General Diversity, Social Justice and Inclusive Excellence

If we don't teach a specific course on culture or bias, surely there is little beyond modeling respectful behavior that we can do regarding these topics. And if our students are mostly white, these topics certainly have little importance anyway. I don't believe either of these statements to be true, at all. Yet I do believe they are

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Do you think you get it? Have you ever considered the possibility that you don’t? The purpose of this workshop is to engage in dialogue and challenge ourselves about the ways we are socialized to have biases. Participants will learn more about how to identify these biases and how they can and do impact our work and interactions

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Join us to hear three underrepresented students from a multicultural learning community at CU Boulder perform autobiographical monologues that we wrote, memorized, and performed live on stage as part of a one-credit leadership course. Talk with our instructor to learn how your students can explore their lived experiences through guided writing exercises focused on social and cultural identity in

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“Minority” college professors often face different expressions of discrimination, racism, and marginalization in the institutions where they teach. The issue has been abundantly documented, but its emotional and pedagogical consequences are seldom explored, much less shared with administrators, fellow instructors, or students. Based on recent research done by the American Philosophical association and on personal experiences and interviews of

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Offices at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of California Los Angeles utilized foundational research on student-initiated retention projects (SIRPs) to develop programming strategies to increase retention and academic success of historically underrepresented students (students of color, women, LGBTQ, low-income, 1st generation, student parents, students with disabilities, international students, and veterans). This session will include the sharing

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Mental health of its students is a concern for all university campuses. Unfortunately, one population that seems to go unnoticed regarding mental health is that of international students. International student enrollment is at an all-time high with enrollments continuing to increase. So many factors play a role in the success rates of international students but many are unsuccessful

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Through engaging performance and multimedia dialogue we will bring to light how being "mixed" is a strength. While many mixed people feel as though they are not enough of one or the other, this session is designed to demonstrate a unique perspective of being from multiethnic/racial background.

How does empathy inform the social justice advocacy of female-identified students of color? Social justice advocates work with individuals and communities for lasting structural change for those who are oppressed at the risk of an emotional, social, and financial cost to the advocate. Often poorly represented in studies of social justice advocacy are the stories of female students

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Cultural Competency is a major variable in delivering equitable services to diverse consumers and families. Over the years we continue to build on what an organization or institution that values cultural competency may look like. However more models or approaches are needed on how to build structures that can sustain organizational cultural competency. This session presents the results

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In this session, we will discuss the best ways to support LGBTQ students from both sides of the desk in the college search and application process. After building a solid understanding of the challenges facing LGBTQ students seeking post-secondary education, we will explore best practices around inclusivity and access in college admissions for queer and transgender students. This

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This workshop explores racialized experiences in higher education through the experiences of four doctoral students and audience. These experiences are used to interrogate more deeply the espoused values related to inclusive excellence, social justice, and equity. Members of the audience and the presenters will co-construct strategies that aim to promote inclusion, diversity and equity.

If our halls could talk, what would they say about the alarming rates of students of color leaving our colleges? What would they say are some of the causes for their departures? What would our students say it is like to be a minority student at a predominantly white campus? Are faculties and staff prepared for this influx

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Immigration is a frequent topic of discussion on the presidential campaign trail, with some leading candidates recommending the exclusion of Muslim immigrants. This session will review the history of Asian immigration exclusion and the impact of exclusion on Asian American communities to offer a historical perspective on what the consequences of new exclusion policies might mean today.

In the fight against White supremacy, people of color must unite and work together, which means that it is absolutely necessary for non-Black people of color to be in solidarity with Black communities and engage with the Black-led movement for social justice (currently, the Black Lives Matter movement). We believe that all people of color have the agency

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Bridging the divide will explore Colorado’s attainment gap and how the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) is attempting to fix the divide between Coloradans who traditionally attain education after high school and underserved Coloradans who do not. CDHE has devoted resources to more clearly understand when Coloradans stop their pursuit of earning a postsecondary credential (i.e. certificates and

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Connect theory and learning to the lived experience with creative projects in the classroom. Participants will explore the use of artistic or creative projects that can connect course content and enhance the depth of learning for students. Using such projects enriches classroom diversity climate, fosters collaboration and provides opportunities for student engaged learning. Workshop members will have hands on experience and create a mask using paper, graphics and images that reflect the identities of self and one’s public and private face.

