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Multicultural Resource Center

Diversity Training Institute

Tools

Mon-Thurs:
8:30am - 9:00pm
Fri:
8:30am - 5:00pm
Call for hours during breaks.
Contact Us:
Multicultural Resource Center
1299 Oread Avenue
Lawrence, KS 66045
p (785) 864-4350
f (785) 864-1675

Mission | Institute Faculty | Institute Format  | Schedule | Registration  | Feedback

Mission

The purpose of the diversity-training institute is to provide KU faculty and staff with an intensive experience where they can focus on their own learning and development to increase their competencies in the area of multiculturalism. In addition, we will assist individuals and organizations to examine their assumptions about diversity and multicultural issues. Specifically, the training goals include the following:

  • Increased understanding of the dynamics that race and ethnicity has at the university levels.
  • Discuss the breadth of institutionalized racism.
  • Explore the group dynamics of dominant and subordinated groups on a college campus.

On the organizational level, diversity training examines systemic issues that impede a multicultural group of employees from becoming as productive as possible, and helps participants develop strategies for making the organization more effective and successful.

Institute Faculty

Robert N. Page Jr . serves as the Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. He has served as an educator and administrator in higher education for over 14 years. Certified and trained through the National Multicultural Institute and the Institute on Racial Justice, his areas of expertise include; multiracial identity; dominant culture privilege; training and curriculum design, equitable policies and practices, multicultural education, multilingual issues, inclusive decision-making processes, multicultural curriculum training, cultural communication and a specific focus on "Cycle of Socialization Theory".

Pamela Scott serves as the Associate Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. She earned her B.A. and B.S. degrees in Art/Art Therapy and her M.S. degree in Counseling Education/Student Personnel from Emporia State University. Pamela has several years of work experience in the areas of Multicultural programming, TRIO organizations, and collegiate recruitment. Her areas of proficiency are in multicultural counseling, student development theories, minority identity development and career exploration.

Santos Núñez serves as the Program Director for the Multicultural Resource Center. Her certification is through the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE). In addition, she holds a secondary education certificate and has experience with elementary education curriculum. Her areas of expertise include multicultural curriculum design, interactive training, Hispanic/Latino issues, The Cycle of Socialization, bilingual education, cultural competency training and multicultural education.

Precious Porras is a Program Associate for the Multicultural Resource Center. She earned her B.S. in Psychology and Sociology from Northwest Missouri State University in 2002, and her M.S. in Counseling/Student Personnel from Emporia State University in 2004.  She has experience with TRIO programs, multicultural programming and multi-racial identity development.

Natalie Timson serves as an Assistant Director for Residence Life for the Department of Student Housing.  She earned her M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Colorado State University and her B.A of English from Oklahoma State University.  Her commitment to diversity education and programming has allowed her to lead and be a part of diversity initiatives such LGBT Safe Zone training, Residence Life diversity training, the Tunnel of Oppression, and Social Justice Theater.

Trevor Loney serves as a Senior Academic Advisor for the University Advising Center.  He earned his M.A. in American Studies from the University of Kansas and his B.A. if American Studies and Political Science also from KU.  His interest in diversity education comes from his rural upbringing and cultural studies focus while in school.  He has experience in Residence Life diversity training and will be working with Colors of KU.

Dawn Shew is an Advising Specialist for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, in the Political Science and Sociology departments. She earned her BA in Theatre from Truman State University and an M.Ed. in College Student Services Administration from Oregon State University. She has experience in varied areas of higher education, including housing, Greek life, student activities, freshman orientation, and academic advising. Her commitment to diversity programming has led to her involvement with Colors of KU, Residence Life diversity training, and the Tunnel of Oppression.

Linda Dixon is the Associate Program Director for the Learning Communities Program in the Academic Achievement & Access Center. She earned her M.S. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas and her B.S. in Education from Missouri State University. Her interest in diversity appreciation has led to her involvement in the Haskell Mentors Program, Colors of KU, various diversity trainings as well as teaching a seminar course on global awareness. 

Institute Format

Participation for each session is limited to 20 individuals in order to facilitate discussion and small groups. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from Institute Faculty and other participants. The workshop style is interactive and informal; a resource notebook is provided. Lunch is provided. 

Part 1- Foundations of Diversity and Multicultural Education

This Institute is appropriate for individuals with little to intermediate levels of diversity education experience. Participants will have an opportunity to examine their assumptions about diversity and multicultural issues

Part 2 – Building your Resources: Curriculum Design and Expanding Competencies

This institute is appropriate for individuals with more advance training and experiences related to multicultural issues. Participants will expand and refine their skills and competencies in designing and facilitating diversity awareness experiences.

Schedule

All sessions will take place in the Burge Union, exact locations will be emailed to all participants.

Part 1- Foundations of Diversity and Multicultural Education

           September 7, 2007 -Relays Room, Burge Union

Part 2- Building your Resources: Curriculum Design and Expanding Competencies

           October 5, 2007 -McCook Room, Burge Union

Part 1- Foundations of Diversity and Multicultural Education

       February 29, 2008 –Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center, Room 116

Part 2- Building your Resources: Curriculum Design and Expanding Competencies

           February 8, 2008 –Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center, Room 116

Part 1- Foundations of Diversity and Multicultural Education

           June 6, 2008 -KU Edwards Campus

Registration

There is no charge to register for the Diversity Training institute. Registration is open to any faculty, staff or graduate student of The University of Kansas. Pre-registration is required due to limited spaces; there is no on-site registration. If a session is full, your name will be put on a waiting list. If you are unable to attend, please contact us so we may extend the opportunity to someone else. Please click here for a registration form.

Participant Comments

Kim LaFever - CLAS Undergrad Services
Yes! Different ways of thinking of things. It is always good to be reminded. Thank you!

Bridget Bradley - CLAS Undergrad Services
Yes- anyone and everyone at KU needs this to truly be an educated institution.

Robert Crawley - Freshman Sophomore Advising Center
I would recommend the diversity training series. It helped me to understand the concept of multiculturalism. The diversity training introduced me to information/knowledge in order to increase my awareness of multiculturalism and it assisted me in constructive ways to advocate for diversity at KU.

The training brought to the front of my mind numerous issues relevant to my work and I would certainly recommend it to my colleagues.

Janice Kiekel - Student Housing
The “difference” of color/culture etc. in America is not truly covered by government policy. Even though studies have been made to have equality- the true equality of man is to view others as their equal, with respect, care and concern. Can never be true brotherhood if anyone is left out.

Kathy Burchett - Instructional Development Services
I have a better idea of what the MRC is all about. I never believed I can gain too much education about diversity at KU. I look forward to future workshops, yes! I will definitely recommend this to my staff.

Yes, I would recommend it! I’ve gained a lot of personal reflection, re-juvenated a concern in working with others; prioritizing what is most important in my interactions and work with others; I’ve been challenged and motivated to do better.

Cindy Derritt - Office of Registrar
Regardless of your level of familiarity with topics of diversity, this is a wonderful experience. Very enlightening!

Jennifer Shoemaker - Office of Admissions and Scholarships
I highly recommend this program to everyone who comes in contact with another individual.

Ashley Marriot - Office of Admissions and Scholarships
I would recommend the program to anyone that is interested in learning a variety of perspectives from a variety of offices on campus.

Thank you-it was a great opportunity to get me to think outside the box. Definitely learned a number of issues to think about in all diverse situations.

For more information

For more information contact:
Santos Núñez
Multicultural Resource Center
1299 Oread Avenue
Lawrence , KS 66045
785-864-4350
snunez@ku.edu