UTHSC Diversity Certificate Program

DIVERSITY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The Office of Equity and Diversity is excited to announce the DIVERSITY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). Increasingly, diversity and inclusion are becoming strategic business drivers that have a direct impact on organizational effectiveness and reputation. Investing in diversity and inclusion is paramount to improving employee engagement, serving students more effectively, increasing institutional innovation, and preparing more knowledgeable health care professionals.

The program will demonstrate that embracing diversity and inclusion can bring a broader range of perspectives and backgrounds into our organization, leading to more effective decision-making. Participants will gain a sound understanding of the latest research and best practices in the fields of cultural competency and diversity.

This initiative is a training opportunity for faculty and staff in alignment with the chancellor’s priority on diversity and inclusion as outlined in UTHSC’s strategic plan.

PURPOSE

Specific objectives

Participants can expect to:

• Understanding foundational concepts for diversity and inclusion

• Explore their own background, identities, and values • Develop critical competencies relevant to a wide variety of disciplines •

Deepen their understanding of historical and institutionalized policies that continue to impact inequities for diverse and marginalized populations

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Learn tools for decreasing bias and supporting a more inclusive climate for underrepresented minorities at UTHSC

Goals To develop a more knowledgeable workforce by enhancing faculty and staff competencies and capacity relevant to diversity and inclusion, in order to leverage these toward achieving and sustaining campus-wide excellence.

• Connect the impact of diversity and inclusion to key organizational goals to identify critical gaps that impact overall effectiveness • Help create a culture that values differences and celebrates a global outlook in understanding diversity • Considerations and tools for creating an inclusive climate at work and within the community • Professional development • Contribute to the University community by addressing unmet diversity needs

CURRICULUM

Core Courses

The curriculum focuses on exploring foundational concepts essential to enhancing an inclusive work environment, through lecture, experiential activities, and independent learning activities.

• Accommodation Process: ADA and Religion

The four-month certificate program’s curriculum builds knowledge, understanding, and application methodologies to address dynamics within a diverse academic health science center.

Those who pursue the certificate will learn more about ways in which they can assist and improve their ability to contribute in a manner that is welcoming and inclusive.

To earn the certificate in diversity, participants must complete the six (6) required courses. Additionally, participants must select four (4) elective courses to complete, participate in experiential activities and satisfy all testing requirements.

• Management Supervision: What’s Law Got to Do With It? • Conflict Resolution • Diversity and Inclusion Literacy • Developing Cultural Competence • Communicating with Diverse Personalities (MBTI) Elective Courses • Complaints: Formal and Informal • Star Power Workshop • Generational Diversity in the Workplace • Drop by Drop Workshop • Safe Zones and LGBTQ • Interrupting Bias in the Search Process • Unconscious Bias: Why Employees Feel In or Out?

FACULTY, SPEAKERS, AND PRESENTERS The Certificate Program will be led

by Michael Alston, EdD, CCDP/AP, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Student Rights (Office of Equity and Diversity). Additionally, a diverse group of UTHSC staff, faculty, and administrators will also contribute to the program. Resident instructors include Dustin Fulton, Maggie Joyce, and Lauren Rotonda.

ELIGIBILITY The program is open to all UTHSC faculty and staff. In an effort to enrich the personal experiences and interpersonal interactions of each participant, a limited number of applicants will be selected each year.

Each participant must commit to attend every session, and obtain the appropriate release time for the program. A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the program.

SCHEDULE The Diversity Certificate Program will typically be held on Tuesdays.

(Dates are subject to change; exact rooms will be posted once confirmed.)

APPLICATION PROCESS This program is FREE to all UTHSC faculty and staff. Applications for future cohorts will be listed on the website.

Previous applicants who were not selected should submit a new application if they would like to be considered.

To apply, complete an application at uthsc.edu/oed/diversitycertificate-program.

For more information:

OFFICE OF EQUITY AND DIVERSITY 920 Madison, Suite 825 | 901.448.2112 | hsc-oed@uthsc.edu uthsc.edu/oed/diversity-certificate-program The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. E070109(001wo#180087)