Eighteenth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

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.