The Office of Diversity and Inclusion continues to respond to the expressed interests of students, faculty and staff to connect with ideas, discussions and learning opportunities surrounding issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion. This fall marks the launch of three voluntary series that feature the knowledge and input of UNC Charlotte faculty members as well as that of visiting experts.
Critical Conversations: Civil Dialogue Forum, a midday, virtual dialogue forum for faculty and staff, will address and provide insight on some of higher education’s most pressing issues surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion, particularly those that have potential to impact UNC Charlotte. Topics span current events, media, pop culture and trending social research data. The inaugural conversation, “The State of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education,” takes place Thursday, Oct. 5, from noon to 1 p.m., featuring Susan Harden, Cato College of Education; Del Ruff, North Carolina A&T; and Sean Womack, UNC System. Registration is required for Zoom participation.
Three times each semester, speakers — from Charlotte’s faculty/staff or those recognized as regional or national scholars — will showcase innovative research and scholarly activities related to diversity, equity and inclusion in society. Each presentation will start with a “TEDTalks-style” presentation that concludes with a moderated discussion about their research and ideas. Potential presenters may apply. All events, which take place in the Cone University Center’s McKnight or at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, are open and free to the public. On Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at The Dubois Center: “Unpacking the Problem with ‘Fat,’” presented by Erin Basinger, Department of Communication Studies. Register here.
Dig DEEP (Dialogue, Education, Engagement and Practice), which premiered in August, offers an ongoing series of professional development workshops for faculty who have expressed interest in growing their knowledge base for fostering a more inclusive climate in their classrooms. Specifically, Dig DEEP allows faculty to work in professional learning groups and improve their instruction techniques through the latest use of theoretical frameworks, best practices, and toolkits. Coming up in October for those registered: “Skill Building, Navigating Uncomfortable Situations.”