Unity Star
Distribution: All Without OPS and F
Summer 2012
Newsletter
Diversity Week: Mark Your Calendars
Planning is underway, the dates are set, and reminders are out. Mark your calendars, and get ready to share with us a remarkable week of events. From the Diversity Breakfast on October 15th, to the array of workshops and programs that will feature inspiring subjects, great facilitators and guest speakers, the week should prove to be educational and motivational. Our theme, Diversity Week: Twenty Outstanding Years, will reflect on the work our community has done to educate and empower our UCF family and beyond. We hope you’ll find time to join us during Diversity Week, October 15-19, 2012.
Spring DiversiTea A Noteworthy Event A true performer, sages of freedom Dr. JoAnne Stephento lighthearted son, shined when melodies, like the technology failed those found in her. She didn’t let a Beans and Cornlittle technical glitch bread, music creor lost audio stop her ated by African from continuing her Americans has presentation. She transformed the even sang a few lines cultural landDr. Stephenson talks jazz. from some of the scape. songs she selected to Photo by Dayanara Hudson Dr. Stephenson feature at our March 29th DiversiTea. shared not only influential masterCulturally motivated, the Spring more on page 2 DiversiTea provided our audience with a glimpse into the history of African American music. The event brought together a blend of faculty, staff, and students, who walked away with tidbits of knowledge about the Blues, Gospel and Jazz rhythms. From the Boogie Woogie, to 1950’s Rock ‘n’ Roll, to Rappers’ Delight, African American rhythms have influenced varied musical genres for Dr. Stephenson appears to reminisce as decades. Filled with inspiring mes-
UCF: A Veteran Friendly Campus
St. Louis Blues plays on the screen. Photo by Dayanara Hudson
Director’s Corner Eight thousand participants can’t possibly be wrong! What’s the significance of this statement? It is the number of attendees in education and training sessions facilitated by the Office of Diversity Initiatives during 20102011. From a very general introductory course like the ABCs of Diversity, to a more focused session such as DOTS: Understanding Your “Hidden” Bias, to an emphasis on the dynamics of culture as found in Communicating Across Cultures, members of the UCF community are attending diversity training sessions for their own personal growth and development or to satisfy a class or work-related requirement. Feedback from these sessions tends to be overwhelmingly positive. For example: “I Learned a lot… I think this is necessary for all educators.” “This session was excellent. We have to be aware of diversity issues to be able to help make a positive difference in this world.” “Excellent presentation with great content! Thank you so much.” “Eye-opening! People usually don’t take culture into consideration when communicating.” More on page 3
Diversity Spotlight UCF + Embry Riddle Leadership Institute A Leadership Splash at the Morgridge Center March 16 was the culmination of hard work and collaboration put forth by the 2011-2012 Leadership Enhancement Program scholars. After almost 10 months of workshops and collaborative teamwork, the 20 members dazzled attendees with their research and presentation material from across the curriculum. The theme was: Empowerment for a Global Society. Informational breakout sessions on varied leadership topics, and the involvement of great speakers, Dr. Hitt and Admiral Harms among them, contributed to the success of the Institute. Panel displays on numerous topics provided guests, university deans, faculty, and staff with informational material on topics such as probation prevention and financial balancing acts. The main event was held in the Global Communication Room of the Morgridge International Reading Center, a state of the art facility adjacent to UCF’s Teaching Academy. One of the goals of this facility is to “provide
Michelle Fuentes, LEP Scholar, discusses her display board with Dr. Stanley Stone, Valencia. Photo by John Greene, UCF Marketing
Photo by John Greene, UCF Marketing
an open forum for the exchange of experiences and ideas at all educational levels,” and this objective was definitely put on display on this day.
Alum Gerald Jones provided us with highly encouraging words about what every leader should know. Mr. Jones enlightened us with a remarkable speech about the seven steps to lead, and lead well, even under unexpected circumstances, such as the passing of a loved one. From leading by example, to producing positive outcomes based on communication development, Mr. Jones’ calming, yet compelling, demeanor reinforced the ideal that a leader can be developed from within by learning from those around us and by letting experiences be part of the teaching process. In closing, Dr. King presented the 2011-2012 LEP Class, applauded them for their hard work and continued success as professionals, leaders, and
Keynote Speaker, Gerald Jones Photo by John Greene, UCF Marketing
Our host for the day, Michelle Fuentes, LEP Scholar, gracefully moderated and guided several of the day’s speakers, starting with opening remarks by UCF President, John C. Hitt, followed by a few words from our very own Director, Dr. Valarie King, and Mr. Richard Stickney, Director of Diversity Initiatives at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Keynote Speaker, author, motivational speaker and UCF
Dr. King presents the ‘11-’12 LEP Scholars. Photo by John Greene, UCF Marketing
mentors in their respective fields. We thank our 2011-2012 LEP Class, and wish them the best in their careers and beyond. We also bid them many congratulations on their April 27, 2012 graduation.
Spring DiversiTea A Noteworthy Event continued from page 1 minds, but also short YouTube clips and anecdotes of those she had the honor of meeting throughout her own musical career. She encouraged everyone to look up artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Jackie Wilson and even Jimi Hendrix, in the hopes that these artists might inspire a new musical beat within. 2
Dr. Stephenson chats with audience members after the presentation. Photo by Dayanara Hudson
Director’s Corner continued from page 1 One of our newest workshops, The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow, elicited the following: “Wonderful session that really went into depth on history/issues that were not typically covered in public schools.” “Excellent series - this information needs to be shared with everyone - great job Barbara Thompson and Office of Diversity Initiatives!!”
Have you attended a diversity training session lately? If not, don’t put it off any longer. Broaden your perspectives about diversity and inclusion. Remember, 8,000 participants can’t possibly be wrong!
Summer 2012 Workshop and Training Schedule TO REGISTER: Online registration for Faculty and Staff ONLY at https://my.ucf.edu . Students or OPS please e-mail your name, phone number, PID/employee I.D. number, to diverse@ucf.edu. For detailed descriptions of the diversity workshops provided, visit www.diversity.ucf.edu. Other opportunities for diversity workshops may be scheduled by calling the Office of Diversity Initiatives at (407) 823-6479, or by e-mailing diverse@ucf.edu. All workshops are FREE unless otherwise noted. ABCS OF DIVERSITY (DIV008) (Attend one): Wednesday, May 30, 2012 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Monday, July 9, 2012 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
DOTS: UNDERSTANDING YOUR “HIDDEN” BIAS (DIV031) Friday, June 29, 2012 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
ALLIES ADVANCE (DIV033)
INCLUSIVE COMMUNICATION (DIV053)*
Thursday, June 14, 2012 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Tuesday, July 10, 2012 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Student Union, Cedar Key, Room 223 Facilitators: Counseling Center Staff Member
Friday, June 15, 2012 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Friday, July 13, 2012 1:30 PM– 4:30 PM Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
(Attend one):
BARNGA (DIV077) Wednesday, June 27, 2012 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Location: OD&T Training Room 130 Facilitator: Patty Farris
“Enjoyed using history as a means of professional development!”
- Workshop Participant
DIVERSITY CERTIFICATE SERIES* Section 1 (Attend both; each session 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM) Monday, June 11, 2012 – Modules 1 & 2 (DIV210) Monday, June 18, 2012 – Modules 3 & 4 (DIV211) Section 2 (Attend both; each session 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM) Wednesday, July 11, 2012 – Modules 1 & 2 (DIV210) Wednesday, July 18, 2012 – Modules 3 & 4 (DIV211) Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
*Register for each module separately.
(Attend one):
*DIV053 requires an interdepartmental transfer or cash/ check payment of $10. Prepaid for SDES participants. A PDF of the ID Transfer forms can be found on our website: www.diversity.ucf.edu/training. THE RISE AND FALL OF JIM CROW *
(Attend all four to receive completion certificate.)
PROGRAMS 1 & 2 (DIV201) Tuesday, June 5, 2012 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM PROGRAMS 3 & 4 (DIV202) Tuesday, June 12, 2012 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
*Register for each program separately.
UNDERSTANTDING POWER & PRIVILEGE (DIV016) Friday, July 27, 2012 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
“Very valuable lessons in this workshop. It has made me a better person + will make me a better educator as result. Wonderful!” - Workshop Participant 3
Diversity includes all of us
12424 Research Parkway, Suite 169, Orlando, FL 32826 Ph: (407) 823-6479 F: (407) 823-6480 E-mail: diverse@ucf.edu www.diversity.ucf.edu
Summer Faculty Development Conference 2012 Diversity Track: Culturally Responsive Teaching Held every year at the end of the Spring semester, this four day event will play host to a select group of UCF faculty who will explore the relevance of culturally responsive teaching as it relates to the 21st-Century college student. They will develop materials for faculty members to use as they create learning environments that are respectful of all students. This year the Conference will be held from May 1st to May 4th and will feature guest speaker, Dr. Margery B. Ginsberg from the University of Washington-Seattle, and
author of Diversity and Motivation: Culturally Responsive Teaching in College. Dr. Ginsberg will assist participants “as they learn about the basic tenets of culturally responsive teaching, with the ultimate goal being the creation of classrooms where human diversity is understood and valued as beneficial.” To learn more about the Summer Faculty Development Conference and to read a short bio on Dr. Ginsberg, visit our website at www.diversity.ucf.edu.
LEGACY Connect
Motivating Tomorrow’s Leaders, Today LEGACY Connect is an educational outreach program that is the brainchild of Kwame Walker and members of the 2010-2011 class of LEGACY scholars. The mission of LEGACY Connect is to educate and inform high school students about the value and importance of setting goals and pursuing personal and professional development beyond high school. Last year LEGACY Connect had its inaugural event at Jones High School, and this year the LEGACY scholars facilitated a program at Evans High School. The purpose of the LEGACY Connect-Evans High School event was to share LEGACY’s commitment to future generations of students by encouraging them to continue their educations and to make informed choices about their futures. The scholars also
Services
Consultations, Presentations and Training. Visit our website to learn more: www.diversity.ucf.edu.
“Like or Follow Us” 4
LEGACY scholars panel at Evans High School
were there to connect with and promote Evans High School’s mission as “A Place of High Achievement!” LEGACY student scholars discussed the value of an education, shared their personal stories of success, identified important keys to college admission, and highlighted some of the consequences of not continuing an education beyond high school. The
LEGACY scholars explored important contemporary issues such as culture, professionalism, and career development, all of which are key features to a successful future. In addition to the presence of LEGACY scholars, representatives from several UCF organizations were in attendance to assist in strengthening connections between Evans High School and UCF. Also, there were awards given to five Evans High School students who exemplified great skills as campus leaders. The LEGACY Connect programs at Jones and Evans were successful, and LEGACY student scholars are anxious to offer opportunities to other high school students in Central Florida communities to participate in the LEGACY Connect project next year.
Diversity Initiatives Staff Valarie Greene King, Ph.D. Director
Dayanara Hudson Program Assistant
Barbara Thompson Assistant Director
Kwame Walker LEGACY Coordinator
Katie Pomp Administrative Assistant
Breanna Calhoun Student Assistant
Carmen I. Afonso Executive Secretary
Robert Glenn Student Assistant