BOONE, N.C. — Nearly 75 employees participated in Appalachian State University’s daylong Inclusion Infusion Summer Institute hosted by the Office of the Chancellor, Office of the Chief Diversity Officer and the Division of Academic Affairs on June 5.
Goals of the second annual event included strengthening awareness of how the campus community can encourage inclusionary practices and relationships that support a state in which everyone is valued, respected and supported. Participants also learned about social justice and methods to address macro- and microaggressions.
The keynote address was provided by Ricardo Nazario y Colón, chief diversity officer for Western Carolina University, who spoke on “What ‘Gen Next’ and ‘IGen’ hear: Contradictions in American Pluralism, Democracy and Diversity.”
Four students participated in a diverse student discussion panel to share their experiences. Other speakers were Dr. Elicka Sparks, of the Department of Government and Justice Studies, who discussed how to attract and retain LGBTQIA students, faculty and staff, and Dr. Nancy Love, also of the Department of Government and Justice Studies, who spoke about hate messages in contemporary music.
In introducing the event, Chancellor Sheri Everts said it “shines a light on diversity initiatives” at Appalachian, which are ongoing. In 2014, Everts charged the Chancellor’s Commission on Diversity to provide recommendations focused on the recruitment and retention of students, staff and faculty from underrepresented groups. After a year of thoughtful work, 14 proposals were presented to the chancellor, which have been explored, with many acted on and more under consideration.
About Diversity and Inclusion at Appalachian
Appalachian State University is committed to developing and allocating resources to the fundamental task of creating a diverse campus culture. We value diversity as the expression of human similarities and differences, as well as the importance of a living and learning environment conducive to knowledge, respect, acceptance, understanding and global awareness. Learn more at http://diversity.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
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