UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 20, Page D1
February 20, 1992
Diversity
Training session provides basics for diversity

     For 17 University professionals, Feb. 5 held none of the
normal University tasks and responsibilities. Instead, they were
immersed in introspection and discussions, all related to issues of
diversity, both on the campus and in society generally.
     They were participating in "Here's Looking at You! A
Foundation for Diversity Education," a daylong workshop sponsored
by the Diversity Education Task Force of the Commission to Promote
Racial and Cultural Diversity.
     Designed to provide an introduction to diversity issues,
including oppression and the various "isms," such as racism, sexism
and classism, the program allows participants to explore their own
attitudes and behaviors, while finding out about the views of
others.
     On Feb. 5, the individuals joined together as a group very
quickly, and they were "overwhelmingly positive," according to
Richard Holland, assistant area coordinator in housing and
residence life and co-facilitator of the workshop.
     "They were all extremely involved and very open with their
questions and in disclosing their own experiences," Holland said.
"Their evaluations were very positive, and they all said they would
recommend the workshop to others." Most of the participants
indicated that they would make changes in their behavior based on
their experiences at the workshop.
     Workshop participant Rebecca Herman, editorial coordinator in
publications, called the program "constructive" and noted that it
was "well organized. There was no dead time," she said. "All the
time was used effectively. I would go to another one, one that
carried things even further."
     "I enjoyed the whole day," Dr. Dyanne Westerberg, physician in
Student Health Services, said. "I enjoyed the discussions and the
opportunity to talk about differences. It opened my eyes to several
things and generated discussions here in the health service when I
got back."
     This workshop will be repeated from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.,
Friday, March 13, in the Collins Room of the Perkins Student
Center. Space is limited to 20; anyone interested in attending
should pre-register by contacting Janette Humphrey at 831-2952.
     In addition to this workshop for professionals, two other
workshops on diversity are planned for salaried staff and for
AFSCME workers.
     In addition, University employees who have been specially
trained to conduct sessions on diversity issues are available for
interested campus offices, departments or groups-whether they be
students, faculty or staff.
     These diversity trainers attended a week-long program last
summer where they learned about racism, sexism and heterosexism, as
well as group dynamics, adult-learning theories and group
facilitation skills.
     "We'll work with any group that is interested in this
training," Barbara Rexwinkel, associate director of housing and
residence life, said. "We help identify what they're hoping to
achieve and will attempt to design a program to meet specific
needs, whether the topic is sexism, racism, anti-Semitism,
heterosexism, classism or any other topic related to the broad area
of diversity. A workshop will be tailored to those needs."
     Anyone interested is setting up a session should contact
Rexwinkel at 831-2952 or Cecily Sawyer Harmon, coordinator of the
Employee Assistance and Wellness Program, at 831-8307.