During the Nov. 11 "Conversations for Inclusive Excellence," the UNMC community will explore how diversity of thought and excellence go hand in hand.
Sheritta Strong, MD, assistant vice chancellor of inclusion, will host the discussion, which runs from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and connects cultural humility concepts to UNMC’s ITEACH values of innovation, teamwork, excellence, accountability, courage and healing.
Faculty, staff and students can access Zoom links via the campus calendar or via the Engage website.
On Nov. 11, attendees will hear Sean Edmund Rogers, PhD, discuss the importance of first recognizing diversity of thought and then ensuring that topics particularly important to underrepresented communities are brought to the forefront. Although the dialogue springs off the importance of inclusion when solving climate change issues, the topics discussed are relevant in other aspects of society.
Dr. Rogers speaks to concepts that disrupt our tendencies to stay comfortable among people who are like us and think like us. The value of diversity, when paired with inclusion, helps us bridge blind spots in spaces where decisions are being made. Dr. Rogers supports the notion of creating environments through intentionality, overtness and consciousness, where "diversity, inclusion and learning" are not simply a "nice to have," but rather are expected.
Dr. Rogers is the Spachman Professor of Human Resources and Labor Relations and an associate professor of management in the College of Business at the University of Rhode Island. He is the executive director of inclusive excellence at the college. His current research interests include unions and labor-management relations, employment discrimination and workplace diversity, and volunteerism. His presentation will relate to the ITEACH value of excellence.
Access the Zoom link for the Nov. 22 session via Engage.
Sponsored by the UNMC Office of Inclusion, "Conversations for Inclusive Excellence" allow participants to engage in meaningful and at times uncomfortable conversations to co-create understanding. Participants also gain tools to continue the dialogue within their departments and offices. The sessions, which take place on the second Thursday of every month, challenge participants and the assumptions we all make consciously and unconsciously.