Workshops
Be/longing: Contemplative and Performance Practices in Academia
Workshop Presentation Laura Biagi
This workshop offers an introduction on the use of contemplative and performance practices to create awareness of the vital role that diversity plays in U.S. academic communities. Professor Biagi will lead participants through a series of exercises to address social conflicts coming from internal bias. Our assumptions, thought of as the “normal” way to look at things, can often result in prejudice and discrimination and, despite our best intentions, create microaggressions. When working with younger generations, such as students, faculty and staff may underestimate the impact that their authority has on their overall success. It is of paramount importance that academic leaders learn how to listen, control, and express their emotions, and choose words and body language that are inclusive. Working with simple theatrical exercises, Dr. Biagi will discuss the concept of the “performance of identity,” and illuminate the fact that respect of diversity is first to be cultivated within. Be/longing is, at its heart, a “longing to be” seen, heard, and appreciated.
Moving Forward: Forming Alliances for Diversity and Inclusion
Workshop Presentation Noro Andriamanalina
This workshop will interest educators at the undergraduate and graduate levels and has three objectives: provide background and rationale for the University of Minnesota Graduate School initiatives, offer perspectives on collaborating with students, faculty, and staff on diversifying higher education, and highlight a curriculum model that has been used by the Graduate School Diversity Office to train faculty and staff on creating an inclusive environment for all students. Participants will engage in key components of the curriculum through small group discussions that address defining academic culture in a predominantly White institution, identifying purpose and objectives for recruiting diverse students, staff, and faculty, and addressing biases. Small group discussions will be an opportunity to explore how expectations are formed in academic institutions and how differences in cultural values impact student experiences. Participants will reflect on their institution’s commitment to diversifying higher education and methods to create an inclusive environment to support diverse students. Critical to the conversations will be recognizing the intersectionality of student identities and how faculty and staff contribute to student experiences that are either affirming or negating. As all humans have biases, implicit and explicit, this workshop will focus on reducing bias by focusing on the experience of the individual and developing a dialogue to bridge differences. Participants will be equipped with content and strategies to lead discussions, at their institutions, on issues addressed through the workshop. This workshop will be applicable to all levels of educators and practitioners interested in increasing diversity among students, staff and faculty.
