01 Jul NDSU to launch inclusion project
NDSU’s Inclusion Initiatives will kick off a campuswide project called ”Inclusion: Equity at the Intersections” during the upcoming academic year. The initiative is partially funded through the Sue Fergus Andrews Fund, an endowment gifted to the university through the Compass Program Foundation.
The fund supports ongoing, innovative programs to address the various dimensions of wellness to promote lifelong learning, social awareness and ethical leadership.
“Inclusion: Equity at the Intersections” is a speaker series highlighting the value of diversity and inclusive excellence by exploring the impact of intersectional identities. Speakers invited to this series will explore theories about diversity and inclusion, and have demonstrated actionable work to create places of belonging.
The mission of the program is to provide an educational opportunity for all on campus; inspire and continue conversations about the social impact of intersectional identities, power and privilege; offer actionable ideas for advancing/promoting diversity and inclusion; and to draw together resources to inspire partnerships for diversity.
“We hope that this initiative will engage parties from across campus to participate and collaborate together,” said Kevin Stockbridge, coordinator of Inclusion and LGBTQ+ Initiatives. “In the spirit of collaboration and inclusion, we hope that speakers will be co-sponsored by student organizations, academic departments and administrative units whose mission, work and interests overlap with topics being covered.”
According to Stockbridge, collaborating partners will have an opportunity to share resources and information at the event or host pre- or post-speaker roundtables or affinity meals to facilitate deeper conversations.
“By bringing together constituents from faculty, staff, and students, it is hoped that this program can reach a campuswide audience,” he said, noting proposed speakers include Andrew Jolivette,Holly Pearson,Taj Smith, Marybeth Gasman and Jamie Velazquez.
Persons who would like to collaborate, sponsor or suggest speakers should contact Stockbridge by July 19.
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