Requirements
Diversity in Action is a training program comprised of core courses, electives and a capstone reflection essay.* The program must be completed within three years of taking the first course, Introduction to Diversity in Action.
* Any time away from work for core courses, electives and sessions must be preapproved and discussed with the employee's direct manager.
Core Courses
There are required core courses that cover a broad array of diversity topics. These courses range between 1.5 to 2.5 hours in length.
The purpose of this training is to give a basic understanding of diversity. We will share information about the Diversity in Action training program.
Ability Allies are a network of faculty, staff and students who take a visible role in promotion disability awareness, supporting persons with disabilities and maintaining resources for working and interacting with people with disabilities. This training is designed to shape your perspective on ability versus disability and providing an open forum for questions and concerns for those interacting with individuals with disabilities.
The Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace is an interactive training that focuses on the following:
- Benefits of diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- Social identities
- Recognizing and understanding microagressions
- Introducing the Matrix of Oppression
- Understanding how to get past stereotypes and prejudices
- Addressing issues
- How and who to report issues
- Questions and answers
This training is approximately two and a half hours.
The Gender Diversity Training is in partnership with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Human Resources and Counseling and Testing Center.
Gender Diversity Training covers:
- Gender identity
- Living authentically
- Challenges posed
- Myths
- Misconceptions
- Inclusive language
- Resources and much more!
The goal is to clarify the understanding of issues related to gender minority/transgender people.
This training is approximately two and a half hours.
This training will provide participants with a better awareness of who veterans are and how their experiences may affect their life after the military. The training covers the following topics:
- Who is a veteran?
- Veteran as an identity
- Veterans on campus (myths and facts)
- Generalizations about vets
- Veterans as coworkers
- Veterans as students
- Support or accommodations for vets
- Resources on campus
The learning objectives for the training are:
- Describe the unique experiences of members of the United States armed forces that may lead to differences between veterans and civilians
- Discuss potential differences and how these affect work and classroom interactions
- Review individual current practices and identify how they may be improved to better accommodate veterans
This training will focus on the rights of Wichita State University employees under Title VII and WSU policy. Participants will learn what constitutes protected class discrimination, harassment and retaliation as well as how to report concerns they have with their work environment and the university’s investigation process.
The Safe Zone LGBTQ Training is in partnership with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Human Resources and Counseling and Testing Center.
Safe Zone LGBTQ Training covers:
- Inclusive language
- The process of coming out
- The power of the straight ally
- Understanding sexual identity
- How to respond to homophobic incidents
- Resources and much more!
The goal is to provide a safe and supportive network to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities at Wichita State University. To provide safe spaces on campus that are highly visible and easily identifable where LGBTQ persons can find support and where bigotry, as well as discrimination are not tolerated. By attending this training, individuals are committed to being a Safe Zone Ally, in which bigotry and discrimination are not tolerated.
This training is approximately two and a half hours.
Today's workforce encompasses four generations of people that include traditionalists, baby boomers, generation X and millenials. The fifth generation is on the horizon titled generation Z. This is an interactive training that will highlight the different generations and their workstyles, while providing a space for participants to learn more about their own work culture. Participants will learn the differences and similarities between the generations, while dispelling stereotypes and celebrating the importance of having a multigenerational workforce.
This training is approximately one and a half hours.
Description not available.
Electives
Four electives are included in the program. These elective options can include training courses, seminars, workshops, campus events and community events. Elective activities offered vary each term and may cover a range of thematic diversity areas. Participants must submit their capstone and the four electives which will be a name, description and dates of when the events occurred.
Sample elective activities may include, but are not limited to:
- Counseling and Testing Center workshops
- Seminars or events, hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- Events hosted by the community that are approved by the program
- Recognized Student Organization (RSO) events and programs
Capstone Reflection Essay
The final step in Diversity in Action is having participants share their experiences by submitting a reflection after all core courses and electives are completed. This capstone is intended to reinforce the knowledge and skills they have learned throughout the program. Upon completion, participants will receive a written confirmation of program completion.
The requirements are below:
- The reflection essay must be typed between 500-1,000 words.
- The reflection must answer the following questions:
- Do you have a difference in understanding of diversity or certain populations from before and after completing the program? In what way(s)?
- How do you see your own cultural identity, filters and behaviors impacting your work (or learning) environment?
- Going forward, what strategies or behaviors bridge differences among those who differ from you? How do you work more effectively with them?
- Do you have any ideas for enhancing the Diversity in Action program or diversity of Wichita State University?
All participants must submit their capstone reflection essay and electives information electronically to HR.OrganizationalDevelopment@wichita.edu.
Once submitted, participants will be given an acknowledgment of receipt and members of the Diversity in Action development team will review the capstone reflection essay and and their training transcript to ensure all requirements were met. Participants will receive a written confirmation of program completion.