Diversity at the University

10:30-11:30 Concurrent Sessions

College Diversity Roundtable: Past, Present, and Future

Goergen Hall, Sloan Auditorium
Facilitators: Richard Feldman, Dean of the College and Norman Burnett, Assistant Dean and Director of the Office of Minority Student Affairs and Higher Education Opportunity Program
Description: This session will discuss the development, history and future of the College Diversity Roundtable, a unique group of students, faculty, and staff that first formed in 1999.  As a student-centered task force that advises the Dean of the College, the CDR has an important role in the life of the College.

Realizing Organizational Change Through a “UR Valued” Approach

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Dewey Hall, Room 1-101
Facilitator:  Samantha Singhal, Assistant Director, University Information Technology
Description: This presentation describes how University IT’s diversity and inclusion program – UR Valued – creates a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity in the broadest sense.  This inclusive culture is realized through organizational efforts that further professional development, improve communications, promote staff leadership, serve the community, leverage employee passions, and build team spirit.

Alumni and Student Panel:  Then and Now

Hutchison Hall, Lander Auditorium
Facilitator: Kevin Wesley, Executive Director of Alumni Relations
Description: This multigenerational panel of alumni and students discusses campus climate and culture over time and explores how alumni can be more engaged with underrepresented student populations.

What Kind of Community Do We Wish to Be?

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Helen Wood Hall, Room 509
Facilitators:  Stanley Byrd, HR Manager-Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion, and Kathy Sweetland, University Intercessor, Co-chairs of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Description:  Students, staff, and faculty are invited to engage in a brief dialogue program focused on discussing ways to enhance the climate for diversity and inclusion.  Join us to share your thoughts on how we can transform the University community and support the many existing programs focused on this effort.  

Making the Grade: Graduate Reflection About Diversity

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Helen Wood Hall, Auditorium
Speakers/facilitators: Elizabeth Daniele, Janai Hawkins, Joseph Irizarry, Steven Kessler and Debora Owens, Graduate Students
Description: Making the Grade is featuring a panel of graduate students representing 3-4 schools from the University, that will be using Daryl Smith's framework to reflect upon the 4 dimensions of diversity in their respective schools.  After the panel reflection, the workshop participants will have an opportunity to join one of four groups, representing the 4 dimensions of the framework, to discuss in further detail and brainstorm opportunities.

The People You Never Forget: the Impact of Support Staff on the Overall Life Experiences of Students

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Helen Wood Hall, Hart Seminar Room
Facilitator: Judy Clay, Facilities and Services Staff Development Coordinator
Description: Educating students outside the classroom is part of every University's mission. Administration and faculty know that relationships that develop before and after class enhance a student's overall life experiences and contribute to their growth. Many life-long relationships often develop 'under the radar' with no official declaration/workshops/seminars and in-services. The people who prepare the meals, clean the residential halls, classrooms, deliver the mail and repair the leaky faucet make an impact too. These are the people you never forget. Their influence on a student's development is critical; especially when service providers are diversified. We help students shed the cocoon of their comfort zone by being role models, mentors, and "parents".