Course Descriptions
The UCF Office of Diversity and Inclusion Training Program is one of the most prolific in higher education. You can pursue certificates and training individually or as a departmental effort to improve performance and our learning and work environments.
- Six-year training impact: 34,546 participants
- Total participants last academic year – 7,996
- Total UCF Inclusion Champions – 326
Workshop Schedule
Please see this semester’s Unity Star for the Summer B 2020 workshop and training schedule. For detailed descriptions of the diversity workshops offered, click on the course titles below. All workshops are free unless otherwise noted. Please note that locations vary. Other opportunities for diversity workshops may be scheduled by calling the UCF Office of Diversity and Inclusion at (407) 823-6479 or by emailing diverse@ucf.edu.
Registration Instructions
- Faculty, A&P, and USPS: Register online at my.UCF.edu > Employee Self Service > Learning & Development > Request Training Enrollment
- Students and OPS: Email your name, requested course name and date, and UCFID number to diverse@ucf.edu.
Be a UCF Inclusion Champion
The UCF Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) offers the Inclusion Champion program to provide colleges, divisions, and departments with training and education designed to explore foundational concepts in diversity and inclusion. Participants will gain a common body of knowledge and skills to contribute to an inclusive learning and professional environment at UCF.
The program consists of nine hours of core workshops required for all participants, plus a minimum of six hours of training on elective topics selected to meet the particular needs of a group or interests of the individual. ODI offers multiple elective options each semester. Participants (faculty, staff and students) can pursue certification individually or as part of a departmental effort, and can complete the program over a three-year period or less.
Have you completed the requirements for the Inclusion Champion program? Fill out a short questionnaire to let us know! After we verify your training records, you will receive a certificate and pin!
Submit verification questionnaire here
UCF Certificates
ODI offers several certificate options for faculty, staff and students:
- Inclusion Champion: complete 9 hours of core workshops and 6 hours of elective topics
- Diversity Certificate Series: complete all four Diversity Certificate modules
- Continuum of Learning Certificate: complete four elective or stand-alone DIV workshops not in a series or towards another certificate program
- Latino Americans Certificate: complete all three Latino Americans modules exploring the history of Latino Americans from 1565 – 2000
- Half the Sky Certificate Series: complete the two-part series based on the book and documentary
- The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow Certificate Series: complete the four-part comprehensive workshop series looking at race relations in the United States between the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement
- We Shall Remain Certificate Series: complete the five-part/three session workshop series exploring the history of Native Americans and their resilience
Please note: students must keep track of the DIV workshops they have attended and verify their training history with us in order to receive any completion certificates
Course Descriptions Log
Read about the variety of diversity workshops that have been offered over the years.
Read More
Examining the Real Disability Barriers
Examining the Real Disability Barriers
Course number: DIV223
Wednesday, October 21, 10:30am – 12:00pm
Facilitator: Student Accessibility Services
Location: Online Via Zoom
This workshop, offered through Zoom, explores disability from a different lens of understanding by challenging some of the cultural assumptions made about disability. The session provides a broad overview for someone who has not participated in previous classes facilitated by Student Accessibility Services, or it can serve as a refresher for individuals who, in the past, participated in this course. The workshop will consist of PowerPoint discussion, videos, and small group conversation.
Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop. Registrants will receive a link to join the Zoom session. Video and audio access is necessary.
The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow
The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow
(Programs 1 & 2)
Course number: DIV201
Tuesday, November 10, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
Location: Online via Zoom
(Programs 3 & 4)
Course number: DIV202
Tuesday, November 17, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
Location: Online via Zoom
Based on the four-part DVD series, The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow, this workshop offers a comprehensive look at race relations in the United States between the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. This workshop documents the context in which the laws of segregation known as the “Jim Crow” system originated and developed.
Must attend all four programs to receive completion certificate.
Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to start of the workshop. Video must be viewed prior to the debrief and discussion sessions. Registrants will receive links to the videos. Registrants also will receive a link to join the Zoom session. Video and audio access is necessary.
Performance Standards for UCF’s Cultural Competencies
Performance Standards for UCF’s Cultural Competencies
Course number: DIV150
ONLINE COURSE
Visit https://diversity.ucf.edu/training/online-workshops/ for registration instructions. You must complete all three sections with a score of 75% or higher to receive credit.
This is a three part online workshop:
- Cognitive Domain
- Affective Domain
- Skill-Building Domain
Cultural competency is the ability to function effectively in the presence of socio-cultural diversity. In 2008, Diversity Track (Summer Faculty Development Conference) scholars proposed 21 “core” cultural competencies as learning objectives for the University of Central Florida’s students, as well as potential areas of growth for faculty and staff. These cultural competencies encompass three domains of learning, cognitive, affective, and skill-building.
