UC Diversity Conference April 2010

 Carol Tonge Mack ◦ Associate Academic Director UC Center for Exploratory Studies  Tara Stopfel Warden ◦ Assistant Dean & Director McMicken College of Arts & Sciences UC Center for Exploratory Studies  The Advising Centers and Team ◦ Center for Exploratory Studies ◦ McMicken College of Arts & Sciences

 Before the Beginning ◦ Placing an emphasis on cultural competence in the university setting ◦ Diversity University of North Texas  NCBI – National Coalition Building Institute NCBI  Equity & Diversity Conference  Regular staff training - university & department levels

 Carol’s Pivotal Role ◦ Previous work with University of New Hampshire  Co-chair, Diversity Team  President’s Commission on the Status of People of Color  Missing link: learning about cultural differences after transition to UC  UC’s Obvious Needs

 Advisor Qualities & Hiring Priorities ◦ Building the right team is critical  “Has demonstrable experience and perspective that genuinely appreciates, understands, supports and effectively accommodates diverse student backgrounds and experiences”  “Can bring something special to the staff to further diversify what we do to accommodate our students”

 Office Climate ◦ Create an inclusive, welcoming, appreciative, supportive environment for all staff and students ◦ Priority for diversity communicated ◦ Atmosphere where no subject is off-limits ◦ Honest discourse and open, respectful discussions ◦ Room for improvement—politically correct slips become educational opportunity

 Why Develop a Cultural Competence Series? o Essential professional development o The need to be comfortable with any discussion o Staff development: learning more about your colleagues o Learning/teaching moments with students o Intentionally create opportunities for leadership  How to Develop a Series ◦ Decide on topics based on needs/learning outcomes ◦ Consider resources and opportunities (locations, people) ◦ Mix it up and keep it interesting and enjoyable!

 Cultures & Topics ◦ Arabic/Muslim ◦ Chinese ◦ Ghana/Antigua ◦ GBLTQQ ◦ Hispanic/Latino ◦ Indian ◦ Jewish ◦ Korean ◦ General diversity awareness ◦ Veterans ◦ Mental health ◦ Disability ◦ Racism ◦ Cultural communication ◦ More…

 Formats & Venues ◦ Hands-on, interactive (ex. quilt, bead exercise) ◦ Lecture and interactive discussion w/known faculty or staff member (sometimes include relevant food) ◦ Musical – Avenue Q ◦ Museums – Freedom Center & Holocaust Museum ◦ Faculty panel ◦ Restaurant ◦ Movie clips ◦ Diversity conference

 Participation by staff ◦ Most advisors attended every session unless specific time conflict  Outcomes ◦ Series was enjoyable – 100% agree ◦ Improved relationships w/colleagues – 100% agree ◦ Work w/students has improved – 100% agree ◦ Anticipate future participation – 100% agree ◦ Work environment is better – 89% agree

 Most valuable outcomes to staff ◦ Relationship building with colleagues ◦ Better awareness of students’ cultures  Culture of more than respect – genuine interest!  Impact on staff families ◦ Ex: children and in-laws

 Best unanticipated outcomes ◦ Involvement of known staff as “experts” engaged people personally and generated more interest ◦ Staff development resulted from better knowledge of each other ◦ Personal relationships and exploration have been facilitated outside of work

 Examples ◦ Students from Qatar ◦ Taking course to learn more about other cultures ◦ Equality stickers on cars ◦ Safe zone/other cultural information in the office

 Dedicate one or more staff meetings to discuss different cultures  Engage known faculty/staff as topic “experts”  Utilize free space on campus for mini-retreat such as AACRC, Max Kade Center, etc  Attend diversity conference  Contact community leaders as presenters ◦ Urban League ◦ YWCA ◦ Greater Cincinnati Chamber ◦ Skirball Museum

 In small group, discuss: ◦ Ethnic/cultural make-up of your students/staff (include those most under-represented) ◦ Any cultural topics you want to learn or need more information about ◦ Ideas or strategies for your unit to begin open discussion and learning

 Preparation as global citizens  Cultural competence must be intentional  Create an office climate of cultural awareness and sensitivity  Assess needs and encourage feedback  Have fun and continue to learn more!

 Carol Tonge Mack ◦ ◦  Tara Stopfel Warden ◦ ◦