Diversity Week 2011

Diversity Week 2011: A Latitude Adjustment
Office of Diversity Programs

Georgia Institute of Technology

Monday, November 7
11:00 – Noon; Student Services 117
Student Affairs’ Approach to Developing a Multicultural Competence Strategic Plan
This program will provide an overview of the Multicultural Competence Strategic Plan in current development for the Division of Student Affairs. An overview of the strategic plan will be provided and the process for engaging participants in developing the plan will be highlighted as a model for developing a multicultural strategic plan for other departments and divisions at Tech.
Presenters: Dr. Ruperto Perez – Counseling
Center & Stephanie Ray – Diversity Programs

Monday, November 7
1:00 – 3:00 PM; Student Center 301
Micro-Inequities (The Power of Small Slights)
During this interactive workshop,participants will become more aware of the significant impact their words and actions (as well the “little things” they intentionally or unintentionally do) have on other people, begin dealing with micro-inequities in a forum where they are safely brought to the forefront for discussion, and develop skills/strategies to send more constructive messages, and respond more effectively to negative messaging that can undermine their success.
Presenters: Dr. Archie Ervin – Vice President for Institute Diversity
& Cheryl Cofield, J.D., Pearl Alexander, J.D. –
Human Resources

Tuesday, November 8
Noon – 1PM; Clough 125
Can White People Talk About Race?
This interactive panel discussion focuses on engaging and connected conversations about race. Panelist will also discuss what is missing from conversations regarding race and ethnicity. Refreshments will be served.
Panelists: Dr. Nelson Binggeli, Christina Noble, Eckart Werther – Counseling Center
& Andre Dickens – OMED

6:00 PM; Student Center Theatre
Dinner and a Movie, “ Arranged: Friendship has no Religion”
ARRANGED centers on the friendship between an Orthodox Jewish woman and a Muslim woman who meet as first-year teachers at a public school in Brooklyn.
Sponsored by the Jewish Student Union & the Muslim Student Association

Wednesday, November 9
11:00 AM – Noon; Student Center 321
Embracing All Your Attributes
When it comes to looks, race, interests, areas of expertise, how do we embrace diverse aspects of our personas, and stop feeling we have to put ourselves in one "box" as women? Shigley will share several case studies of famous women she interviewed from her book, The Go- Getter Girl's Guide, and how embracing the diversity within themselves impacted their career paths.
Guest Presenter – Debra Shigley, J.D. – mom, wife, author, attorney & fashion editor

Wednesday, November 9th
1:00 – 3:00 PM; Student Services 117
Creating your I3 Toolbox: A Workshop Examining Identities, Intersections, and Inclusion
Intersectionality allows us to recognize and understand that people have multiple, layered identities derived from personal and social relationships, history, and systems of power. People belong to many communities at the same time, and as a result, experience both privilege and oppression simultaneously. Using interactive discussion and activities we will explore the ways that privilege and oppression operate in our personal and professional lives. Together we will identify intersectional approaches to leadership, advocacy, programming, and interactions with one another that will strengthen our work and contribute to creating a more inclusive Georgia Tech community.
Presenter: Melanie DeMaeyer – Women’s Resource Center


Wednesday, November 9th
5:00 -7:00 PM; Student Center 301
Social Justice 101 and Student Leaders: Knowing Yourself, Your Community, and How You Can Affect Change
This program will introduce student leaders to the concept of social justice, diversity and difference at Georgia Tech. Students will begin first by learning the main areas of difference recognized by the Institute. Additionally, they will examine their own identity, dominate and subordinate identities and socialized behavior in relation to difference. Students will then consider why social justice is important for establishing and supporting a vibrant and healthy community at the Institute and beyond. Finally, they will discuss how they as leaders can impact change.
Presenter: Chris Schmidt – Office of Student Integrity

Thursday, November 10
11:00 AM; Clough Commons 205, U G Studies Resource Room
This I Believe with Billiee Pendleton-Parker
The presenter will give an overview of a specific topic that has meaning to them,after which participants will break into small groups to discuss. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome and highly encouraged to attend to discuss their own thoughts, opinions, beliefs, and life experiences.
Sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Studies

Thursday, November 10
2:00 – 3:00 PM; Student Center 301
Passing and Privilege
This presentation will address issues of privilege and passing, and facilitate critical dialogue around the seen and unseen identities.
Presenters: Christina Noble, Eckart Werther
& Franco Dispenza – Counseling Center

Thursday, November 10
8:00 PM
Georgia Tech vs. Virginia Tech; GO JACKETS!

Friday, November 11
Noon – 2PM; Student Center 301
Safe Space Training Part II
The main objectives of this program are to inform members of our community on how to provide a more supportive environment for LGBTQ members of the campus community, to dispel negative stereotypes and present factually accurate information about members of LGBTQ community, and to publicize other support resources or structures that are available on and off campus. Participants must have completed Safe Space I. R.S.V.P. at www.diversityprograms.gatech.edu.

Saturday, November 12
6:30 PM; Carter Center
The Georgia Tech Black Alumni Organization’s Legends and Leaders Black Tie Celebration
This milestone event marks the culmination of a yearlong celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the integration of Georgia Tech in 1961 and helps GTBAO to raise funds to support the next generation of Tech students. This is a ticketed Event, and for more information visit www.gtblackalumni.org.

For more information call the Office of Diversity Programs at 404-894-2561 or TDD 404-894-1664. Please let the sponsors know if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in these programs. For a detailed description of these programs visit
www.diversityprograms.gatech.edu

Diversity Week 2010

November 8 – 12, 2010
Diversity Week 2010
sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programs


The Office of Diversity Programs is pleased to be able to announce Diversity Week 2010. There are 11 new cutting edge programs to assist you and your students in increasing your multicultural competence including a panel discussion on November 11 relating to “The Effects of Microaggressions in the Workplace”.


Thursday, November 11
Guest Panel to Discuss, “The Effects of Microaggressions in the Workplace”
11:00 AM – Noon, Student Center, Room 301


Pearl Alexander – Senior Director, Employee Relations, Georgia Tech
James Nelson, Ph.D. – Chief Diversity Officer, Centers for Disease Control
Phebe Neely Ciulla, CPA, CFE – Governance & Risk Management, Deloitte
Micheal Mosely, Senior Staff Engineer Caterpillar

Microaggressions are brief, everyday exchanges that send denigrating messages to certain populations. These exchanges are often subtle in nature, and can be manifested in the verbal, nonverbal, visual, or behavioral realm and are often enacted automatically or unconsciously.

Panelists will explore the evolution and classes of microaggressions. In addition the dynamics, dilemmas, and implications of these demeaning behaviors will be explored.


Other Programs

* A keynote address by Tim Wise on Thursday, November 11 , 2010 at 7:30 PM at the College of Management LeCraw Auditorium. Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers, speakers and educators in the United States.

* A book discussion and documentary on Stieg Larrson's, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

* A lecture by GT faculty member, Dr. John McDonald and his research team's Findings on Ovarian Cancer. Please note this research is being conducted on our campus and is very cutting edge.

* A lecture by Marisela Martinez on, "Dangerous Distortions: A Comparison of the ways African Americans, Latinos and Asians are Misrepresented in the Media ".

* A workshop on Indian Culture and learning how to pronounce Indian names. Dr. Han Zhan will be conducting a workshop on, "Dissecting the Rise of China".

* A Corporate Panel (Deloitte, Caterpillar, Proctor and Gamble and GT) Focusing on the Effects of Microaggressions in the Workplace. Microaggresions are brief, everyday exchanges that send denigrating messages to certain populations. These exchanges are often subtle in nature, and can be manifested in the verbal, nonverbal, visual, or behavioral realm and are often enacted automatically or unconsciously.

* Adapted Sports and Recreation Equipment. This presentation will introduce participants to the different types of sports and recreation activities that individuals with physical disabilities can participate.

* Diversity in Study Abroad

* Film Screening and Student Panel Discussion

* Safe Space Training II

* Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company

For a full description of programs and times please go to www.diversityprograms.gatech.edu.

Diversity Week 2009: November 9-13, 2009

Diversity: A Latitude Adjustment

Diversity Week 2009

Georgia Institute of Technology

November 9-13, 2009

Monday, November 9

Noon – 1:30 PM

Wesley Foundation

189 Fourth St. N.W.

Finding God in The Shack

Please join us in a lively discussion of the New York Times best seller, The Shack, written by Wm. Paul Young. Rev. Deb Halter (Lutheran), Rev. Steve Fazenbaker (Wesley), and Father Chris Hannum (Episcopal) will facilitate the dialogue. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to diversity.gatech.edu.

5:30 - 6:30 PM

Instructional Center, Room 111

Rebecca Miller, Office of International Education

Film Screening and discussion: Non-Traditional Students on Non-Traditional Study Abroad Programs

Studying abroad is truly an experience of a lifetime. This 30-minute documentary-style film follows and interviews students from a variety of backgrounds before, during, and after their experience abroad. You will learn what they did, how they did it, and what they got out of their experiences. After the film, the GT Office of International Education will lead a discussion on how you too can make your dream of studying abroad come true.

Tuesday, November 10

11:00 AM – Noon

Student Center Theatre

My_________is Beautiful: Celebrating Our Cultural Differences

Co-sponsors – The African American Student Union and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

3:00 – 4:30 PM

Student Center 319

“Say My Name. Say My Name”

Dr. Paul Foster, School of Modern Languages

The ability or inability to pronounce someone’s name can affect the creation of meaningful relationships. We have many people of Chinese decent on this campus, but many members of our community do not know how to pronounce Chinese surnames. This practical workshop will foster culturally responsive communication.

Paul B. Foster holds a Ph.D. in East Asian Languages and Literatures specializing in is the study of Lu Xun, the icon of Modern Chinese Literature. He is the author of Ah Q Archaeology: Lu Xun, Ah Q, Ah Q Progeny and the National Character Discourse in Twentieth Century China (Lexington Press, 2006). In addition, he designed, developed and alternately co-directs the School of Modern Languages' intensive summer Chinese language program in Shanghai, China LBAT.

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Student Center, Piedmont Room

Uncovering the Scarf: Seeing the World from Her View (Part I)

Co-sponsor – the Muslim Student Association

Facilitator, Slma Shelbayah - Public Speaker, Journalist, University Instructor

Join us for a hands-on-experience uncovering the significance of the Muslim woman’s headscarf or Hijab. Participants will first meet for an interactive segment providing them with information on the headscarf. Topics of why, what, when and how the scarf is worn, the cultural variations in wearing the scarf and the choice of covering or not will be included in this gathering. Following this educational session, female participants will be given a first-hand opportunity to wear the headscarf in public for 2 days while writing about their experiences in a personal journal. We will reconvene to share our experiences, understandings and perceptions (refer to November 12). The goal is to identify our learning points of cultural awareness with regards to the Muslim woman’s choice of wearing the headscarf, while also creating an environment for non-Muslims to educate others about the Hijab. RSVP to www.diveristy.gatech.edu.

Wednesday, November 11

7:00 – 9:00 PM

Student Center Theatre

Co-sponsor – (SWANSA) Students Working Against Negative Stereotypes of Autism

Film Screening: Mozart and the Whale

A dramatic-comedy, inspired by the lives of two people with Asperger's Syndrome, an Autism Spectrum Disorder, whose emotional dysfunctions threaten to sabotage their budding romance. After the movie a discussion will be conducted to share reactions and personal experiences. The concept of neurodiversity, autism in the media, and how Tech is affected will be explored.

Thursday, November 12

11AM – Noon

Women’s Resource Center

Co-sponsor – the Muslim Student Association

Facilitator, Slma Shelbayah - Public Speaker, Journalist, University Instructor

Uncovering the Scarf: Seeing the World from Her View (Part II)

Join us for a hands-on-experience uncovering the significance of the Muslim woman’s headscarf or Hijab. Participants will first meet for an interactive segment providing them with information on the headscarf. Topics of why, what, when and how the scarf is worn, the cultural variations in wearing the scarf and the choice of covering or not will be included in this gathering. Following this educational session, female participants will be given a first-hand opportunity to wear the headscarf in public for 2 days while writing about their experiences in a personal journal. We will reconvene to share our experiences, understandings and perceptions. The goal is to identify our learning points of cultural awareness with regards to the Muslim woman’s choice of wearing the headscarf, while also creating an environment for non-Muslims to educate others about the Hijab.

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Student Center, Room 321

Conversational Sign Language for Beginners

Sheryl Ballenger, Director of Student Support Services – Georgia Highlands College

You can gain access to a new language and culture while having fun! American Sign Language is the language of the Deaf community, created by and for Deaf people. American Sign Language is a language with its’ own syntax, structure, and grammar. Sheryl holds both a Certificate in American Sign Language and an Associate of Science Degree in Interpreter Training. In addition, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech - Communication Disorders with a minor in Linguistics and a Masters Degree in Education - Deaf Education, both from Georgia State University. She is a certified teacher for the deaf.

Friday, November 13

Safe Space Training Part II

Noon – 2:00 PM

Location will be given after registration

The Safe Space Program is designed to teach allies how to provide information and support to our LGBTQ community and their allies. Safe Space II gives more attention to the Coming Out Process, Bisexuality, Transgender Persons, and Ally Development. RSVP to www.diversity.gatech.edu. Participants must have completed Safe Space I.

For more information call the Office of Diversity Programs at 404-894-2561 or TDD 404-894-1664. Please let the sponsors know if you need a special accommodation to participate in these programs. www.diversity.gatech.edu