Training presentation for first year students at the College of William and Mary

1. DiversityW&M and Beyond Extended Orientation 2009 Center for Student Diversity - The College of William and Mary

2. Why are we here? Diversity is important to The College Follow up to regular orientation session Explore different facets of diversity and show the importance thereof Create an honest dialogue about Diversity here on campus and beyond

3. What is Diversity? If you had to create a definition of Diversity, what would it be? What are some of the things that you think of when you hear Diversity?

4. What is Diversity? A theoretical definition of diversity: Diversity is the variety of backgrounds and characteristics found among humankind; thus it embraces all aspects of human similarities and differences.

5. It’s Process… Time and patience are required. Once an individual gains the appropriate knowledge/awareness, participates in the reflection process, and chooses appreciate diversity, an integration there of can result

7. Tolerance

8. Reflection

9. Appreciation

10. IntegrationAppreciating Diversity is a process One must understand and recognize that there are barriers along journey Stereotypes

11. Barriers Along the Journey

13. Common Stereotypes of Certain Groups are often portrayed in movies, television shows, and other types of media.

15. All lawyers are…

16. All male hairdressers are…

17. All construction workers are…

18. All blondes are…

19. All people with AIDS are…

20. All people on welfare are…

21. All young people are…

22. All old people are…

23. All men are…

24. All women are…

26. From what and whom do we learn/are exposed to these views?

27. What prejudices result from these stereotypes?

28. What harm can come from these stereotypical views?

29. Along your journey at W&M?

31. Tolerance

32. Reflection

33. Appreciation

34. IntegrationAppreciating Diversity is a process Understand and recognize barriers along journey Stereotypes Biases/Prejudices Discrimination Racism, and other “isms” age, disabilities, athletic ability, weight Ignorance/Lack of Awareness

35. The Road to Appreciating Diversity “Watch your thoughts, for they become words.Watch your words, for they become actions.Watch your actions, for they become habits.Watch your habits, for they become character.Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

36. The Road to Appreciating Diversity Some will say: I didn’t realize that was offensive. I didn’t know that was a derogatory statement. How was I suppose to know? It is a process, a journey… but when we know better, the challenge follows to do better We all learn more as we travel towards appreciating diversity This learning process is catalyzed through interactions, honest questions, and honest reflection

38. Serves as a guide and measureWhat Do You Bring to the Table?

41. Is there one correct answer?

42. Why do we:

43. Make certain decisions?

44. Believe what we believe?

45. Hold specific values?

46. It’s all about Perception, the end result of the totality of experiences we have had in life that have brought us to this point

47. These experiences shape our view of the world

48. What can you take away from this exercise?

49. What did you find most difficult?

51. How can diversity be beneficial in the learning process?

52. How does an appreciation of diversity affect the W&M campus?

54. What’s Next? Challenge to branch out, move beyond personal comfort zone. How? Try something new Looking beyond the first 6 seconds Give people a chance to prove themselves to be likable…you never know what role you will play in someone's life Challenge peers – as simple as asking a question When you hear someone make a derogatory statement, or tell an insensitive joke… Why did you say that? What makes you feel that way? Did you know that is offensive? If nothing else a conversation is started and the individual may begin to think more concretely about the things they say and do and how it effects others

55. Questions, Comments, Concerns?

56. The Center for Student Diversity Location : Campus Center 159 Feel free to visit and bring friends with you!!

57. Program Evaluations Please complete the evaluation with your honest feedback. Leave evaluation forms with presenter as you exit the room. Thank You!!