The purpose of the Diversity Track of the 2013 Summer Faculty Development Conference was to expand and refine the cultural competencies to include details that would facilitate infusion into curricula. In particular, Diversity Track scholars developed Performance Standards for each of the 21 “core” cultural competencies. This learning object presents the Performance Standards for the Cognitive, Affective, and Skill-Building Domains. The ultimate goal of this work is the development of culturally competent individuals equipped to function in today’s global workplace.
Communicating Across Cultures
Communicating Across Cultures
Course Number: DIV044
Monday, November 30, Starts at 9:00am
Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
Location: Webcourses@UCF
The ability to enhance understanding through effective cross-cultural communication is an important skill in today’s world. The workshop, Communicating Across Cultures, as facilitated by UCF’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion introduces this extensive topic through discussions and activities that focus on the following:
• gaining an understanding of foundational concepts such as the Communication Model and the three types of communication,
• learning about the perspective of high-context and low-context cultures,
• defining culture as detailed by Pellegrino Riccardi,
• describing 10 potential causes of verbal miscommunication across cultures, such as conventions for courtesy, accents, and hot buttons,
• exploring cross-cultural differences (and similarities) in various forms of nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, and body distance,
• considering micromessages and microaggressions and how they may be received differently in other cultures, and
• developing skills to assist in the process of communicating effectively across cultures.
Emphasis is placed on the idea that differences in communication patterns and styles across cultures are important reflections of human diversity, and on how inclusive attitudes around this aspect of our uniqueness contribute to a world in which we all matter.
Please note: Webcourses are open only on the indicated dates and at the specified times. On average, Communicating Across Cultures takes between 3.5 – 4.5 hours to complete. Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop. Registrants will receive an invitation to participate in the Webcourse.
Safe Zone Series
Safe Zone Series
Advocates
Course number: DIV241
Wednesday, September 23, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Monday, November 2, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Facilitator: LGBTQ+ Services
Location: Online via Zoom
The Safe Zone Advocates training is the second in the series and was created to further individual knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. The training is geared toward helping attendees explore, identify, and expose cultural biases and acquire skills necessary for advocating for marginalized populations.
Participants who complete both trainings (LGBTQ+ 101 and Safe Zone Advocates) are designated as Safe Zone Advocates and can be identified by a Safe Zone placard.
Training Objectives:
- Increase insight into personal and cultural biases
- Increase awareness of the impact these biases have on interactions with LGBTQ+ individuals
- Increase comfort in addressing systemic oppressions that affect LGBTQ+ individuals
- Increase ability to identify micro-aggressions that impact LGBTQ+ individuals
- Increase comfort in discussing power, privilege, and oppression
- Acquire skills and knowledge to increase ability to advocate
- Increase understanding that being an ally is an ongoing and active process
Coming Out
Course number: DIV242
Tuesday, November 24, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Facilitator: LGBTQ+ Services
Location: Online Via Zoom
The Coming Out workshop explores the process and challenges of coming out as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender. Participants will learn more about theories and concerns about the coming out process for LGBTQ+ individuals. The workshop will allow those who attend to explore their LGBTQ+ identity or to support a family member or friend who may be coming out.
Training Objectives:
- Provide a space for individuals to ask questions about the coming out process and gain a better understanding of what coming out means to an LGBTQ+ person.
- Educate individuals on different coming out models and theories to better understand the diversity of the coming out process.
- Explain the barriers and challenges faced by those who go through the coming out process and provide tips on how to be part of a support system.
GOLD
Course number: DIV243
Thursday, November 12, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Facilitator: LGBTQ+ Services
Location: Online via Zoom
The GOLD Knights workshop aims to provide education on topics concerning language specific to gender and sexual/romantic orientation within the LGBTQ+ community. Participants will learn more about contemporary ideas of gender, sexual orientation, biological sex, romantic orientation, and gender presentation.
Training Objectives:
- Increase the ability to articulate the differences between sexual orientation, romantic orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and biological sex.
- Increase familiarity with various terms that relate to sexual orientation, romantic orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and biological sex.
- Increase understanding about the ways in which to respect people regardless of their identity.
LGBTQ+ 101
Course number: DIV033
Tuesday, September 8, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Tuesday, October 13, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Facilitator: LGBTQ+ Services
Location: Online via Zoom
The Allies Advance program is now called ‘Safe Zone,’ and has two distinct workshops both 3 hours in length. The Level 1 class will be called LGBTQ+ 101 and can still be used to meet an elective requirement for the SDES Diversity Certificate Series.
The Level 2 class will be called Safe Zone Advocate Training. LGBTQ+ 101 is a mandatory pre-requisite to attend this class. Upon completion of this training, participants can officially identify themselves as a Safe Zone Advocate which will be designated by a placard/pin/patch with the new logo.
