance of its history and many other uses.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in recent years, approximately 91 percent of rape and sexual assault victims were female, while 99 percent of the offenders were male.

PSA: See What He Does With Passed-Out Girl

Unlike sexual harassment, which may not cross over into the realm of law enforcement, sexual assault straddles the boundary between university and local police, workplace repercussions and law enforcement making it much more complicated and not as easy to provide recommendations the way that we do for other procedures.” – Anita Levy

Rape culture is unacceptable and cannot be perpetuated in actions or speech.

A new study shows no correlation between race and research funding from the National Institutes of Health, challenging previous findings that the agency’s review processes favor white applicants.

“I like to use the analogy that if you don’t know exactly what’s causing the disease, but if you’re in medicine, you treat the symptoms,” said Donna K. Ginther, a University of Kansas professor of economics who served as the lead author of the original study. “If you look at the policies the NIH have announced, they’re treating the symptoms.”

Luke Visconti’s column, Ask the White Guy, recently responded to a question, “Do you think diversity training is effective? What would make it effective?” I was especially pleased with his candid response and advice that I felt it appropriate to feature his commentary on our blog this week.

Make no mistake, compliance training is not the same as diversity training. They fulfill different goals and serve different purposes. While I do not believe you need software to alert you when there is a lack of diversity in your workplace, I do believe acknowledging the signs early can eliminate the extent to which you must plan and implement procedures of change.

Visconti posed the following sequence integral to the planning process:

1. Benchmarking (find out where your company is)

2. Engagement, broken out by race, gender and age (how the people in your company feel)

3. Understanding goals (approved by the CEO)

4. Diversity plan (to take from where you are and how your people feel to where you want to go)

5. Training (to help accomplish the plan)

Putting these principles into action make all the difference in a company committed to diversity and a company looking to fill a quota. Be careful you don’t get caught up in subtle discrimination, find out where there are opportunities for growth, which departments lack diversity and why and ways in which you can diversify the face of your company.

Visconti, the founder and CEO of DiversityInc, is a nationally recognized leader in diversity management. In his popular column, readers who ask Visconti tough questions about race/culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability and age can expect smart, direct and disarmingly frank answers.

CNNMoney contributor, Tami Luhby recently acknowledged what many already know, African-Americans still suffer disproportionate high unemployment. Utilizing the statistical data below, she highlighted the prolonged time period it takes for African American prospects to find a job, even with a college degree. In retrospect, the black jobless rate is twice that compared to white counterparts; currently at 14 percent, it is well above the national average of 7.9 percent.

“Congress can help ensure that the economic situation of black workers and their families continues to improve by supporting programs that provide assistance to those who are struggling to make ends meet and examining new approaches to alleviating unemployment and poverty,” the bipartisan Joint Economic Committee (JEC) wrote in its release.

But why do African Americans struggle the most?

Research shows immigrants have active networks that help new arrivals navigate the country, and trading information about jobs is an important part of that. That is one reason that Hispanics — more than a third of whom are foreign born — have lower jobless rates than African Americans despite, on average, having fewer educational credentials.

A reduction in the unemployment gap amongst African Americans is most likely among those willing to continue their education, searching beyond the public sector and fostering economic growth in low-income all the way up to upper middle class communities.

The people doing the most in their communities often get the least recognition. Those faithful volunteers that go above and beyond the call of duty, all in the name of creating a better future than what they were given. Maybe its a sense of urgency to do something unconditional for another, only expecting the satisfaction of success from their impact or like Luz Encarnacion, a problem was recognized that could not be ignored.

A Syracuse resident and community activist, Encarnacion, believes one of her greatest accomplishments is identifying the crisis affecting the Latino community. She feels students of Latino descent struggle in particular due to language barriers. As a result, they are less inclined to be engaged and ultimately end up dropping out. The four-year Syracuse graduation rate for Latino males is 27.3 percent compared to 58.1 percent for caucasian males. The rate for Latino girls is 42.7 percent, compared to 56.1 percent for caucasian girls.

“After you recognize the problem, how (are) you going to walk away? You can’t walk away. You have to help them.”

