Planting Seeds for Future Harvests

NCSU College of Natural Resources 2nd Annual Diversity Summit

October 5 and 6, 2006

Talley Student Center, NCSU, Raleigh, NC

Thursday, October 5

7:30am:              Breakfast

8:45am:              Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jim Johnson

9:30am:              Break

9:50am:              Module I:

Setting the Learning Space Welcomes and Introductions

• Introduction and mission
• What is Diversity Training? What is it not?
• Learning Ideals/ Getting the Best out of this Training: Use of materials, change theory, being present, engaging
• Participants Intros/Expectations

Training Objectives

• To develop a deeper awareness and understanding of diversity and its role in creating and sustaining an inclusive community.
• To understand and appreciate the value of diversity as a business and social imperative.
• To explore how past experiences color the way we show-up and see others in the workplace.
• To better understand the power dynamics of privilege
• To build a Diversity/Inclusion Tool Kit and practice skillful application of tools
• To develop personal action plans that support a more inclusive and respectful community.

Learning Opportunity and Group Expectations

Module II: Knowledge

• What is diversity?
• What is cultural competence?
• What is NCSU’s definition of diversity?
• Why is Diversity a Strategic Imperative?

Dimensions of Diversity: 

• Highlight dimensions and layers of diversity
• Helps us to understand our filters and where they come from
• Participants engage in an exercise to identify their individual filters
• Group share provides opportunity for individuals to learn about each other and broader dimensions of diversity
• Sets the context for discussions around privilege and unearned advantage

1:00pm:              Lunch Break

1:45pm:              Module III:

Individual and Organizational Awareness

(Stereotypes, Bias, Assumptions and Cultural Patterns)

• To explore sources of our biases and how they impact our decisions
• Distinguish between cultural patterns and stereotypes
• Explore the connections between our assumptions and the nature of stereotyping
• Understand the power and results of social conditioning
• Explain how assumptions founded on “observable data, ”determine our beliefs
• Micro-Inequities: Participants will learn how subtle messages impact performance, productivity and relationships

Inclusion /Exclusion Exercise

• Heightens awareness of human need for belonging
• Increased understanding of feeling of alienation
• Discuss dynamics of dominant and subordinated groups

Module IV:

Developing Tools/Skills for Change

• Develop strategies for effective communication
• Share diversity ally behaviors and tools
• Responding to Culturally Inappropriate Comments
• Understanding Intent vs Impact

Case Study Exercises: Impact of Diversity

• Case studies
• Give participants the opportunity to work through challenging topics
• Learn from each other
• Apply learning from workshop to conclusions

Module V:

Diversity in Action: Actions for Change

• Participants develop personal action/organizational action plans
• Participants will share their findings with the group and make a verbal commitment to change.

Module VI:

Celebrate and Evaluate

5:30pm:              Break (free time)

Friday, October 6

8:00am                 Breakfast

9:00am                 Discussion Panels

Panel A: Faculty discussion panel on challenges and successes of diversity initiatives in various natural resources and environmental fields.

Panel B: Student discussion on challenges relating to diversity within natural resources departments and curricula.

12:00pm              Lunch Break

12:45pm              Dan Durett, speaker

1:30pm                Career Fair

4:30pm                End of Summit