Sessions about Diversity

New Mexico State University, the state's land grant university, is a public, minority–serving institution, and as such, needs to make a conscientious effort to adjust their outreach for the increasingly diverse student population. As individuals of minority status continue to increase on campus, New Mexico State University must prepare faculty and staff to be sensitive to the cultural differences of a diverse student population. In order to effectively train faculty and staff it was necessary to examine the direct needs, concerns and expectations of the students. Through this grant funded project we were able to research and interview students as well as a state cultural linguist and historian Larry Torres. We will share research information gathered at NMSU related to this project, showcase the final video, and review the website.

Bordertown racism is an issue in many parts of the United States. It has been the topic of communitywide discussion on the Navajo Nation through media interviews in the newspaper and on the radio and through community meetings. The panel members will discuss how the issue has evolved in their community and what reaction there has been. The Study Circles Resource Center (SCRC) developed and produced a discussion guide "Facing Racism in a Diverse Nation" to help communities develop their own ability to solve racism problems. The guide is available free to download, or can be purchased in bulk from www.studycircles.org. They offer a discount of $3.00 each when purchasing more than 10 copies of a guide and can take those orders over the phone, via email or by faxing # 860-928-3713. They invoice orders costing more than $20.00 all other require prepayment. (Suggest either copying or ordering to accompany this session). Joanne Littlefield will facilitate this panel discussion.

This poster invites members to become contributors to the National Diversity Center, which is a land-grat university effort to provide how-to information on workforce diversity, professional development, organizational development, reaching diverse audiences, and civil rights. this year the National Extension Diversity Center is transitioning to the National Diversity Center on eXtension and this affords an opportunity to use the eXtension platform to collaborate on content.

This eyes-on, ears-on, hands-on presentation will let participants experience what it is like to have a disability that prevents access to your information. Participants will also learn tips to make information more accessible for people who face language, mobility, hearing, and vision barriers. The session includes a brief discussion about requirements of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 508 (which amends the act to include software and the Internet). Whether you're in a classroom, or creating print and on-line resources, these best practices in Universal Instructional Design will make your content clearer for all.

Growing up in the United States means growing up in a world shaped by an invisible force often called "white privilege." For example, if you are white, you can walk into any drugstore in the country and expect to find hair care products you can use. If you are a white male, you can discuss potential presidential candidates without hearing people wonder whether the country is "ready" for a white man to be president. Learn what "white privilege" is and how it can affect the messages we send to "diverse" audiences.