‘Shifting the Needle’ Faculty Professional Development Series to DEIA

To his heart, Melissa Luc says she is an “accomplished scientist-practitioner” who prefers to rely on research and data to inform her work.

So when the Faculty Affairs division of the Office of Academic Affairs asked Luke and his fellow professor from the School of Education Jeffery Mangram To create professional development for faculty focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA), Luke knew the foundation on which she wanted to build the workshops.

“It is very clear from the data of the campus climate pulse survey that we have the opportunity to advance academic excellence in a welcoming university, ”said Luke, senior faculty member and dean’s professor in the Department of Counseling and Social Services. “DEIA professional development workshops are a way for us to take responsibility for expanding our skills. “

Four workshops are scheduled throughout the fall, and each workshop includes three different two-hour sessions. A full schedule list, which provides flexibility for faculty by offering each module three separate times during the fall semester, can be found on the Calendar of University Events.

The workshops respond to the University’s commitment to involve all faculty in its DEIA programming, and Luke says she and Mangram are working with deans of individual schools and colleges to schedule specific sessions for their faculty. Of course, professors can attend any workshop and Luke says she and Mangram have “integrated research and practice” into the workshops which are fast-paced, interactive, and skill-based.

“The teachers tell us that they find the workshop information highly applicable and immediately transferable, and therefore are emotionally, psychologically, cognitively and behaviorally engaged,” says Luke. “We know that a one-off workshop does not move the needle enough, but our series of workshops are articulated and scaffolded, and based on the practice of continuous improvement. “

Here’s a look at the four workshops and what faculty members are saying about the professional development series:

• DEIA building blocks
  This workshop is designed to help participants explore a) the role that socialization and identity play in the way we see ourselves and others; b) the relationship between prejudices, stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination; and c) ways to identify and disrupt various forms of microaggression that occur in educational settings. “In the Building Blocks trainings, Melissa and Jeff walk you through the process of ‘leaning on’ uncomfortable experiences. We need to examine our own identities and privileges so that we can respond intentionally to uncomfortable situations in the classroom. These trainings give you the tools you need to turn a trigger event into a learning opportunity. – Amy messersmith, Associate Director of Student Support Services

• Turn hot moments into learning opportunities
  This workshop applies research-backed interpersonal group leadership strategies and focuses on responding and transforming “hot moments”. The fast-paced sessions will offer a series of potential responses for participants to choose and practice, on a peer-to-peer basis. Real-life scenarios from the college / school / department context are used. “The use of real-world experiences, the tangible ideas shared, and the honesty and vulnerability demonstrated by the workshop facilitators made the experience practical and urgent. By the end of the workshop, I knew I had several tools to help me create a sense of belonging in all of my students and that I needed to start using them immediately. This message continues to resonate with me. – Melissa Chessher, professor of magazine, news and digital journalism at the Newhouse School and acting associate dean for inclusiveness, diversity, equity and access

• Create culturally appropriate classrooms
  This workshop is designed to empower teachers to intentionally develop culturally appropriate teaching materials and practices. Teachers also learn strategies for increasing student participation and for providing meaningful feedback to students. Building bridges and common ground is much, much more difficult. What is presented shows experience, thinking and pragmatism and is a crucial first step in building understanding and bridges between different worldviews and experiences for our new students. – Shiu-Kai Chin, professor at the College of Engineering and Computer Science

• High Leverage Teaching Practices in DEIA Contexts
  This workshop focuses on High Leverage Teaching Practices (HLTP) as a set of instructional strategies that provide clarity and expectations for the teacher and support student learning and empowerment. Through the three interactive workshops, presenters identify 22 HLTPs in four areas: Collaboration, Assessment, Social / Emotional / Behavioral, and Teaching. “I have been teaching for almost 20 years and I think the presenters have provided many useful teaching practices while framing their use. into the realities and complexities of the postsecondary landscape. – Kevin antshel, professor of psychology and director of clinical training at the College of Arts and Sciences

For more information on workshops or schedules, contact Melissa Luc Where Jeffery Mangram.