Individuals who have already completed Allies training prior to Summer 2013 are welcome to keep their old placard identifying them as an Ally, but must attend both workshops of the new format in order to receive the Safe Zone Advocate designation. Individuals cannot swap out their old placard with a new one, as the material has been significantly changed and expanded from previous years.
Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop. Registrants will receive a link to join the Zoom session. Video and audio access is necessary.
Understanding Power and Privilege
Understanding Power and Privilege
Course number: DIV016
Wednesday, October 28, starts at 9:00am
Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
Location: Webcourses@UCF
Understanding Power & Privilege, as facilitated by UCF’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, introduces the constructs of power, privilege, oppression, internalized oppression, and intersectionality and explores their implications for the individual and society. Discussions and activities focus on the following:
· defining key terms associated with this complex topic,
· reflecting on aspects of individual identity and noting how self-perceptions and the perceptions of other people may differ,
· exploring the seminal work of Dr. Peggy McIntosh, as it relates to white privilege and male privilege,
· delineating examples of privilege associated with several dimensions of diversity and providing an opportunity to describe our own areas of privilege,
· expanding our views of privilege by learning about the perspective of Tim Wise and the story of Lilly Ledbetter,
· gaining knowledge of the Cycle of Oppression and internalized oppression,
· recognizing the important work of Kimberlé Crenshaw with respect to the concept of intersectionality, and
· opening the conversation on how privilege may be addressed.
As certain topics in this course are more extensively discussed in the ABCs of Diversity and the multi-part Diversity Certificate Series, participating in one of these workshops is required prior to enrolling in this Webcourse.
Please note: Webcourses are open only on the indicated dates and at the specified times. On average, Understanding Power and Privilege takes between 3.5-4.5 hours to complete. Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop. Registrants will receive an invitation to participate in the Webcourse.
ABCs of Diversity
ABCs of Diversity
Course number: DIV008
Tuesday, September 1, Starts at 9:00am
Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
Location: Webcourses@UCF
As the foundational workshop facilitated by UCF’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the ABCs of Diversity explores three key concepts – diversity, inclusion, and equity. Discussions and activities develop the following ideas:
· human diversity is broad and includes all the ways in which we differ,
· understanding our similarities is key to developing connections,
· inclusion involves creating and maintaining safe and respectful spaces for everyone, and
· equity requires us to respond to the needs of individuals in order for each person to realize their full potential.
The impact of stereotypes (“single stories”) on our thinking and behavior also is explored.
Please note: Webcourses are open only on the indicated dates and at the specified times. On average, the ABCs of Diversity takes between 3-4 hours to complete. Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop. Registrants will receive an invitation to participate in the Webcourse.
Inclusive Communication
Inclusive Communication
Course number: DIV053
Monday, October 26, starts at 9:00am
Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
Location: Webcourses@UCF
Inclusive Communication, as facilitated by UCF’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, explores the concept that as we interact in diverse environments and strive to enhance inclusion and equity, it is important to be welcoming, appreciative, valuing, and respectful in our communications with one another. Discussions and activities develop the following ideas:
• inclusive communication involves words, tone of voice, body language, and micromessages,
• awareness and identification of exclusive language and phrases affords us the opportunity to rethink how to word what we say (or don’t say) so as to include all and consistently demonstrate respect,
• understanding and applying key principles for how we treat each other assists in the process of communicating inclusively, and
• inclusion always matters and always applies.
Please note that this workshop examines the words we use. Other workshops provided by UCF’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion explore tone of voice and body language (Communicating Across Cultures) and micromessages (Micromessages and Microaggressions).
Please note: Webcourses are open only on the indicated dates and at the specified times. On average, Inclusive Communication takes between 3.5-4.5 hours to complete. Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop. Registrants will receive an invitation to participate in the Webcourse.
Social Justice 101
Social Justice 101
Course number: DIV433
Wednesday, September 16, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Thursday, October 22, 10:00am – 11:30am
Facilitator: Edwanna Andrews, Ph.D.
Location: Online Via Zoom
Recognizing social justice is a goal and a process, this session will provide attendees with a basic understanding of the topic. This workshop seeks to equip and engage the audience with consciously considering and critically thinking about the role and impact social justice (access) has on the UCF campus community.
Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop. Registrants will receive a link to join the Zoom session. Video and audio access is necessary.
Unpacking Social Identity
Unpacking Social Identity
Course number: DIV434
Tuesday, October 6, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Tuesday, November 3, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Facilitator: Edwanna Andrews, Ph.D.
Location: Online via Zoom
This workshop will allow participants to examine their personal social identities and take an in-depth look at how our social identities inform our awareness and impact how we interact with the world around us.
Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop. Registrants will receive a link to join the Zoom session. Video and audio access is necessary.
