Participants in the Diversity Development Institute are able to take classes on diversity and inclusion with the ultimate goal of obtaining a Diversity Ally certificate.
Mike Akers, head of the Department of Dairy Science, Stephen Kleiber, director of finance, and Erik Ervin, assistant dean of academic programs, were among the members of college leadership team to take diversity-training classes recently.
As part of the college’s commitment to the university’s InclusiveVT initiative, leaders from around the college are taking a series of classes on diversity and inclusion with the ultimate goal of obtaining a Diversity Ally certificate.
Associate deans, department heads, AREC directors, unit directors, associate directors, and others are all undergoing the training, which takes six classes to complete the certification. Leaders are then expected to share the class experience with their colleagues and engage in conversations about diversity and inclusion within their departments.
Everyone is encouraged to sign up for free courses on diversity and inclusion through the Diversity Development Institute.
The college has made a commitment to diversity and has four initiatives to enhance this mission, including leadership training and communication; civil rights training and compliance; inclusive teaching practices; and VCE Diversity and Inclusion fellows.
To learn more about the work the college’s Diversity Council is doing and how you can get involved, visit the group’s website.