Office of Diversity Education and Training Programs

Dates and Location:

Refer to the Diversity Workshop Schedule

Facilitator: Kristeena LaRoue

Description:

Are you running into challenges with making documents and/or technology accessible? Do you need some time to work with an accessibility expert? This open lab session will provide an interactive space for individuals to work with an accessibility expert on document and technology accessibility remediation. Please note that computers may not be readily available for in-person sessions depending upon the space provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their devices, as well as any technology or documents that need remediation, to this session.

Questions? Please contact oie@ucf.edu.

Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop.

Dates and Location:

Friday, March 31, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. BYC 140
Friday, March 31, 1 – 2 p.m. BYC 140
Friday, March 31, 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. BYC 140

Facilitator: Adam Meyer

Description:
Do you know what common barriers prevent access for people with disabilities? Based on the popular escape room game concept, Student Accessibility Services has been challenging teams since 2018 to be locked in a room full of disabling barriers. If you want to escape, you will need to identify and remove the barriers within the room with more accessible approaches and a more accessible mindset within the time allotted. Three separate escape room activities will be scheduled for teams of 12 people on March 31st. Game times are 10:00, 11:15, 1:00, and 2:15. and will be held in Barbara Ying Center 140. The total experience will last one hour. Games will start promptly at the assigned start time. Teams should plan to arrive 5 minutes prior to the selected time for check-in. Are you an access facilitator or a barrier builder? Come play to find out! This highly interactive experience is a great team-building activity. More information will be sent to registrants a few days prior to the event.

Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop.

Dates and Location:

Friday, January 27,  10 – 11:30 a.m. BYC 140
Tuesday, January 31, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Zoom

Facilitator: Chantel Carter

Description:
Our communities are struggling with connection, and we are experiencing a connection void.  Not connecting with others has created a disconnect that makes it difficult to develop/maintain relationships within our communities.   Let’s talk about this concept called Connectedness so we can strengthen our connections with others and thus strengthen our communities.

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 required.

Dates and Location:

Refer to the Diversity Workshop Schedule

Facilitator: Kristeena LaRoue

Description:
This training will provide an overview of digital accessibility, as well as UCF’s Digital Accessibility Policy. Participants will learn more about digital accessibility, its core components, and how it impacts UCF.

Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop.

Dates and Location:

Open from 09/05 – 12/01. Online via Webcourses

Facilitator: Student Accessibility Services

Description:
This course is geared toward UCF staff and will give an overview of the history of the Americans with Disability Act, disability civil rights and social justice, proactive access and design, and ways to create an inclusive environment on campus and in the classroom

Please note: Webcourses are open only on the indicated dates and at the specified times. Participants will be able to register throughout the semester. Registrants will receive an invitation to participate in the Webcourse.

Dates and Location:

Refer to the Diversity Workshop Schedule

Facilitator: Kristeena LaRoue

Description:
A vital part of creating an inclusive digital environment is ensuring that all documents are created in an accessible manner. This training will cover the core components of creating an accessible document, primarily in Microsoft Office, and will include a hands-on demonstration of the remediation of an inaccessible document. Please note that participants should bring a device with Microsoft Office installed to this training. 

Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop.

Dates and Location:

Friday, March 30, 2:30 – 4 p.m. BYC 140

Facilitator: Adam Meyer

Description:

This workshop explores disability from a different lens of understanding by challenging some of the cultural assumptions made about disability. This session offers a broad overview for someone who has not participated in previous sessions offered by Student Accessibility Services or can serve as a refresher if you have participated in previous sessions. In addition, a number of commonly accepted words and phrases in our culture are actually rooted in disability history and may contribute to the oppression of disabled people. We explore the impact of disability language in general, some of the words that are problematic and considered to be oppressive and how we can possibly use language differently.

Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop.

Dates and Location:

Wednesday, March 8, 3 – 5 p.m. Zoom

Facilitator: Nicole Stelter

Description:

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 work

Dates and Location:

Wednesday, April 12, 3 – 5 p.m. Zoom

Facilitator: Nicole Stelter

Description:

An international student’s journey to studying in the United States is a complex, multistep process that begins long before the student arrives. This session will highlight an international student’s journey starting from before they apply to the university, to obtaining their student visa, arriving to the United States, and the many things they must consider while earning their degree. Participants will gain a better understanding of what international students must go through to pursue their dream of studying in the United States.

Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the work

Dates and Locations:

Wednesday, February 15,   2:30 – 4:30 p.m. BYC 140
Thursday, March 2, 10a.m. – 12p.m. BYC 140

Facilitators: Kavita Sawh

Description:
As facilitated by UCF’s Office of Diversity Education and Training, Inclusive Communication 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 allows us to rethink how to word what we say (or don’t say) 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
• The importance of inclusion in diverse environments

Please note: This workshop examines the words we use. Other workshops provided by UCF’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion explore tone of voice, body language, and micromessages.

Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop.

Date and Location:

Wednesday, March 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. BYC 140
Tuesday, March 28, 2 – 4 p.m. BYC 140
Facilitator: Kavita Sawh

Description:
This workshop will teach participants how biased practices unconsciously and consciously communicate derogatory and hurtful messages to others. In addition, it will provide ways to help make sure the intention behind our statements, questions, and actions match our impact. Learning Outcomes include:

• Discuss the differences between intent and impact, their role in diversity and inclusion, and the shift of thinking to an affirmation that enforces constant learning

• Examine the interactions that compare intent and impact along with ways to navigate these interactions better

• Reflect upon repair, perspective, and change that can be implemented when the gap between intent and impact is closed

Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop.

Dates and Location:

Refer to the Diversity Workshop Schedule

Facilitator: Kristeena LaRoue

Description:
This training will cover the basics of the remediation of PDF documents for accessibility, including tagging content and establishing reading order. Participants are strongly encouraged to complete Document Accessibility to gain an understanding of the components of an accessible document before enrolling in PDF Accessibility. Please note that participants are encouraged, but not required, to bring a device with Adobe Acrobat installed to this training.

Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop.

Dates and Location:

Monday, April 3, 12 – 1 p.m. Zoom

Facilitator: Martha Hubertz Ph.D

Description:
A discussion of how representation in media influences implicit and explicit biases. We will discuss various forms of media, including social media, and how that creates stereotyping and maintains false belief systems.

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 required.

Dates and Locations:

Tuesday, February 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Zoom
Thursday, April 6, 2 – 4 p.m. Zoom

Facilitator: LGBTQ+ Services

Description:
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 the ability to advocate

Increase understanding that being an ally is an ongoing and active process

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 required.

Dates and Locations:

Thursday, March 2, 12 – 2p.m. Zoom

Facilitator: LGBTQ+ Services

Description:

The Coming Out workshop explores the process and challenges of coming out as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender. Participants will learn more about what the process of coming out may look like, different misconceptions, and how to be an advocate during and after someone comes out. 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 better understand 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.

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 required.

Dates and Locations:

Friday, April 21, 3 – 5 p.m. BYC 140

Facilitator: LGBTQ+ Services

Description:

The GOLD 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 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 related to sexual orientation, romantic orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and biological sex.
• Increase understanding about how to respect people regardless of their identity

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 required.

Dates and Locations:

Wednesday, January 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Zoom
Tuesday, March 21, 2 – 4 p.m. BYC 140

Facilitator: LGBTQ+ Services

Description:
The LGBTQ+ 101 training is the first in the series and is designed for all levels of knowledge about LGBTQ+ issues. In this 2-hour training, participants will be presented with general information about individual and societal concerns related to LGBTQ+ identity. This training serves as an introduction to these issues. LGBTQ+ 101 must be taken as an entry point before any other Safe Zone workshops are taken.

Training Objectives:

• Gain a greater understanding of LGBTQ+ culture
• Feel more comfortable talking about LGBTQ+ issues
• Interact more sensitively with LGBTQ+ populations
• Help create a safer environment for LGBTQ+ individuals on campus

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 required.

Dates and Location:

Thursday, February 23, 2 – 4 p.m. BYC 140
Thursday, March 23, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. BYC 140

Facilitator: Kavita Sawh

Description:
Research demonstrates that 90% of the time, our decision-making occurs subconsciously. This means that our brain is forming perceptions and making decisions based on our beliefs, learned knowledge, and lived experiences. Unless we make a conscious choice to explore our decision-making process, our conclusions will often include biases and limit our ability to think outside of the box, consider alternative solutions, work collaboratively with diverse populations, and treat people equitably. This workshop provides participants an opportunity to understand the origins of implicit bias and learn strategies to best address it.

Learning Outcomes:

1)  Participants will learn the meaning and origins of implicit bias

2)  Participants will have an opportunity to explore how implicit bias shows up in their work

or lives

3)  Participants will learn strategies to address implicit bias

Framework Category: Diversity Leadership Cultural Competencies: C1, C4, C7, A5, S5

Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop.

Date and Location:

Tuesday, February 7, 2 – 4 p.m. BYC 140
Wednesday, February 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. BYC 140

Facilitators: Kavita Sawh

Description:
As the foundational workshop facilitated by UCF’s Office of Diversity Education and Training, this workshop 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: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop.

Date and Location:

Tuesday, April 4, 3 – 5 p.m. BYC 140

Facilitator: Kavita Sawh

Description:
Micromessages and Microaggressions is one of the most frequently requested workshops facilitated by UCF’s Office of Diversity Education and Training. 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:  Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop.

Dates and Location:

Refer to the Diversity Workshop Schedule

Facilitator: Kristeena LaRoue

Description:
This training provides an overview of the basics of video accessibility, including captioning and audio description. The training will demonstrate multiple ways of captioning video content and provide information on UCF’s approved vendors for captioning services.

Please note: Pre-registration is REQUIRED by no later than three days prior to the start of the workshop.