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.
Spring 2023 Workshops- Level I
Required Workshop:
Diversity and Inclusion at SFA: Foundations
Facilitator: Dr. Veronica Beavers, Deputy Chief Diversity Officer; Ja'von Long, Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs
This presentation gives a basic overview on diversity and an overview of the current demographics at SFA. Basic terminology such as diversity, social justice, stereotypes and microaggressions are explored. In addition, we will discuss cultural identities, current societal issues as well as give participants the tools they need to safely and effectively intervene to make SFA a more welcoming and inclusive environment.
Available Dates: February 23, 2023 9:30-11:30 a.m. (Zoom); March 29, 2023 2:30-4:30 p.m. (Zoom)
Elective Workshop(s):
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 Dates: March 30, 2023 1:00-3:00 p.m. in Human Services Building, Room 322
Safe Space Training
Facilitator: Lacey Folsom, Director, Student Engagement Programs; Amanda West, Coordinator, Student Engagement Programs
A Safe Space is a welcoming, supportive, and safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students. Safe Space 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: Hosted during the Diversity Conference - February 10, 2023 9:30-11:00 a.m.
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 Dates: Hosted during the Diversity Conference - February 10, 2023 10:25-11:25 a.m.; April 13, 2023 12-1:00 p.m. (SFA Campus Recreation Meeting Room)
Helping Our Students Survive College: Be Aware, Be an Advocate, and Be More Inclusive
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 (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, intersectional) specifically in relation to COVID-19 and current social justice issues. This portion will focus on providing education including:
- Stats 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.?
To debunk unhelpful stigmas and common assumptions that may inhibit our students growth This portion will include an activity and discussion that encourages staff and faculty to reflect on their own unhelpful assumptions regarding MH? To provide 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) This portion will include tips such as
- How staff and faculty can remain flexible in their expectations of students
- How staff and faculty can make themselves more available to students ?
To provide referrals/resources both on and off campus that faculty and staff can share with their students This section will include resources such as
- A one page referral guide created by us
- Information about how other departments (health clinic, OMA, etc.) can aid in supporting our students especially those who might not typically seek traditional counseling services.
Available Dates: February 17, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (BPSC Commons); March 14, 2023 3:00-5:00 p.m. (BPSC Multimedia)
Building a More Inclusive Syllabus: Welcoming Students' Identities Before Classes Even Start
Facilitators: Dr. Lauren Burrow, Associate Professor, Elementary Education
This session will guide participants to analyze their current syllabi for policies and wording that could be culturally unaware/discriminate against their learners. The session will facilitate discussion about policies and statements that can be added to help students of diverse identities feel more welcomed before they even come to class; for example, including notifications about existing University-based assistance: HungerJacks, Counseling Services, etc., including professor's pronouns in syllabus introductions, and including letters from the University President (like the one welcoming DACA students) to establish an inclusive community that allows students to focus on learning. The session will also alert professors to existing organizations and opportunities to help them continue their understanding of diverse student identities and their needs so that they are better prepared to support students. The session will conclude with simple steps to help position professors as student allies during the first week of class.
Available Dates: February 15, 2023 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Multimedia); March 1, 2023 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m (Multimedia); April 3, 2023 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (BPSC Commons)
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 Dates: Hosted during the Diversity Conference- February 10, 2023 9:30-11:00 a.m.