Leadership training focuses on equity, racism

College administrators, faculty, staff, and students recently joined community partners for a two-day leadership training event coordinated by the Office of Equity and Inclusion, which is within ACC’s Department of Community Engagement and Public Affairs.

group at diversity leadership training

Dr. Mark Gooden facilitated discussions on equity and race.

Participants explored systemic racism, tools for talking about race and racism, and the impact of white cultural norms on the college climate, equity, and inclusion. Facilitators were Dr. Martha Ramos-Duffer, clinical psychologist, consultant, and adjunct professor at St. Edward’s University, and Dr. Mark Gooden, professor at the University of Texas at Austin and consultant with ARC Center for Diversity and Leadership.

“This leadership training was a great first step for ACC as we seek to have courageous conversations about equity and inclusion at every level of the college,” said President/CEO Dr. Richard Rhodes. “A key part of our mission is to provide a welcoming pathway to education, opportunity, and success for all students who come through our doors. This ongoing effort will no doubt help us achieve those aims.”

Dr. Rhodes and President’s Cabinet members participated in a breakout session with Gooden while others discussed ways to apply the Aspen Institute’s “Ten Lessons for Taking Leadership for Racial Equity” to improve enrollment, persistence, and completion for marginalized student groups.

Dr. Stephanie Hawley, associate vice president of equity and inclusion, gave an overview of Equity Office activities and plans. In addition to coordinating the Equity Leadership Advisory Team, the office is developing a rubric for an institutional equity report card and a senior leadership equity toolkit. It also is coordinating a yearlong senior leadership development series, ACC LEADS (Leading for Equity, Accountability, Diversity, and Service).

Get involved in equity initiatives

Faculty and staff wanting to promote inclusive and equitable communities are invited to summer workshops hosted by the Equity Office. See registration information below.

From Courageous Conversations to Accountability and Action: Find Your Role as a Change Agent for Racial Equity and Inclusion
Wednesday, May 31
10:30 a.m. – noon, OR
3:30-5 p.m., OR
6 -7:30 p.m.
(Choose one session – space is limited to 30 participants per session.)
Highland Business Center, Room 301

Discover opportunities to learn, reflect, act, and serve the college and the community to promote equity and greater inclusion. Learn about the Equity Office’s plans for 2017-18, including the new 2018 Equity Report Card.

Consciousness, Culture & Climate: The Paths to Personal and Institutional Assessment, Accountability & Action for Equity
Friday, June 2
1 -5 p.m.
Highland Campus ACCelerator, CR-1101​

This session is for individuals who attended an Equity Leadership Orientation ​in Dec​ember​ or April. Participants will learn to move beyond managing diversity to taking accountable action in neighborhoods, classrooms, and the workplace.

Equity & Inclusion Dialogue Facilitators Development & Training Experience 
Monday, June 26 through Friday, June 30
1:00-5:00 pm
Highland  ​Business Center, Room 201​

This session is for individuals who attended an Equity Leadership Orientation within the last two years. Participants who are trained and certified during the week ​will be eligible to​ serve as campus and community facilitators during the 2017-18 year. Professional development credit is available.

See details and register through the Workshop & Events Registration site.​

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