Diversity Matters

Diversity matters. It plays a key role in all university endeavors, and a series of multilevel programming organized by the Graduate Division is designed to emphasize just that.

“The goal of the Diversity Matters programming is to promote campus conversations around the central role of diversity to our academic missions, the barriers to that diversity, and how faculty and staff can work as change agents in creating an inclusive and supportive climate for scholars of varied backgrounds and identities,” said Carol Genetti, dean of the Graduate Division. “These events will begin these conversations and we will build on them with  further programming in the winter and spring quarters. Our aim is for these conversations to gain momentum so we can all work together to produce positive change.”

The series begins Tuesday, Oct. 10, with the first of four Theater Delta presentations. “Are You Aware?” is set for 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Intended for department chairs and members of faculty search committees, the interactive theater performances explore how implicit bias based on gender and race influences the hiring of faculty on campus.

“Risk and Promise” will take place Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. It is aimed at faculty members involved with graduate admissions. The performances address implicit bias in the admission of graduate students; why diversity, equity and inclusion in the student cohort should be a priority; and how implicit bias in the admission committee process can result in minority candidates being overlooked.

“What’s Your Problem: an interactive performance about ISMS and social justice on campus performance” will follow at 3 p.m. in Campbell Hall. Intended for staff members, “What’s Your Problem” explores microaggressions, “isms,” and social justice on campus.

“Cultivation,” the final Theater Delta presentation, will look at mentoring and unconscious bias in graduate school. Designed for faculty members, it looks at how to create conditions for open dialogue, establish expectations and responsibilities for mentor and mentee, provide effective critical feedback and serve the needs of graduate students from diverse backgrounds. “Cultivation” begins at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12.

Unless otherwise noted, the Theater Delta performances will take place in the MultiCultural Center.

Other events in the Diversity Matters series include a distinguished lecture by Jeffrey Milem, dean of the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. Milem will address the question “How Can We Fulfill Higher Education’s Promise to Prepare Its Citizens for an Increasingly Diverse Democracy?” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, in the MultiCultural Center. The lecture is free and the public is invited.

The Diversity Champions Lunch, a conversation facilitated by Milem and aimed at faculty members who already have advanced understanding of diversity issues and would like to become more engaged in advancing diversity at UCSB, will take place at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, in the UCen’s Flying A Studio.

The series will conclude Monday, Oct. 30, with the presentations “Diversity in Graduate Education Through Admissions Practices” and “Graduate Leader’s Training” at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively in Mosher House.