DIVERSITYW&M AND BEYONDExtended Orientation 2009

Center for Student Diversity - The College of William and Mary

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

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?

DiversitySocioeconomic Status

Sexual Orientation

Religion

Racial/Ethnic Diversity of Experiences Region of

Origin (where you are from i.e. city, rural,

etc)

Structure of Family Unit

Etc, Etc, Etc.

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.

DiversitySocioeconomic Status

Sexual Orientation

Religion

Racial/EthnicDiversity of Experiences Region of

Origin (where you are from i.e. city, rural,

etc)

Structure of Family Unit

Etc, Etc, Etc.

It’s Process…

Knowledge Tolerance Reflection Appreciation

Integration

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

The Road to Appreciating Diversity

Knowledge

Tolerance

Reflection

Appreciation

Integration

Appreciating Diversity is a process

One must understand and recognize that there are barriers along journey Stereotypes

Barriers Along the Journey

Exploring Stereotypes• Everyone deals with or has faced stereotypes.

• Common Stereotypes of Certain Groups are often portrayed in movies, television shows, and other types of media. • Per your experience with these various forms of media, quickly respond to the following statements…

What’s the First Thing That Comes to Your Mind??

All athletes are… All lawyers are… All male hairdressers are… All construction workers are… All blondes are… All people with AIDS are… All people on welfare are… All young people are… All old people are… All men are… All women are… All William and Mary students are…

Exploring Stereotypes

Where do these stereotypes come from? From what and whom do we learn/are

exposed to these views? What prejudices result from these

stereotypes? What harm can come from these

stereotypical views? Along your journey at W&M? Beyond the walls of The College?

The Road to Appreciating Diversity

Knowledge

Tolerance

Reflection

Appreciation

Integration

Appreciating 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

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.”

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

Reflection – the process of thinking, pondering or meditating

• Requires honesty• Serves as a guide and measure

What Do You Bring to the Table?

A Tale of Philanthropy• Follow the instructions given on the handout.

Diversity (in one form) in Motion

A Tale of Philanthropy

Which answer is correct? Is there one correct answer?

Why do we: Make certain decisions? Believe what we believe? Hold specific values?

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

These experiences shape our view of the world What can you take away from this exercise?

What did you find most difficult? What did you find most interesting?

Why is Diversity (and the appreciation thereof) Important?

What benefits are there to diversity? How can diversity be beneficial in the learning process?

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

How does an appreciation for diversity and experience interacting with diverse groups of people prepare you for life beyond W&M?

Remember….It’s Process…

Knowledge

Tolerance

Reflection

Appreciation

Integration

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

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

Questions, Comments, Concerns?

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

you!!

Program Evaluations

Please complete the evaluation with your honest feedback.

Leave evaluation forms with presenter as you exit the room.

THANK YOU!!