The over-arching collective goal of this Forum is to increase our cultural competence in preparing students for today's world.

The over-arching individual goal of this Forum is for each of us to take personal responsibility for an environment of inclusion and diversity in our schools and in our lives.

Awareness

1. Learn more deeply about our individual and collective "cultural stories."
   • The lenses through which each of us "sees" the world
   • How we are "seen" by others
   • How we impact others
2. Understand the dynamics and behaviors that support/hinder a strong multi-cultural community of learning among faculty, staff, students and alumni.
3. Gain a firmer grasp on how diversity contributes to creativity

Skills

1. Constructivist listening
2. Shifting frames of reference
3. Separating intent from impact
4. Tolerating ambiguity
5. Building genuine relationships across races, ethnic groups, cultures

Academic Climate

1. Include honest, serious, open discussion-not politically correct conversation- about race, ethnicity and culture in all areas of academic life
2. Increase overt leadership by faculty, staff and students in addressing individual and institutional racism
3. More widely shared responsibility for developing a truly welcoming, multicultural environment for everyone.