University of Iowa faculty and staff can again register for a free series of workshops to learn how to help create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
The Building University of Iowa Leadership for Diversity (BUILD) program was established in the fall of 2015 to empower employees to contribute to the UI’s vision of a welcoming and diverse campus.
The UI Chief Diversity Office, which oversees the program, says BUILD had high participation in its first year, with more than 325 people taking at least one course—something administrators hope will continue into the 2016–17 academic year.
Bruce Harreld, Barry Butler, Georgina Dodge, and other UI leaders speak about campus climate improvement efforts that took place over the summer, as well as initiatives that the university will roll out in the coming months. Read the full message on Iowa Now.
“Knowing we should be better must be coupled with the confidence and skill to do better in order to truly create change,” says Bria Marcelo, diversity resources director for the Chief Diversity Office. “In its inaugural year, BUILD formed quite a unique community—a community from members all over campus who strived to learn more, do more, and be more inclusive.”
Upon completion of the program, participants earn a BUILD certificate demonstrating their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and classroom.
To earn the certificate, participants must attend the Beyond the Numbers: Foundation for Diversity and Inclusion core workshop and at least five elective, non-credit-bearing courses. Participants must register in advance through UI Employee Self Service. Sessions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Examples of electives include courses on the important contributions of African Americans to the university’s success, conflict resolution, building relationships across different group identities, how to recognize and reduce unconscious bias, understanding the transgender student experience, and disability accommodation.
BUILD is a collaborative initiative from the Chief Diversity Office and UI Learning and Development, along with the contributions of many campus thought leaders.