As the Interim Dean of Institutional Equity and Inclusion at Luther, one of the major items I am charged with is strengthening the cultural competency of our workforce. Cultural competency focuses on an individual's ability to navigate and work across cultural differences.

To that end, I am excited to present a series of staff development workshops designed to engage us in dialogue and consideration of ways to move the college toward inclusive excellence. Information on each workshop, including how to register, is listed below. I invite you to attend, participate and engage with your colleagues on this important topic.

-Lisa Scott

Considerations for Inclusive Excellence

Inclusive excellence must be viewed as inherent, integral and core to realizing institutional performance and outcomes. This workshop focuses on the organizational levels to consider when creating departmental programs and initiatives.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 27, 9-11 a.m.

Where: Nobel Room, second floor of Dahl Centennial Union

Audience: Coordinators, assistant/associate directors, directors, assistant/associate deans, college pastors
Facilitator: Lisa Scott

Cultural Competency – Part 1

The ability to work seamlessly across different cultures is critical to organizational success and inclusive excellence. Workshop participants are introduced to the ways in which their own lived experience and social groups serve to inform their worldview. Sign up for either session.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.-noon
            Tuesday, Oct. 10, 1-3 p.m.

Where: Mott Room, first floor of Dahl Centennial Union

Audience: Administrative support staff, Campus Safety and Security, Athletics, TRIO and CAE staff, Information Technology Services, Book Shop staff, Financial Services, Financial Aid, Facilities Services and Preus Library staff

Facilitators: Lisa Scott, Wintlett Taylor-Browne

Considerations for Inclusive Excellence

Inclusive excellence must be viewed as inherent, integral and core to realizing institutional performance and outcomes. This workshop focuses on the organizational levels to consider when creating departmental programs and initiatives.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-noon

Where: Mott Room, first floor of Dahl Centennial Union

Audience: Coordinators, assistant/associate directors, directors, assistant/associate deans, college pastors

Facilitator: Lisa Scott

Cultural Competency – Part 2

Workshop participants are introduced the components of cultural competency and explore ways to assess and strengthen their own capacity for intercultural engagement and success (Attendance in Part 1 is required to attend this workshop).

When: Tuesday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-noon

Where:  Nobel Room, second floor of Dahl Centennial Union

Audience: Administrative support staff, Campus Safety and Security, Athletics, TRIO and CAE staff, Information Technology Services, Book Shop staff, Financial Services, Financial Aid, Facilities Services and Preus Library staff

Facilitators: Lisa Scott, Wintlett Taylor-Browne

 

To register for the above workshops please RSVP to Steve Hornbacher, [email protected].

Safe Zone Training

Open to the Luther community, the training uses the materials provided by the Safe Zone Project and is very interactive. Focus is on understanding the LGBTQIA+ community in all of its complexities, inclusive language and how best to use our privileges to make a difference.

All Safe Zone training sessions are held from 4-5:30 p.m. in Mott Room, second floor of Dahl Centennial Union.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 26
Facilitators: Meg Hammes, Sukeji Jeffrey

When: Tuesday, Oct. 3 
Facilitators: TBD    

When: Tuesday, Oct. 10
Facilitators: TBD

When: Tuesday, Oct. 24
Facilitators: TBD

Training can be scheduled to meet specific department and student group needs outside of these times by contacting any of the following persons: Michelle Boike, Meg Hammes, Char Kunkel, Wintlett Taylor-Browne or Stepanie Travers.

To register for one of the Safe Zone training sessions go to: http://tinyurl.com/luthersafezone.