Please see the following call for speakers for Fall 2021 from Dr. Patricia Young, Special Assistant for Strategy and Innovation in the CAHSS Dean's Office:
I am working with Dean Moffitt to develop a series of talks entitled Looking in the Mirror for the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters. The theme of the series is derived from President Freeman Hrabowski’s book, The Empowered University (2019) that advocates for the spirit of shared leadership, culture change and academic success. Over the next school year, organizers of this series seek to provide faculty and staff an opportunity to engage and voice their opinions about pivotal topics that shape our future as a university and individual growth. This is an in-house event.
Topics for the Looking in the Mirror series were derived from the following groups and reports:
a. Women’s Faculty Network (emails and virtual meetings)
b. Inclusion Council Recommendation Report, 2020-2021
c. Faculty Caregiving Advisory Committee Listening Sessions and Survey Report and Recommendations June 1, 2021
d. The Empowered University by Freeman Hrabowski focusing on chapter 12 Looking in the Mirror
Each topic reflects what faculty and staff felt we needed as a community to heal and grow. We are excited about the future of UMBC, and hope all will join us by looking in the mirror.
Suggested Months: (September, October, November: 2021; February, March, April: 2022)
Speakers/Facilitators are needed for the following topics (descriptions below are tentative). Format: Speakers/Facilitators would deliver a 10 to 15 minute overview of the topic, facilitate the discussion and generate strategies, outcomes or next steps. A small stipend is provided by CAHSS.
1.Mental Health: Ourselves and Students
In this presentation, speakers will discuss the trauma that all have experienced due to the pandemic and the strength it takes to move forward and begin again. Faculty might discuss their concerns for themselves and/or the students they teach. How can we meet the mental health challenges ahead in this new world?
Tentative Date: September __________, 2021
Time: 12 noon – 1 pm
Speakers/Facilitators:
2. A Culture of Distrust and Silence/Transparency
Some people have described a culture of distrust at UMBC. Where does this stem from and what can be done by individuals or departments to make changes? There is a need for transparency in the management of personnel related matters such as salary reviews, reporting and resolving of grievances, anonymous procedures for feedback to upper administration, and addressing systemic racism in departments/offices that further entrenches this climate of distrust and silence. This discussion begins the dialogue of how transparency can be achieved at UMBC.
Tentative Date: _________, 2021
Time: 12 noon – 1 pm
Speakers/Facilitators:
3.Equity: What does it truly mean?
In this presentation, equity is discussed and defined from racialized perspectives. Misconceptions of equity are explored. Where do we go from here?
Tentative Date: __________, 2021
Time: 12 noon – 1 pm
Speakers/Facilitators:
4.Microagressions: Identifying, defining and transforming oneself
In this presentation, microagressions are identified, defined and discussed. The outcomes of those who are on the other end of the microagressions are discussed and alternative language explored.
Tentative Date:
Time: 12 noon – 1 pm
Speakers/Facilitators:
5.Toxic Niceness/Positivity:
In this presentation, the speaker addresses the toxic niceness that creates a culture of silence. There is a risk of speaking out. How does toxic niceness show up in policies and practices?
Tentative Date:
Time: 12 noon – 1 pm
Speakers/Facilitators:
6.Systemic Racism
What is systemic racism and how is it demonstrated in departments/offices that further entrench this climate of distrust and silence?
Tentative Date:
Time: 12 noon – 1 pm
Speakers/Facilitators: