VSU Holds Leading, Enriching and Appreciating Diversity (LEAD) Series

VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University is providing its employees and students with an opportunity to enhance their understanding and appreciation for equity and diversity through its 2014-2015 VSU LEAD (Leading, Enriching and Appreciating Diversity) Series.

“The Office of Social Equity is proud to announce the expansion of diversity training for the campus community,” said Dr. Maggie Viverette, director of Social Equity and coordinator of diversity training at VSU. “ n previous years, two or three courses in diversity were offered to faculty, staff and students. The new diversity series offers an expanded set of required and elective trainings that allows participants a more in-depth exploration of the varied dimensions of diversity. In addition to the traditional introduction to diversity and advanced exploration of diversity, there are a number of classes that are taught by faculty from various departments throughout the university. The Office of Social Equity is pleased to be working with the academic departments and faculty in bringing their expertise to the campus community. Completing the series allows participants to establish or increase their cultural competency and document it by placing it on their resumes and vitaes.”

The series began Sept. 9 with an exploration of diversity and continues through the fall and spring semesters. Courses examine global citizenship, intercultural communication, harassment and discrimination, disabilities, the impact of oppression and privilege, and gender identity.

All courses are interactive and address deficit thinking and ways to encourage inclusion. The series is held to equip students, faculty and staff with critical thinking tools that can be used inside and outside of the university setting.

The next course in the series, led by Dr. Lavonna Lovern, professor of philosophy and religious studies, explores religious diversity and will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 in Student Union Meeting Room 2. On Thursday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon, Dr. James Martinez, professor of adult and career education, will lead a course titled Dismantling Deficit Thinking in the Student Union Ballroom A.

For a full list of courses or to register for any course in the diversity series visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/employee-development/ .

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities. 

The diversity series meets the following goals: 

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Goal 5: Develop and enhance Valdosta State’s human and physical resources.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.