University of Lethbridge - The Diversity Advantage

Show Respect, Get Respect at Your U

The Gender Diversity Caucus of the University of Lethbridge Faculty Association (ULFA) has been inspired to create a campaign for the University entitled Show Respect, Get Respect at Your U a promotion which kicks off on March 7th, 2011.

This awareness campaign centres around the importance of faculty and students co-existing in a respectful learning environment in an inclusive campus which celebrates the spirited discovery of critical thought and free expression. Faculty and students share a collective responsibility for their learning and both require a safe environment in which to carry out their educational enterprises.

How do faculty encourage students to challenge and respect ideas in the classroom? What makes for a respectful meaningful academic community? How do you manage the classroom with diverse constituencies without compromising or contradicting academic freedom? What happens when definitions of respect collide? The presupposition that you must give respect in order to get respect looks good on the page but how do you address the curricular goals and satisfy the cultural, religious and gender concerns of your students? Is there an absence of civility and appropriate classroom etiquette exhibited by students?

The campaign will be launched during the week of March 7th-11th at the University of Lethbridge, culminating with a Talking about Teaching event hosted by CAETL on Friday, March 11th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in AH100 which will address the topic of respectful teaching and respectful learning.

Canada's Foremost Expert on Human Rights Law speaks at the U of L

As part of the Royal Society's Governor General Lecture Series The Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy at the University of Lethbridge invites you to a lecture by the Horourable Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella, entitled "Culture and Justice: A Love Story". This is a public lecture, free for anyone to attend. Held on October 25, 2010 in room E690 of University Hall at 1:30 pm. Madam Justice Abella presided over the Royal Commission on Equality in Employment, where she created the term and concept of "employment equity", a strategy for reducing barriers in employment faced by women, visible minorities, people with disabilities, and aboriginal peoples.

Preventing Workplace Violence: March 10th

Presented by the Ross Arrowsmith, Senior Security Advisor at WCB (Workers' Compensation Board Alberta), there will be a 90-minute presentation on campus Wednesday, March 10th on preventing workplace violence. Ross is a dynamic speaker who puts a humorous and interesting perspective on a serious topic. Learn more here.

International Women's Day 2010: March 6th

Presented by the YMCA of Lethbridge and District, this year's International Women's Day is showcasing speakers expressing their views on Equal rights, Equal opportunities: Progress for All on Saturday, March 6th at the Lethbridge Centre. More information on this exciting event can be found here.

Native Awareness Week: March 1 - 5

Dancing, drumming and discussions -- artistic, political and cultural -- are on the agenda for the annual showcase of First Nations arts, culture and music which takes place on campus from Mar. 1 to Mar. 5.

Organized by the Native American Students' Association (NASA), the schedule for the week of activities can be found here.

Native Awareness Week: March 2 - 6

Artistic, political and cultural events including hand game and fry bread demonstrations, dancing (including a Hand Drum and Round Dance contest), music, art, lectures and entertainment are all being featured at the annual showcase of the First Nations Awareness week which takes place on campus from Mar. 2 to Mar. 6.

Organized by the Native American Students' Association (NASA), the schedule for the week of activities can be found here.

Native Awareness Week: March 11 - 14

Artistic, political and cultural events including dancers, drums, music and art inclduing videos and dialogues are being presented at the annual showcase of the First Nations Awareness week which takes place on campus from Mar. 11 to Mar. 14.

Organized by the Native American Students' Association (NASA), the schedule for the week of activities can be found here.

Bullying & Harassment in the Workplace - Seminars

On March 22 and 23 Stephen Hammond www.stephenhammond.ca will be in attendance on our campus to provide information and discuss strategies on how to address Bullying and Harassment in the work place. The University is concerned about real or potential bullying, harassment and inappropriate behaviour of various forms within the university setting and wants to ensure that all faculty and staff are well informed on how to handle these matters when they arise.

Stephen will lead a discussion with administrators, department heads and the University community on this topic. Participants will be made aware that inappropriate behaviours come in many forms and must be prevented in order to create a welcoming and effective environment. The sessions will be thought provoking and entertaining, getting individuals to think about the issues of discrimination, stereotyping, harassment and bullying and what each person can do to challenge these problems in a productive manner.

President Bill Cade encourages all members of the University to attend these sessions.

Open session for University community:
Thursday, March 22, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
W570 Recital Hall

Workshop for Administrators and Departmental Chairs:
Friday, March 23, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
AH 100 Andy's Place

For additional information please contact Patrick Wilson at patrick.wilson@uleth.ca

Best Practices and Gender Equity in the Academy

The Offices of the President, the Dean of Arts & Science, and ULFA invite all senior administrators, Deans, Department Chairs, and Program Coordinators to attend a co-sponsored workshop on "Best Practices and Gender Equity in the Academy."

This workshop will be led by Dr. Jo Handelsman, a plant pathologist and co-director of the Women in Science and Engineering Leadership Institute (WISELI) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison http://www.plantpath.wisc.edu/fac/joh/joh.htm

The workshop is scheduled for Friday, November 10, 2006, in AH 176, from 11:00 to 12 noon, followed by lunch and discussion from 12 noon to 1:00 pm.

WISELI, a National Science Foundation funded initiative, is an institutionalized endeavor to raise gender equity efforts to a new level, not only in terms of launching comprehensive, multi-layered interventions, but in terms of rigorous evaluation of what works and what does not. WISELI cites four areas of intervention: 1) institutional policies and practices that disadvantage women, 2) gender climate including attitudes and behaviors that are unsupportive of women's career development, 3) a need to provide women in science and engineering with the knowledge and skills necessary for academic success, and 4) the absence of women in the pipeline at each academic level. In her role as co-director, Dr. Handelsman is uniquely positioned to speak on these issues.

Irshad Manji Lecture

Big institutions are only getting bigger. Big money talks. Big media squawks. So how much impact can one individual hope to have?

More than you think, says Irshad Manji. She should know. Irshad is celebrated and condemned around the globe as a maverick Muslim who stands up for women, Jews, gays, atheists, and the values of an open society. She shows that one voice, asking questions, can change the world. On November 16, Irshad will transform her personal journey into a riveting story that teaches all of us how to confront the challenges we face - whether as students, parents, professionals, or citizens.

November 16, 2006
7:00pm at the Galt Museum
Free tickets are available at the University Theatre Box Office and the Galt Museum.

Aboriginal Awareness Training Session

Alberta Economic development is hosting Aboriginal awareness seminars
May 25th and 26th free of charge. The purpose of this one-day session is to provide a
better understanding of the aboriginal community and to further develop and
build partnerships. The seminar will touch on:

* Expectations/Objectives
* Aboriginal Diversity
* Business Case/Demographics
* Terminology
* Reserves/Settlements
* Population Distribution
* Land Claims/Treaties/Rights
* Blood/Piikani Governance
* Communication characteristics
* Decision Making
* Best Practices
* Strategies to Building Relationships and Developing Approaches
for the future

Both sessions commence at 9:00 a.m. at the Ramada Hotel & Suites in Lethbridge.
For registration information, please contact:
Mary J. Swanek
Client Service Representative,
Alberta Economic Development
Administrator, SouthGrow Regional Initiative
Lethbridge, Alberta
Ph: (403) 381-5414

www.ecdevlethbridge.com

Take action against discrimination

Did you know that March 21st is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This commemorative day, proclaimed by the United Nations in 1966, honours the lives of the young students who were massacred in a peaceful anti-apartheid protest in Sharpville, South Africa. Sixty-nine protesters died, and 180 were wounded.

Visit the Help Make a Difference website to find out how you can made a difference.

Anti-Racism Benefit

Don't miss "Culture Shock" a series of anti-racism events hosted by the University of Lethbridge Students' Union on Thursday, November 17.

Event 1: 12pm to 1:30 pm in the Atrium
Christopher Prince will speak on the "Underground Railroad and Early Black Settlement in Canada."
Guest Speaker: Mayor Bob Tarleck.
Entertainment by Native Guatemalan Dancers

Event 2: 2pm to 6 pm in the Atrium
Take in Musicians, Community Speakers, Local Artists, Ethnic Dancers with Master of Ceremonies Christopher Prince and Trevor Kiitokii

Event 3: 7pm to Close in the Zoo
Entertainment by various artists; local as well as from Toronto and Detroit - Furious D, The Lyricists, Sharky, D.O. DJ Griplock, DJ B. Watts, Saber Tooth Tigers, DJ Jeff Breen, The Bygones, DJ Blends.
$5 Tickets sold at the Service Centre. All proceeds go to Guatemala relief efforts.

A Fond Farewell to Cheryl Pollmuller

The University of Lethbridge wishes to extend its appreciation to Cheryl Pollmuller, Employment Equity Project Consultant, for her excellent efforts on the Diversity Advantage Team. We wish Cheryl all the best as she returns to her instructional role at the Centre for Management at Lethbridge Community College in September.

Employment Equity Plan Completed

The Diversity Advantage Team is pleased to report that the Employment Equity Plan for the University of Lethbridge has been completed and submitted for audit to Human Resources & Skills Development Canada as part of the University's commitment to the Federal Contractors Program.

Click here to see the Employment Equity Plan

Information and Education Opportunity

Join the Diversity Advantage team for this insightful 80 minute presentation featuring a parable about what happens to any new or different kind of person in a group and how that situation can be managed.

Click here for more information

Disability Awareness Workshop Available

Increase your knowledge and comfort level when interacting with individuals with disabilities by learning tips on understanding different disabilities, language, and behaviors.

Click here for more information

Thanks to all survey completers!

The Diversity Advantage task team is happy to report that the University has achieved an 87% response rate to the survey. Along with the survey responses, many people made comments that will be taken into consideration by the team and the task force as they work through the employment systems review and develop our employment equity plan. If you didn’t do your survey, it is not too late! It only takes a few seconds to complete and can also be changed at any time to reflect changes in your personal information as it applies to the designated groups.

Chris Picken Writes a New Christmas Carol . . .

We know when you are sleeping …
We know when you’re awake …
Please complete your survey.. for goodness sake!!
Merry Christmas to All!

Cooney Wins Cool $30 Gift Certificate

Bob Cooney was the latest winner in the Diversity Advantage survey completer draw. Bob says he’s delighted to win, and has the perfect idea on how to use his Bookstore gift certificate to keep on giving. As the deadline for survey completers approaches, Project Advisor Cheryl Pollmuller is busy targeting those employees who have yet to fill out their survey. If you haven’t already completed your survey, expect an email or phone call from her soon!

Third Survey Winner Announced

Debbie Sandul of the Registrar’s Office filled out the Diversity Advantage survey to win a Bookstore gift certificate. Debbie was automatically entered to win when she completed her survey, which takes less than a minute. The survey response rate is hovering around 50% and needs to get to 85% soon. If you have not yet counted yourself in, please do so by clicking on the 'Complete Survey' button and then check here next week to see if you are a winner!

Second Survey Winner Announced

Dan Sullivan from Building Maintenance "counted himself in" to be the second survey completer winner. Dan receives a $30 gift certificate from the bookstore. All employees still have two more chances to win, and are automatically entered when they complete the Diversity Advantage survey.

YOU'RE 30 SECONDS AWAY FROM BEING A WINNER.

It takes less than a minute to complete the survey. Gerald Prost from Fine Arts counted himself in to be the first winner of the Diversity Advantage survey completer draw. Four University Bookstore gift certificates are being offered (one each Friday) as an added incentive for those survey participants who count themselves in. Bookstore gift certificates are even more valuable when combined with the 15% discount during Staff Appreciation Week (Nov-29 to Dec-3). Check back here next Friday to see if you're a winner!

Even if the designated groups do not apply to you, the Comments/Concerns section is an excellent opportunity to be heard in a confidential manner on any form of unfair treatment you may have experienced or observed at the University. The survey requires an 85% response rate, and right now it's hovering around 40%. Your involvement in this process is crucial to building a truly inclusive and equitable campus.
So why not complete the survey, and be automatically entered for a chance to win!

GENERAL INFORMATION SESSIONS ANNOUCED

In a continued attempt to reach as many employees as possible, the Diversity Advantage is hosting two general information sessions. These sessions will provide a brief overview of the Diversity Advantage initiative and insights into future developments. These sessions are open to all employees. We look forward to seeing you there!

Session Schedule
Monday, November 22: 1:30-2:30 pm in AH116
Tuesday, November 23: 9:30-10:30 am in L1170A

President Cade asks every employee to "Count Themselves In"!

The Diversity Advantage self identification questionnaire is ready for your response. In urging all employees to complete the questionnaire, President Cade has stated the University of Lethbridge is committed to achieving diversity and employment equity. The goal is to eliminate barriers in the workplace that may prevent the full participation of all current and potential employees, especially those in the four designated groups (women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities). In following the principles of employment equity we are taking advantage of the diversity in Canada and being reflective of today's society. However, application of this employment equity program will not change our fundamental principle of hiring and promoting based on qualifications and ability. This commitment can be fully supported only when all employees count themselves in, whether they are members of a designated group or not.

WE WANT YOUR INPUT … IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

The Diversity Advantage task force will be meeting on October 18 at 9:00 in AH 119. The purpose of this group is to ensure timely and accurate communication exists between the Diversity Advantage implementation and the employees, to encourage employees to accurately complete a self identifying survey when it is distributed, to review the aggregate data from the survey information, and to set goals from that information. This team is comprised of employee representatives from APO, AUPE, Exempt Support, and ULFA, as well as a representative from the Deans and Directors. The task force will meet approximately twice monthly until May 2005. If you are interested in being a representative, contact your relevant executive soon. Selection is currently underway for all groups. For information, you can also contact Cheryl Pollmuller at Cheryl.Pollmuller@uleth.ca or by telephone 329-2350.

THE DIVERSITY ADVANTAGE initiative is introduced to employees at the Town Hall meetings.

(L-R) VP Nancy Walker, VP Seamus O'Shea, Pres. Bill Cade, Chair Terry Royer