A symposium and discussion for faculty, staff and students that addresses how people manage the intersections of their identities through race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or class will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, in the Women’s Building Formal Lounge.
“Managing Multiple Identities on Campus” is supported by a diversity and inclusion grant from the Office of the Provost.
“The overarching goal of this project is to expand awareness on campus of overlapping identities and of the unique challenges individuals can face as a member of multiple groups,” says Julia Macias Garcia, assistant director of Campus Life and assistant dean in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Macias Garcia is one of the symposium’s organizers, along with Jeff Grim, residential college director in Liggett/Koenig, and Brian Carpenter, PhD, associate professor of psychology in Arts & Sciences.
The program will begin with a discussion of contemporary trends related to identity on the WUSTL campus. A keynote address by Susan R. Jones, PhD, associate professor of educational policy and leadership at The Ohio State University, titled “The Role of Identity in Creating Inclusive Learning Environments,” will be followed by breakout discussions. Lunch will be provided.
“This project will provide strategies to improve the quality of life, learning and working environment for faculty and staff, as well as suggest methods to promote research and professional development opportunities in this area,” Macias Garcia says. “By providing an opportunity for all staff to increase their cultural competence in the area of multiple identities, we will create an environment that is more welcoming to all people and increase engagement and productivity for our entire community.”
For more information, e-mail julia.macias@wustl.edu.
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