UC Diversity ConferenceApril 2010

Carol Tonge Mack◦ Associate Academic Director

UC Center for Exploratory Studies

Tara Stopfel Warden◦ Assistant Dean & Director

McMicken College of Arts & SciencesUC 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 training @ University of North Texas

NCBI – National Coalition Building Institute 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 developmento The need to be comfortable with any discussiono Staff development: learning more about your colleagueso Learning/teaching moments with studentso 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!

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◦ carol.tongemack@uc.edu◦ 513.556.6541

Tara Stopfel Warden◦ tara.stopfel@uc.edu◦ 513.556.6537