Immigration 101
Immigration 101
Course number: DIV441
Thursday, October 8, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Facilitators: Christina Khan and Lauren Pattison
Location: Online via Zoom
Immigration is a prominent topic in the national discourse and affects the lives of millions of people, yet it is incredibly complex and difficult to understand. The Immigration 101 workshop explores basic immigration concepts so that participants walk away with a better understanding of this important topic.
Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop. Lauren Pattison Registrants will receive a link to join the Zoom session. Video and audio access is necessary.
Easy Checks for Website Accessibility
Easy Checks for Website Accessibility
DIV 483
Monday, September 21, 2:00 – 3:00pm
Facilitator: Student Accessibility Services
Location: Online via Zoom
Websites may have barriers to access for people with disabilities. Visually a webpage may look accessible, but it may have many obstacles to access. The good news is you don’t need extensive technical knowledge to get a good idea of the accessibility of a page. This Zoom presentation will present easy check tips to test a webpage and to find the access issues that may only take a few minutes to fix.
Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop. Registrants will receive a link to join the Zoom session. Video and audio access is necessary.
How Language Contributes to Disability Oppression
How Language Contributes to Disability Oppression
Course number: DIV477
Thursday, October 29, 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Facilitator: Student Accessibility Services
Location: Online via Zoom
A number of commonly accepted words and phrases in our culture are actually rooted in disability history and may contribute to the oppression of people with disabilities. This workshop, offered through Zoom, will explore the impact of language in general, some of the words that are problematic and considered to be oppressive, and how we can possibly use language differently. The session will consist of PowerPoint discussion, videos, and small group conversation.
Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop. Registrants will receive a link to join the Zoom session. Video and audio access is necessary.
Lunch with Ted
Lunch with Ted
Course number: DIV478
Friday, September 4, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
Location: Online via Zoom
• How Language Shapes the Way We Think
There are about 7,000 languages spoken around the world — and they all have different sounds, vocabularies, and structures. But do they shape the way we think? Cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky shares examples of language — from an Aboriginal community in Australia that uses cardinal directions instead of left and right to the multiple words for blue in Russian — that suggest the answer is a resounding yes. “The beauty of linguistic diversity is that it reveals to us just how ingenious and how flexible the human mind is,” Boroditsky says. “Human minds have invented not one cognitive universe, but 7,000.”
Course number: DIV479
Friday, September 20, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
Location: Online via Zoom
• The Power of Vulnerability
Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, and love. In this poignant, funny TED talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity.
Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop. Registrants will receive a link to join the Zoom session. Video and audio access is necessary.
Micromessages and Microaggressions
Micromessages and Microaggressions
Course number: DIV225
Wednesday, November 18, Starts at 9:00am
Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
Location: Webcourses@UCF
Micromessages and Microaggressions is one of the most frequently requested workshops facilitated by UCF’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Micromessages are signals that we send to one another through our actions and behaviors. Although these messages may be “small,” their impact can be tremendous. This conversation on micromessages includes an in-depth look at both micro-inequities and micro-affirmations. Microaggressions are brief exchanges that send denigrating messages to marginalized groups and also are examined in detail in this workshop. Throughout this Webcourse, the impact of micromessages and microaggressions on inclusion and equity is emphasized. Areas of focus entail:
• reflecting on the history behind our current knowledge of micromessages and microaggressions,
• defining and providing examples of micromessages (both inequities and affirmations) as well as microaggressions,
• recognizing the personal toll that micro-inequities and microaggressions may have on individuals and the community,
• understanding the ways in which each of us may stop or reduce the prevalence of micro-inequities and microaggressions, and
• acknowledging that it takes the dedication of all of us to address and eliminate the many forms of exclusion and noting that micro-affirmations are powerful tools in helping people to reach their full potentials.
Please note: Webcourses are open only on the indicated dates and at the specified times. On average, Micromessages and Microaggressions takes between 3.5-4.5 hours to complete. Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop. Registrants will receive an invitation to participate in the Webcourse.
The Power of Conversation Why We Need to Talk
The Power of Conversation Why We Need to Talk
Course number: DIV484
Thursday, September 17, 10:00am – 11:30am
Wednesday, November 4, 10:00am – 11:30am
Facilitator: Chantel Carter
Location: Online Via Zoom
In today’s society of remote existence, effective communication is imperative to success. Now more than ever, we are relying on our conversations in order to meet expectations and accomplish our goals. Unfortunately, these conversations (either virtual or in-person) don’t always go the way we would prefer. It can be a real struggle to connect with others, and we may try to avoid having conversations altogether. This session will equip you with tips on how to have better, more effective and impactful conversations with each other. You will have the opportunity to practice your conversation skills in a fun environment with your fellow colleagues. You don’t want to miss this conversation.
Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop. Registrants will receive a link to join the Zoom session. Video and audio access is necessary.