The DEI Workshop Series is a three-part professional development plan designed to equip employees with the habits of mind and tools to address diversity-related matters on campus and contribute positively to a culture of belonging at SPU. The series is guided by a belief that employees are better able to increase their diversity competencies when they have opportunity to develop this knowledge and skillset within the context of their professional roles. Upon completion of the series, we encourage participants to apply their learning to real-life situations on campus by working collaboratively towards the development of a department-level diversity action plan.
Diversity 101: Exploring the What, Why, and How of Diversity at SPU
Required of all new employees/Open to all employees
Next session: Thursday, September 30, 2021, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Cremona 101. Register on Percipio (formerly Skillsoft) here.
What do we mean by “diversity” at SPU, and why does it even matter? This introductory professional development workshop is divided into three parts and provides a shared language and framework for SPU employees to move forward productively in the work of diversity. Part I (the what) seeks to move participants from a narrow understanding of diversity that focuses on visible aspects of our social identities to a more complex understanding that includes an awareness of how institutional biases can reproduce group-based inequities. Part II (the why) examines SPU’s biblically-informed rationale for this work and introduces participants to Seattle Pacific’s diversity timeline to provide context for current engagement around issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Part III (the how) provides an overview of the role and function of the Office of Inclusive Excellence and resources available to employees. The workshop concludes with a call to action for participants to commit to continued learning and engagement in SPU’s DEI efforts.
Can't make it this quarter? Diversity 101 will be offered again on January 27 and April 14.
Diversity 102: Understanding Our Social Identities in the Context of Christian Community
Open to all employees/Prerequisite: Diversity 101
Next session: Wednesday, October 6, 2021, 12–1 p.m. Cremona 102. Register on Percipio (formerly Skillsoft) here.
How do our social identities affect the way that we view ourselves and others? In this 1.5-hour intermediate level workshop, participants have an opportunity to reflect on and discuss aspects of their social identities and explore the connection between becoming culturally self-aware and culturally responsive. Participants will leave the workshop with a better understanding of how their social identities shape the lenses they bring to the workplace, the barriers to truly hearing and understanding one another's positions and values, and the opportunities made available in Christian community to embrace, value, and engage differences with competence and care.
Can't make it this quarter? Diversity 102 will be offered again on February 10 and April 21.
Posted: Wednesday, July 21, 2021