Diversity at Work is an education and training initiative for administrative, professional, clerical, and service staff within Purdue University’s academic colleges and schools. Diversity at Work is designed to increase awareness of changing cultural diversity, provide skills to increase competency to work in a multicultural and diverse university environment and to enhance cross-cultural communication and interaction with students.

This module offers participants an opportunity to explore their own cultural identity and cultural background and how identity is both individually constructed and collectively influenced by society.  Through mini-lecture, interactive exercises, and group discussion, participants will develop an understanding of how pre-judgments and fears about cultural differences affect our perceptions and interactions with people.

Module 2: Dimensions of Diversity

This module is an introduction to the multiple dimensions of identity that intersect and combine to make us who we are.  Participants will have the opportunity to clarify their understanding of basic identity concepts, including race/ethnicity, gender, nationality, social class, age, sexual orientation, ability, and religion.  In-depth study and discussion will focus on three particular aspects of identity -- social class, ability, and sexual orientation.  This module provides the opportunity to increase self awareness, as well as understand how misunderstandings and lack of awareness across differences can cause tensions in the workplace.  Inclusive approaches to managing differences are discussed. 

Facilitator: Suzanne Clemenz

Module 3: Working with International Students and Intercultural Communications

One of the challenges of a multicultural university is how to create an inclusive environment that maximizes the opportunity for success for international students.  This workshop is designed to help the participants think about key cultural differences and how these differences influence communication styles between university staff and faculty and international students.  Participants will gain insight into the experiences of international students in the U.S. and will learn strategies to help them communicate with international students more effectively.

Facilitator: Suzanne Clemenz

Module 4: Issues in Managing Diversity -- Religion in the Workplace

This workshop combines an awareness of the expanding spectrum of religious expressions within the Purdue community and information regarding the policies and practices associated with religious diversity. Also included will be an examination of the realities and challenges presented by the intersection of religion and workplace included but not limited to the carrying, use, and display of religious implements and symbols; belief mandated clothing and hairstyles; accommodation for participation in religious; and issues related to workplace sponsored observances.

Facilitator: Carolyn Johnson, Ph.D.‎

Diversity at Work and Healthy Purdue

We are pleased to announce that participation in Diversity at Work can be used for Healthy Purdue's wellness criteria. Those participating in all four sessions by November 7, 2008 can earn the "Programs" criteria or the "Purple" apple.