Humanity Academy
"Embracing and nurturing diversity is the responsibility of every member of the university community. It must be demonstrated in a clear and convincing way that diversity is an essential value of the university community that informs its every aspect. A genuine commitment to diversity as a core value makes necessary the adoption of a comprehensive view that celebrates diversity as a systemic influence on our conduct as students, faculty, and staff and as members of society.”
University of Kentucky Stategic Plan 2006-2009
Mission
The Humanity Academy will develop a cohort of University of Kentucky members willing to be change agents within the campus community. These individuals will champion the University's diversity goals and will be responsible to establish a culture of respect, inclusion, and appreciation for all staff, faculty, and students.
Objectives
Participants of the Humanity Academy, upon selection, will spend one week identifying and learning about specific dimensions of diversity through videos, guest speakers, interactive activities, and real-life scenarios. After the initial week, they will attend monthly class sessions, complete assigned readings, and facilitate a diversity awareness session utilizing skills learned. They will be able to:
- Define diversity
- Examine the dimensions of diversity as they relate to the University of KY
- Better understand the vision, mission, and values of UK and the importance of a diverse workforce
- Identify cultural differences/similarities that affect workplace productivity
- Examine institutional policies/practices that impede a truly diverse workforce
- Develop strategies to establish a workplace culture that encourages, embraces and supports diversity
- Develop skills to identify and confront workplace discrimination
- Identify the link between organizational and personal diversity effectiveness
- Make recommendatons to appropriate departments/individuals
Topics
Laying the Foundation
Participants will begin by examining the history of "differences" within the United States and within the University of Kentucky. This includes:
History of Diversity in America -- Pluralism, Segregation, Desegregation, Immigration
History of Approaches to Diversity -- EEO, AA, Civil Rights Acts, etc.
History of the University of Kentucky -- Land Grant Act, Important dates, Traditions
The University of Kentucky Today -- Mission/Vision/Values, Demographics
Personal Perspectives
We will engage in activities to examine our own prejudices and understanding toward others and identify action steps to create a work environment that is inclusive and meets organization needs.
Internal Dimensions
We will examine workplace conflicts that arise as a result of misunderstanding about Race (including Institutional Racism), Ethnicity, Gender, Age, Physical Ability and Sexual Orientation through videos, discussion, interactive activities, etc.
External Dimensions
We will learn about cultural differences between groups of people based on dimensions of class, education, religion, generational perspective, personal choices, and geography. Participants will learn and practive facilitation skills needed to deconstruct stereotypes and prejudices as they relate to a person's culture and sense of community.
Organizational Dimensions
Participants will examine organizational dimensitions (staff/faculty, exempt/non-exempt, professional/skilled, etc.) related to processes and policies that may hinder or facilitate ethical and fair treatment of marginalized populations within the University. As areas for improvement are identified and creative solutions and ideas are formulated and developed, participants will make recommendations to appropriate University leaders and groups.
Qualifications:
Participants are selected to attend based on the following criteria:
1) has previous training/facilitation experience/skill
2) must be able to attend all five days of the Academy and follow-up sessions
3) has desire/ability to initiate and implement diversity training
4) has permission of supervisor/manager
5) has job flexibility to allow for regular and/or impromptu meetings
For More Information:
Please contact Marietta Watts (859.257.9429) if you would like more information regarding this program.
The first group of change agents completed their training at the Humanity Academy held May 14-18th, 2007. A complete list of participants and pictures taken during the Academy can be viewed at the following link: May 2007 Humanity Academy.
