Diversity Programming and Training(s)
The University’s Office of Diversity and Equity is responsible for providing state-mandated training and education on diversity and equity at the University and offers the following:
Cultural Diversity Training: Embracing Diversity in the Workplace
(Required one-time during your career with Western Connecticut State University)
The Office of Diversity and Equity (“ODE”) offers a three-hour, state-mandated Cultural Diversity Training* session annually for WCSU faculty, staff and students. The training consists of two components. The first segment focuses on ODE responsibilities, policies, and procedures. The second component will focus on a particular identity (i.e., race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, etc.) as it relates to college students, campus life and/or classroom environments.
The University is committed to creating a campus culture where all members of our community are valued and recognized. These sessions do not only support this initiative but enhance our sense of community engagement.
Fall 2019/Spring 2020 semester schedule(s):
| Target Audience | Schedule(s) |
| For NEW Full-Time Employees:
|
Friday, August 23, 2019, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (STAFF/FACULTY) Confirmed Location: Midtown Student Center, Room 202
Friday, October 18, 2019, 12:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (ALL STAFF/STUDENTS) Tentative Location: Midtown Student Center, Room 202 Friday, January 24, 2020, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (STAFF/FACULTY) Tentative Location: Midtown Student Center, Room 201 Friday, March 27, 2020, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (ALL STAFF/STUDENTS) Tentative Location: Midtown Student Center, Room 202 Friday, June 5, 2020, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (ADMIN. STAFF ONLY) Tentative Location: Midtown Student Center, Room 201 |
| For Existing Full-Time Employees**:
(Refresher Training) |
TENTATIVE DATE(S)/TIME(S)/LOCATIONS:
Wednesday, November 20, 2013, 2019, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (OPEN TO STAFF/STUDENT EMPLOYEES) Tentative Location: TBD (Midtown Campus) Wednesday, April 8, 2019, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (ALL STAFF/STUDENT EMPLOYEES) Tentative Location: TBD (West Side Campus) |
*If you’re a new employee, with one (1) year or less of employment and/or have no evidence of taking this course with another Connecticut State Agency, you will be automatically enrolled by the Human Resources Department and the Office of Diversity and Equity.
**If you’re an existing employee, with more than one (1) year of employment and/or have no evidence of taking this course with another Connecticut State Agency, you are strongly encouraged to enroll in this interactive refresher course with the Office of Diversity and Equity.
To register for one of the above sessions, please contact Ms. Keisha Stokes by email at stokesk@wcsu.edu for registration.
*CONN. GEN. STAT §46a-54 (16). – To require each state agency that employs one or more employees to (A) provide a minimum of three hours of diversity training and education (i) to all supervisory and nonsupervisory employees, not later than July 1, 2002, with priority for such training to supervisory employees, and (ii) to all newly hired supervisory and nonsupervisory employees, not later than six months after their assumption of a position with a state agency, with priority for such training to supervisory employees.
For other Diversity and Equity Training(s) that are offered:
“Am I overreacting?” Understanding and Combating Micro-aggressions (Optional Session)
The goal of this workshop is to give faculty, staff and students a focus on racial and/or cultural micro-aggressions that are prevalent in colleges and universities, when we (in the university community) have witnessed what these micro-aggressions look like and their implications onto marginalized groups on campus.
Scheduled Fall 2019 session is now open to student/student employees, faculty and staff for Wednesday, November 20, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., location TBD.
Please email stokesk@wcsu.edu if you wish to have this workshop presented at your next department/division meeting, open session and/or course lecture. Open to faculty, staff and student employees.
Working with Diverse Student Populations: Understanding Social & Cultural Differences (Optional Session)
This training explores essential theories and practices that aid those who work with diverse populations in addressing and discussing the importance of mental health. This session takes a closer look at the unique considerations in working with diverse student populations and how to respond effectively.
Please email stokesk@wcsu.edu if you wish to have this workshop presented at your next department/division meeting, open session and/or course lecture. Open to faculty, staff and student/student employees.
Emotional Intelligence (Optional Session)
Experts now recognize that intellectual knowledge and technical skills are insufficient for success at work or in life. Emotional intelligence skills have become a crucial determinant of success in the workplace. This workshop will discuss elements of emotional intelligence and ways to become more emotionally intelligent.
This training session will be available in Spring 2020 semester
Upcoming Cultural Diversity Events:
Fall 2019 Cultural Diversity Events Calendar (posted on August 26, 2019)
Archived Cultural Diversity Events:
Spring 2019 Cultural Diversity Events Calendar (posted on February 14, 2019)
Fall 2018 Cultural Diversity Events Calendar (posted on September 17, 2018)
Spring 2018 Cultural Diversity Events Calendar (posted on February 22, 2018)