The recipient of a $20,000 Ford Driving the Dreams Through Education grant, Encarnacion has witnessed firsthand, the return on investment. Grades are up amongst majority of her students and she is already working to propel the program and secure another round of funding. Giving up is not an option and Encarnacion is committed to continuing the program regardless if she receives the grant another year or not.

Witnessing history truly has its bittersweet moments. Today, January 21, millions tuned in on the observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday to watch President Barack Obama be sworn into office for the second and final time. While many onlookers reminisced on the past four years, others thought about the past 50 years; an achievement once a dream, now a reality.

“We have always understood that when times change, so must we; that fidelity to our founding principles requires new responses to new challenges; that preserving our individual freedoms ultimately requires collective action,” said President Obama.

“‘Faith in America’s Future,’ the theme for the 57th inaugural ceremonies resonated in the hearts of many Americans today, commemorating the perseverance and unity that has long been a staple of our country, comradery and individuality. The past was linked to the future; challenges made clear upfront, but most important, Obama showed transparency demonstrating political astuteness and forcefulness.

The thrill numerous Americans had four years ago, returned today. A renewed hope and sense of pride swept over this nation, returning promises of a strengthened economy, equality for all and a glimpse of faith in America’s future never before proclaimed.The completion of a first term in our rearview, President Obama has made certain, his second term is about reclaiming ‘Our America’.

“My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment and we will seize it so long as we seize it together.”

– Barack Obama

MaryEllen Tribby, Founder and CEO of Working Moms Only, recently published a revised infographic outlining the character traits separating the successful from unsuccessful. Featured below, the chart has been spreading like a wildfire via social networks, prompting many to evaluate the characteristics, traits and habits that shape and sustain our forward progress. While this chart is not the end all, be all; it provides a realistic comparison tool for those like myself in need of a little self-evaluation, entering the workforce or in need of an indication they are on the right track.

The Success Indicator is an especially good resource for college students and something I wanted to share because as young adults we are still finding ourselves, discovering our purpose and growing to accept the traits that shape our personality and marketability.

As I reflected on 2012 and what I wanted for myself in 2013, I made a list of this chart and highlighted traits I embody on both sides of the spectrum.

As I expected, the good outweighed the bad, but I knew I would need to deal with my four unsuccessful traits as well as the traits in the success column I did not highlight. I started by posing my unsuccessful traits as questions; “Why do I hold grudges?” “Why do I watch TV everyday?” “Why do I talk about people?” and “Why do I fear change?” For me, identifying why I enable these bad traits, will help to eliminate them.

As for the successful traits I had yet to highlight, I was gifted a journal for Christmas (a sign), I have embraced change by accepting there is a reason I moved from sunny California to cold Syracuse; I am learning to forgive others AND forget there transgressions; and, exuding joy is now on my “to-be” list 🙂

I am taking the steps to identify what I need to improve; I urge you to do the same. None of us is perfect but if we recognize our flaws and weak traits, we can work to attain success in all areas of life.

The National Latino Media Council (NLMC) and the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition (APAMC) released their annual network report cards and Fox Networks received an F. Contrary to beliefs however, they weren’t punished for lacking diversity, they simply missed deadlines to report their numbers. At the same time, the APAMC, which gave Fox a C- overall last year, praised the network as being the only one that met its 2011 challenge to cast an Asian Pacific American in a lead role on a TV series: Debuting this season, Mindy Project stars and was created by Mindy Kaling whose heritage is Indian.

The APAMC looks at eight categories: actors, unscripted (reality) show participants, writers/producers, directors, development, procurement, executives, and network initiatives. This year’s report card gave NBC a B-, down from last year’s B. CBS went to a C+ from a B-. ABC maintained its C+ from last year.

While Fox Networks has come under fire in recent years for its commentary and biased reporting, this report seems to be supporting those claims; Fox appears to lack transparency and regard for providing diversity performance statistics. Fox has not issued any comments in response to the grade.

