1. Diversity syllabus & Update from the University Ombud’s Office
October 30, 2015
Professor Rumay Alexander & Mr. Wayne Blair

2. What is in a dialogue? Give up ownership of the idea.
Dialogue does not equal argument
Listening can be more important than talking.
Wait for new ideas.
Quiet is O.K.
Speak and listen carefully.

3. Practices for improving climate through
COMMUNICATION
Create a safe space for discussion by establishing ground rules
Be a “loving critic” for those you supervise, mentor or collaborate with
Recognize that silence can speak volumes
Make the implicit explicit (What are the “unwritten rules”?)

4. COMMUNICATION, contd.
Recognize that communication styles can be influenced by gender, culture, region, class, etc.
Build skills for dialog, keeping in mind that the objective is not about agreeing or disagreeing, but understanding different perspectives

5. Practices for improving climate through AWARENESS
Increase awareness about the historical experiences of different groups
Assess whether all members of a department/unit have equal access to information and resources (parental leave, mentoring, funding opportunities, etc.)
Consider how implicit stereotypes shape expectations of colleagues based on their identities

6. Practices for improving climate through
LEADERSHIP
Deans, department and committee chairs can improve climate through gently encouraging participation from silent colleagues
Make sure that you attack issues, not people
Host discussions about inclusion, differences and diversity & encourage everyone to participate
Get over your own fears. They are not reality.

7. HOMEWORK: Climate evaluation
Reflect on the following:
Who talks at meetings? Who doesn’t?
Who is missing from the table?
Whose opinions are accepted?
How would a meeting be better if everyone communicated?
Who plans office events, functions, birthday parties, etc.?
Who serves on committees? Is the work spread out evenly?
What are the “unwritten rules” in your department or school? Who has access to that information?

8. FURTHER RESOURCES Walking on Eggshells (Part I and II)
Higher Education Recruitment Consortium diversity webinars:
Recruitment, Retention, and Mentoring Faculty of Color: The Chronicle Continues: