SFA Diversity and Inclusion Certification Program
OMA Diversity and Inclusion Certification Program
The SFA Diversity and Inclusion Certification Program is a program within the Office of Multicultural Affairs meant to engage Stephen F. Austin State University's faculty and staff and expose them to critical issues in diversity, multicultural education and social justice. The program aims to facilitate relationship building and learning opportunities across the SFA Campus.
As part of the supporting goal, "Redefining University Culture", within SFA's strategic plan, this certification program hopes to foster an engaged workplace at SFA where civility, inclusivity and accountability are guiding principles for everyone. In addition, this program supports the Office of Multicultural Affairs mission to create a campus environment where all students, faculty and staff feel welcome and included. This program will provide opportunities for meaningful cross-cultural interactions and learning experiences that promote respect for diversity.
The strategic goals for this program are as follows:
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To increase awareness and knowledge of diversity, multicultural education and social justice.
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To help faculty and staff feel comfortable navigating cultural differences
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To provide professional development opportunities regarding diversity, social justice and equity
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To encourage meaningful discussions, resource sharing and collaborations among faculty and staff across campus.
This program is for all SFA Faculty and Staff. There is no cost to enroll in this program. Faculty and staff may complete these workshops as a means to earn the certificate or they may attend individual workshops based on professional interests and/or needs. To earn the certificate, participants must attend the core workshop, Diversity and Inclusion at SFA: Foundations. In addition, participants must attend four elective training workshop offerings.
Diversity and Inclusion Certification Flyers
Frequently Asked Questions
- This is great! How do I participate?
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Step One: Register for the program through the OMA website. The link is one the right of this page.
Step Two: Register for individual courses through myTraining. This can be found on the employee tab through mySFA.
- How will I know what workshops are offered?
- Workshop listings will be listed on the OMA website (www.sfasu.edu/oma) and on myTraining at the beginning of each semester. In addition, a list of courses will be emailed to the registered participants periodically throughout the year.
- How long is each workshop?
- Approximately 2 hours a piece.
- When do I need to complete the program?
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- The pace is completely up to the participant. However, please remember courses are listed per semester. Each semester the workshop listings will differ. Therefore, if you see a course you would like to attend, do not wait!
- Participants are encouraged to keep up with their trainings through the myTraining. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will also keep up with attendance records as well.
- What happens when I complete the program?
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- All participants who complete for the certificate program will be invited to a graduation. During this ceremony all graduates will be named "SFA Diversity Ambassadors". A special certificate and award will be given to each graduate.
- In order to qualify for the graduation a completion form must be turned into the Office of Multicultural Affairs by the deadline. The form can be found on www.sfasu.edu/oma
- Dates for graduation will be listed on the OMA website. Qualified graduates will be sent an RSVP form and official invitation.
- Once I complete Level I, what are my options?
- Sign up for Level II and then, Level III. More information regarding program levels can be found under "Program Flyers" on this page. In addition, click the button on the left of this page to register.
Fall 2023 Workshops
Supporting Students with Children and Caregiving Responsibilities
Facilitators: Dr. Heather Olson Beal, Dr. Amanda Rudolph, Dr. Lauren Brewer, Dr. Chay Runnels
Because more than one in five college students, or 22 percent of all undergraduates, are parents and because approximately 80% of all SFA staff and faculty have children, we need to do better, as a campus, to create environments where parents who are also employees and/or students can not just survive, but thrive.
Available Dates: September 26, 2023 2-3:30 p.m. - Zoom; November 7, 2023 2-3:30 p.m. - Zoom
Understanding the B in LGBTQ+
Facilitator: Graham Garner, Chief Marketing Communications Officer, University Marketing Communications ; Dr. Kacee Garner, Title IX Investigator, Office of Title IX
This presentation will focus on the B in LGBTQ+ queer identities in an attempt to share information, increase visibility and improve allyship. Bisexuals make up 52% of the LGB community but are less visible, less-frequently studied and far less open about their sexuality than gay or lesbian individuals. Bisexuals experience higher rates of sexual and intimate partner violence and poorer health outcomes than lesbian, gay or straight individuals. Approximately 11% of Americans acknowledge some level of same-sex attraction, while 8% have engaged in same-sex sexual behavior. Bisexual individuals face substantial stigma, erasure and invisibility as they navigate their relationships and identity development. Frequently, they feel neither straight enough nor gay enough to belong. Bisexuality is fetishized in media portrayals and largely ignored in historical points of view. Bisexuals are subjected to frequent microaggressions and face increased obstacles to coming out. Increasing numbers of youth are self-reporting bisexual or pansexual identities, making this topic important and relevant for college campuses.
Available Date: October 2, 2023 12-2:30 p.m. (BPSC Tiered Classroom)
Ally Training
Facilitator: Amanda West, Coordinator, Student Engagement Programs
Ally Training is designed to help campuses create a safe space for LGBTQ+ students. One of the most effective ways to create a safe space is to be a supportive ally to LGBTQ+ students. This session will educate you on how to be an effective ally.
Available Dates: October 10, 2023 11-12 p.m. (BPSC Commons)
Military Competence Training
Facilitator:Stesha Colby Lynch, Program Director of the Veterans Resource Center
The workshop is designed to equip faculty and staff with the knowledge and skills needed to better support our veteran and dependent students, ensuring that they receive the assistance and guidance required for a successful academic journey.
Available Date: October 11, 2023 2-4 p.m. (BPSC Tiered Classroom)
I've Never Called My Husband a Working Dad
Facilitator: Dr. Kacee Garner
Female-identifying individuals with child-rearing and professional responsibilities are often pulled in conflicting directions, leaving them feeling like there aren't enough hours in the day to be successful at home or at work. Female parents lag behind males in the workforce and in pay, despite making up a majority of college graduates. Women who take just one year off from work to raise children are paid and promoted less. The demands of the pandemic, including virtual school, inflexible work policies and difficult decisions about familial health in an information-poor environment, have exacerbated feelings of stress for many working mothers.
Available Date: October 23, 2023 2-3:30 p.m. (BPSC Multimedia)
Deaf Culture and Connection
Facilitators: Jenny Baker and Shannon Jacobs
This training will discuss how to best work with students who are deaf or hard of hearing, interpreters, tips for how to communicate with these students, and unique challenges faced by this population.
Available Date: October 25, 2023 2-4 p.m. (BPSC Tiered Classroom)
A Millennial's Guide to Managing Generation Z
Facilitator: Lacey Folsom, Director of Student Engagement
This session offers valuable insights and strategies for faculty and staff to effectively understand, engage with, and support the unique needs and preferences of Generation Z students on our university campus.
Available Date: October 26, 2023 1:30-3:30 p.m. (BPSC Commons)
True Colors
Facilitator: Ken Morton, Director, Campus Recreation
This workshop uses the True Colors personality profile test to help participants learn more about their own personality, as well as, that of those around them in everyday life. Understanding how our differences affect how we interact with others both positively and negatively can have a big impact on the quality of those relationships. This workshop is designed to help you with not only personal relationship but perhaps even more with relationships in the workplace. Why does that one co-worker drives you crazy? Why does it seem like others don't understand me? All of these may be simply the way we normally function but those differences can be seen as a positive instead of a negative with the right understanding of how we all work and live differently based on our personality traits. This is a very interactive session so join us to learn more about yourself and those around you!
Available Date: November 16, 2023 11-12:30 p.m. (Campus Recreation Ceenter)
Helping Our Students Survive College: Recognizing Common Mental Health Problems Amongst
College Aged Students & Understanding Barriers to Mental Health Care
Facilitators: Clare Fite, Director of Counseling Services; Prici Ceja, Counselor, Counseling Services
This session will educate faculty and staff on the mental health (signs, symptoms and trends) of our students across diverse populations. The presentation will include:
- Statistic and trends across populations; -
- Information on how culture and social norms plays a part in how MH presents itself
- Signs and symptoms for staff and faculty to look out for i.e., students experiencing depression, adjustment issues, anxiousness, grief, etc.?
- Tips to help faculty and staff better support their students and the student body as a whole (while focusing on the strengths they already have)
- Referrals/resources both on- and off-campus that faculty and staff can share with their students
Available Dates: November 6, 2023 9-10:30 a.m. (BPSC Tiered Classroom)
Neurodiversity in a Higher Education Environment
Facilitators: Graham Garner, Chief Marketing Communications Officer, University Marketing Communications ; Dr. Kacee Garner, Title IX Investigator, Office of Title IX
Neurodiversity suggests people experience and interact with the world around them in different ways than most people, yet there is no "right" way of thinking, learning and behaving. Differences are not deficits. While much of neurodiversity refers to people on the autism spectrum, a broader interpretation that includes ADHD, learning disabilities and other mental health conditions is taking root. Learn more about these conditions, what they mean in a higher education environment, and how you can recognize them in yourself and others as you seek accommodation and understanding. This session will give you resources for assistance, as well as how neurodiversity can provide advantages and insights you might otherwise miss.
Available Date: November 9, 2023 2-2:30 p.m.(BPSC Commons)
Deconstructing Privilege
Facilitator: Dr. Kacee Garner
Privilege is a loaded and often misunderstood term. This session would build on my published writing on the topic to take a closer look at privilege in terms of gender, race and ability. It will outline the hallmarks of privilege, provide concrete examples, and help participants disambiguate privilege in the DEI context from wealth or opportunity.
Available Date: November 17, 2023 10-11:30 a.m. (BPSC Tiered Classroom)