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 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?
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Essential professional development
The need to be comfortable with any discussion
Staff development: learning more about your colleagues
Learning/teaching moments with students
Intentionally create opportunities for leadership
How to Develop a Series
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◦ 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
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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
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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
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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
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