This workshop invites participants to reflect and interrogate their understanding of the historical and contemporary notions of the model minority myth in education, situated in their positionality and identities. This will support the examination of what internal dialogue is needed to re-center in authentic self/identity, away from whiteness, and what will need to be done in order to not perpetuate this myth further in our communities, jobs, and families. Presenters will provide a brief historical context of the model minority and its contemporary use, engage participants in dialogue problematizing its glamorization, and share their lived experiences in relation to this stereotype.

In this multimedia workshop, participants will work to define whiteness and identify concrete examples of how it works in higher education. They will also understand the consequences of whiteness for people of color. The group will then work together to develop strategies for naming whiteness and resisting whiteness on campus, in the classroom, and online.

In this workshop you will learn about ASSET which granted undocumented students in-state tuition in Colorado, and DACA which granted relief from deportation for undocumented youth nationwide. You will also hear about student's life experiences as undocumented immigrants and the current fight against deportations. Come find out more and get the resources you need to become an ally and learn about the current immigration movement.

Socioeconomic status is defined as the position or standing of an individual, family, or group within a hierarchical social structure as measured by a combination of variables, including occupation, education, income, wealth, and place of residence. Socioeconomic status can have a definite impact on student access to and success in higher education. Students who are perceived as coming from an economically-deprived background may be challenged not only by financial pressures but also lower self-esteem, lack of role models, and implicit bias within the college classroom setting which can hinder their progress towards the goal of completing their degree. Despite the myriad obstacles which must be overcome, there are thousands of instances that destroy the myths and successfully demonstrate that zip code does not automatically predict destiny. How do some students persevere? Is “determination” part of their DNA? Or is it a trait that can be instilled and nurtured by faculty, administrators and others in the higher education arena? Come join in the dialogue and be prepared for a surprising twist in the discussion at the end.

Michael J. Phibbs is the Chief of the Auraria Campus Police Department (ACPD). Phibbs joined the ACPD in August of 2014. Phibbs has 25 years of law enforcement experience. Phibbs earned his master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado Denver. He received his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Colorado Boulder. Phi's is a graduate of the 241st session of the FBI National Academy. Governor Hickenlooper appointed Phibbs to the Colorado Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) board. Phibbs also serves as the Legislative Chair for the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police.

Description Representative Salazar will be leading a conversation on activism, policy, and community engagement. Influenced by his work as an attorney, community organizer, and state representative Joe Salazar will no doubt have a lot to say. Joe Salazar is a representative in Colorado's state house who is a tireless advocate for stopping fracking, protecting civil

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Learn cybersecurity for personal use and best practices in depth from a marginalized lens to stay safe in a police-monitored modern world. This session is designed to outline the basics and more in-depth knowledge for personal security online and offline in a digital world. It will be beneficial to beginners and more advanced tech users,

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Using the example of the Council on Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Colorado Denver, this session has two goals: highlighting the important work of Diversity and Inclusion Councils and exploring the accomplishments of regular collaboration among faculty, students, and staff. It is unusual among university committees to have all three constituencies represented together.

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In this session, attendees will join the national conversation surrounding interpersonal violence (IPV) through a focus on both the individual and community impact that IPV has on students, academic success, and college campuses as a whole. This workshop will incorporate research regarding impact and evidence based and promising practices to challenge the norms surrounding IPV.

This session will identify the need and uncover the simple ability for all of us to be advocates for the underrepresented and marginalized populations surrounding us everyday. Throughout this session we hope to; unpack the need for more advocates, discuss the basics of being a social justice advocate, engage in discussions and research the helps

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Between our intention to practice inclusive excellence, and our impact on changing campus (and classroom) climate, lies our use of language. When we move from words to actions, do we always say (or do) what we mean? Join us for a participatory workshop: 1) to learn about the difference between non-discriminatory and inclusive language; 2)

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So many of us in higher education struggle with the same thing – how to speak up to bias in school. We have all been there – we witness a microaggression or other forms of bias and do nothing. Why is that? This session explains what power has to do with the ability to speak

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This session will review how the Undocupeers Training – developed by United We Dream and implemented by colleges across the U.S. – helps Metropolitan State University of Denver in its mission to better serve Undocumented and DACA students. This session will review the history, scope, and structure of the 4-hour training and will provide some

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In the session we will discuss power and privilege while exploring and examining the four roles of social change: helpers, rebel, advocate and organizer. Participants will reflect on their identity as social change agents and discuss ways that they can enhance one another’s social justice work at their campus community and beyond.

Today, we are bombarded with news about hate crimes or violent acts that are directed towards those that we have been taught to fear. When such incidents happen on campus, each of us is called upon to stand up but many of us do not know what to say or do in response. Throughout this

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