For the official press release, visit:

http://www.nhmc.org/content/fox-network-groups-castigated-poor-diversity-performance

As we prepare for the end of the semester and finals week, we thought, what better way to wind down than to share a few tips on preparation, studying and remaining stress-free. While I found an abundance of lists, suggestions and infographics, I decided to pick and choose at my leisure those I believed had substance and value.

This is just the beginning so be sure to check back and see what other tips we provide and feel free to share your own.

1. Shed some commitments. You’ll find you have a lot easier time studying if you make extra time for it. Put off any unnecessary social obligations or family commitments. Even a few strategically placed extra hours can make the difference between doing just OK on finals and doing a really great job.

2. Figure out what’s covered. One of the most important things you need to be clear about is what materials are going to be tested on the final. Are readings and discussion sections included, or is the final going to focus almost exclusively on material from the lectures? Is the final going to concentrate on materials since the midterm or is it going to be a comprehensive or cumulative final? Knowing the extent—and the limits—of the exam will make it much easier to organize and structure your studying.

3. Be sure to develop your answers fully. Many students don’t realize that, on essay exams, part of what’s being graded is how well you develop and explain your answer, not just how correct it is. Consider explaining your points in more detail so that someone unfamiliar with the answer would know, just from what you say, what the answer is.

4. Pace yourself. Two or three hours is a long time. Think of the final exam as a work session, divided into a number of sub-sessions. Take a few-minute break between each question or part. Approach each question separately from the rest.

5. Study with a group only if it makes sense. Many students believe (mistakenly) that a study group always affords an advantage: more brain power plus peer pressure to crack the books. This works well when your study buddies are at least as smart as you. Exam time isn’t charity time.

Here are a few additional links to help you find what tips and suggestions may suit you.

5 Tips and Tricks to Make Your Finals Week a Success

Surviving Finals Week: 7 No Fail Tips

5 not-so-obvious tips for finals week

And there you have it! A pretty well rounded list as well as a few additional tips courtesy of links to help you combat those sleepless nights, panic stricken thoughts and the culmination of a long semester. We wish you all the best!

Check back for additional posts and Happy Studying

Fisher v. University Texas at Austin has many minority groups in arms; dividing college campuses and re-sparking the flame of whether or not race should be taken into account during the admissions process. Abigail Fisher, a 22-year-old white woman who was rejected from University of Texas at Austin in 2008, has filed suit against the school, arguing its consideration of race doesn’t meet standards previously set by the high court.

Precedence was set in 2003 with the Grutter v. Bollinger case which allowed universities to consider “race” as a holistic view, but here are five things to know about affirmative action:

1. Why it was started: The earliest implementation of affirmative action policies, before Kennedy coined the phrase, began under President Franklin Roosevelt in the second World War. He banned discrimination in the government and those involved in “war-related” work.

2. Why it is controversial:  Quotas. The idea of a limited number of admissions or jobs for members of underrepresented groups and any type of preferential treatment runs counter to how we view our American dream, critics argue.

That idea became central in the Massachusetts Senate race between Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren. Warren was accused of using her Native American ancestry for jobs but has denied doing so.

3. How it’s changed:While affirmative action is usually spoken of in general terms, there is no singular policy or implementation of the ways in which affirmative action take shape in government organizations, colleges and corporations varies.

Court cases continue to refine interpretations of how race is used at the university level. Some schools have experimented with a variety of ways of non-race-based models, like the Top 10 model that the University of Texas employs, to ensure the racial diversity of students.

4. How society feels about it: In a 2009 Pew poll, the majority of Americans supported affirmative action but strongly disagreed about minority preference. And while most African Americans (58%) and Hispanics (53%) agreed that minorities should get preferential treatment, only 22% of whites agreed.

5. Where it exists: Though quotas have been outlawed in the United States, the European Union has had a recent push to punish companies whose boards aren’t composed of at least 40% women. And India, Brazil and Malaysia, among other countries, have laws and policies that address affirmative action in schools and throughout society.

Students currently in college, diversity initiatives directors and activists passionate about underrepresented populations need to pay attention to this case in the Supreme Court circuit. A diverse student body on every college campus is a indispensable experience and contributes to the training of future leaders, consumers and those same individuals arguing for and against this very case.