Diversity
Diversity Initiatives & Programs | Diversity Education & Training | Diversity Calendar Diversity Links | Best Practices in Diversity | Academic Courses in Diversity
Recently, in a poll of American colleges and universities, Georgia State University ranked number 17 regarding campus diversity. Among the rich demographic tapestry that make-up our campus are: African, Arabian, Asian, European, Hispanic, Middle Eastern Indian and Native American students, faculty and staff. There are also students from over 140 different countries studying here at the university. Resultantly, the multiple challenges around issues of race, gender, religion, nationality, sexual identity, age, disability, culture, ethnicity, etc. are understandably complex. However, being proactive in educating our campus community or managing the reality of such differences makes for an extraordinary and realistic laboratory much like larger American society. Many formal and informal opportunities exist for students, faculty and staff to engage the learning process that will assist in unlearning stereotypes, shifting prejudicial attitudes and the developing of unconditional positive in regard for differences. Some include:
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Diversity Awareness Training - self-awareness, prejudice reduction around others' differences and coalition building which include methods, techniques, and materials from National Coalition Building Institute, Panthers Dialogue Toward Civility, Study Circles/Toward a More Perfect Union in an Age of Diversity, Hearings for Healing Forum/Testimonies on Racism and Reconciliation, The Diversity Opportunity Tool (DOT)/Experiential Learning Around Racism, Color of Fear, Brown Eyes/Blue Eyes and hundreds of other similar resources designed especially for use in diversity education programs and activities.
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Diversity Management Planning/Consultation - assisting the individual development of specific groups, units, departments, divisions and/or organizations to identify, execute and achieve desired outcomes around diversity as a management tool. Concepts of Roosevelt Thomas Consulting & Training, Inc., The Business Case for Workplace Diversity Education by American Management Association are but two highly used resources in the planning process.
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Diversity Education - teaching inclusion of all groups, clarifying values and understanding learned behaviors are integral concepts in instructing GSU1010 Freshmen Learning Community classes, GSU1050 returning students as well as all undergraduate and graduate classes instructed. At the heart of diversity education is the development of a diversity course called, Diversity Perspectives 2001, which upon faculty approval, will be offered beginning Summer Semester 2002. Other learning tools and activities around issues of diversity may be accessed by web.