Diversity and inclusion training offered to MSU community

In observance of the University’s mission statement, Morehead State is offering workshops to students, faculty and staff intended to promote diversity of people and ideas.

MSU will offer two unique programs. “Welcoming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” is designed to help faculty, staff and students celebrate their similarities and differences, recognize misinformation, recognize internalized oppression, express pride in our group identities, understand the personal impact of discrimination, and teach hands-on tools for dealing effectively when experiencing or witnessing racism, discrimination or oppression.  

“Difficult Conversations” are facilitated conversations that provide a safe space for faculty, staff, and students to discuss issues that matter to them, including controversial topics, current issues, etc. Participants will have the opportunity for reflection, understanding different perspectives, and identifying ways to be an ally. Confidentiality is a vital component of both sessions. The programs will be offered through each college and Student Affairs.   

“This is an initiative supported by President Morgan and the senior leadership team. It is our goal for everyone on campus to have the opportunity to participate if they wish,” said Dr. Caroline Atkins, interim director of human resources at MSU. “The sessions recognize diversity from myriad perspectives, including, but not limited to gender, geographic location, race/ethnicity, height, weight, sexuality and religious beliefs.”  

Employees who participate in “Welcoming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” will receive 30 WellPoints for participating and students who participate in the training have the chance to win prizes from the University Store and priority housing next school year.  Although the sessions are being coordinated by the academic colleges and Division of Student Affairs, interested participants are not restricted to attending the session designated for their unit.
 

Session Schedule: 

Volgenau College of Education   

• Welcoming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion—Sept. 24 and Oct. 1, 12:30-3:00 p.m., virtual   
• Difficult Conversations—Sept. 10, 10-11 a.m., virtual   
• Difficult Conversations—Nov. 5, 10-11 a.m., virtual   

For more information or to register for a session, email Dr. April Miller, interim dean of the Volgenau College of Education, at ad.miller@moreheadstate.edu.  

Student Affairs 

• Welcoming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion—Oct. 7, 8:00 –noon, face-to-face, ADUC 329, 40 seats  
• Welcoming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion—Sept. 27, Sept. 29, and October 1, 3-5pm, face-to-face, ADUC 329, 40 seats  
• Difficult Conversations—October 27, 2-3:00pm, face-to-face, ADUC 329, 40 seats available  
• Difficult Conversations—November 9, 9-10:00 am, face-to-face, ADUC 329, 40 seats available  

For more information or to register for a session, email Taunya Jones, special events planning manager, at ta.jones@moreheadstate.edu.  

Smith College of Business and Technology 

• Welcoming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion--Sept. 15 and Oct. 20, 3-5 p.m., virtual  
• Difficult Conversations—Nov. 10, 3-4 p.m., virtual  
• Difficult Conversations—Nov. 17, 3-4 p.m., virtual  

For more information or to register for a session, email Dr. Sam Stapleton, instructor of management, at slstapleton@moreheadstate.edu.  

College of Science 

• Welcoming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion—Oct. 14, 21 and 28, 3-4:30 p.m., face-to-face  
• Difficult Conversations—Sept. 23, noon-12:50 p.m., face-to-face  
• Difficult Conversations—Nov. 11, noon-12:50 p.m., face-to-face  

For more information or to register for a session, email Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Mike Dobranski at m.dobranski@moreheadstate.edu.  

Caudill College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 

• Welcoming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion—Nov. 5 and 12, 3-5 p.m., face-to-face  
• Difficult Conversations—Oct. 13, 3-4 p.m., face-to-face  
• Difficult Conversations—Oct. 26, 12-1 p.m., face-to-face  

For more information or to register for a session, email Associate Professor of Art History Dr. Julia Finch at j.finch@moreheadstate.edu.  

To learn more about diversity and inclusion at MSU, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/diversity, email Atkins at c.atkins@moreheadstate.edu or Jamie Phipps at japhipps@moreheadstate.edu, or call 606-783-2097.