Purpose

The Diversity Team offers educational opportunities designed to equip the Student Affairs staff to work well with diverse colleagues and serve diverse customers and students.

History

One 90-minute topical program per semester has been offered since the team was assembled in Spring 2005. This series, called “Insights for Effectiveness,” has included a variety of topics: students of color; disability awareness; LGBTQ issues; international students; transgender issues; gender communication; veterans’ adjustments to campus; a more inclusive campus; Islam and UNI; and Asperger’s syndrome. 

Program topics are offered twice within the same week, to accommodate potential attendees’ work schedules. Attendance per topic is about 150 to 200, including some faculty/staff from other divisions, as well as some student employees. 

Current Team

Members of the team are volunteers from various units in the division. They are appointed by the Vice President and serve until replaced. Current members:

Past Team Members

Links

Contact: Chairperson Priscilla Villarreal, priscilla.villarreal@uni.edu

Link to Asperger Presentation

During an “Insights for Effectiveness” program UNI graduate Joelle Ruby Ryan returned to campus during Spring 2008 to share her story as a transgender woman.

A panel of military veterans attending UNI shared their perspectives at an “Insights for Effectiveness” program during Spring 2009.