Past #NCLUDE Learning Groups

Soil. Seed. Root.

Anchor: Genese Clark

This #NCLUDE small group offers members an opportunity to examine their deeply held beliefs and core assumptions about race as a foundation for justice and belonging. Together, group members will till their metaphorical “soil,” enhancing the internal environment that promotes seeds of inclusivity and belonging to take root. Using “Teaching for Justice and Belonging” (Glass & Berry, 2022), we will reflect on the groundwork for DEI work, engage in self-assessments, and build our internal capacity for racial competency and understanding.  Books will be available to borrow, or group members may purchase their own. All are welcome into this community of care.

Practicing Inclusive Leadership

Anchor: Jennifer PeeksMease

This group will examine the everyday leadership decisions and practices—regarding communication, resources, time, and relationships—to better understand how small changes can have a significant impact on inclusion. Group members will be invited to implement new strategies after each meeting and will discuss both the challenges and successes of the encounter along the way. All are welcome into this community of care, especially those who have leadership and supervisory responsibilities.

Creating an Inclusive Team Culture

Co-Sponsored by University Operations, with limited space for outside participants

Anchor: Celeste Spier

This group is designed specifically for University Operations leaders who would like to expand their leadership ability related to inclusive excellence. We will read short stories from the book What If: Short Stories to Spark Inclusion & Diversity Dialogue (S. L. Robbins, 2018). Virtual meetings will occur every two weeks throughout the spring semester, where we’ll discuss the chapters and how to apply the lessons to leading our teams. The goal will be to increase our knowledge and skillset specific to diversity and inclusion so that we can create more inclusive team cultures. 

Creating Inclusive Online Communities

Co-Sponsored by the Center for Transformative Teaching

Anchor: Amy Ort & Zac Manley

When teaching online, one of the biggest challenges is creating a sense of community that allows students to connect with one another and the instructor. In this learning community, we will discuss strategies you can use to support diverse students by creating an inclusive and supportive online learning environment. To support these conversations, we will read the book Creating Inclusive Online Communities by Sharla Berry & Kathryn E. Linder. All are welcome into this community of care.

Academic Ableism

Co-Sponsored by the Center for Transformative Teaching

Anchor: Abby Mitchell & Grace Troupe

To what extent is academia designed for temporarily abled people? How can we make universities more inclusive spaces for those with disabilities? This group will explore the ableist tendencies within universities and identify strategies to change those tendencies within our sphere of influence. We will read the book, Academic Ableism: Disability and Higher Education by Jay Dolmage which provides a history and critique of approaches to disability in higher education and strategies for critically evaluating our own institutional practices. E-book is available through UNL libraries, and Audibook is available for free through Audible.

Facilitating Dialogue

Anchor: Charlie Foster

How can one seek to have good conversations when we accept that we are polarized? In this group we’ll discuss the difficulty for us and our students to engage in meaningful dialogue with those with whom we disagree. Our group will be informed by Sally Kohn’s book and TED Talk, “The Opposite of Hate” which addresses the need for dialogue when we as a country describe ourselves as polarized. Each week we’ll be examining our own experiences and developing our skills and commitments for both participating in and fostering conversations across difference. Books will be available on loan, or participants can provide their own books.

Inside Graduate Admissions

Co-Sponsored by the Office of Graduate Studies

Open to all, special invitation to those involved in graduate student admissions

Anchor: Angela Bryan & Ruth Oliver-Andrew

Following Dr. Julie R. Posselt’s lead in “seeing the strange in the familiar,” this #NCLUDE learning group will study equity and diversity issues in graduate admissions from the decision-maker’s point of view. Faculty and staff involved in graduate admission decisions are invited to join us and examine their own practices by exploring who the system works for and who falls through the cracks. Group members will collectively reflect on changes needed inside and outside the gates of graduate school and strategies to improve admissions review in their own departments.

What if I Say the Wrong Thing? 

Anchor: Georgia Jones & Joann Ross

This #NCLUDE small group is for anyone who wants to grow their cultural competence. For some, not knowing how to engage in culturally sensitive conversations prevents them from opening the door to building deeper relationships. Using Vernā Myers’ book, What if I Say the Wrong Thing?, group members will read and reflect on different scenarios to help build understanding and confidence. Topics and skills include expanding one’s comfort zone, avoiding in-group favoritism, understanding micro-inequities, seeing all cultures as valid, and using mistakes as an opportunity to grow. Books will be available on loan, or participants can supply their own book. 

International Empowerment

Co-Sponsored by the International Student and Scholar Office

Anchor: Mikki Sandin & Anh Le

The International Empowerment #NCLUDE small group will focus on increasing our knowledge on how to advocate for international students as a minoritized population in the US and how this affects identity and experiences while living abroad. Goals include developing action steps for advocacy and allyship and creating a framework to empower international students and scholars. Discussion materials will be provided. We welcome all international community members and those who seek to learn more about international perspectives.

Connecting with Alumni through DEIB

Open to all, special invitation to those involved in external relationship coordinators

Anchor: Meg Kester & Nathan Hé

This #NCLUDE small group will reflect on the importance of incorporating diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging principles into alumni relations. We'll explore the ways each aspect of alumni communication can be inclusive and effective, how to integrate DEI measures and self-reflection into existing projects, and address ways we can mutually support one another across colleges and the alumni association in our efforts. While our focus is on external relationship coordinators in academic units, we welcome others who are interested in this topic.

Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge

Co-Sponsored by ORED (Limited spaces open for non-ORED partcipants) 

Anchor: Becky Carter

This #NCLUDE small groups will be engaging a Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge from  January - March 2023. The challenge includes committing to attend a one-hour Zoom group discussion approximately every other week.  You will be prompted to access readings, videos or other resources based on that week's theme.  It should take approximately, one-two hours to read/watch/listen to the resource materials prior to the Zoom group discussion.    The content was culled by CUPA-HR (College and University Professional Association for Human Resources) and UNL employees.  This group is already full, with limited seats for those who are in interested hosting a similar small group in their own unit.

Gender Equity Habit Building Challenge

Co-Sponsored by ORED (Limited spaces open for non-ORED partcipants) 

Anchor: Becky Carter

This #NCLUDE small group, will be engaging in  a Gender Equity Habit Building Challenge from January - March 2023.  The format for the challenge is committing to attend a one-hour Zoom group discussion approximately every other week.  You will also be prompted to access readings, videos or other resources based on that week's theme.  It should take approximately, one-two hours to read/watch/listen to the resource materials prior to the Zoom group discussion.      The content was culled by CUPA-HR (College and University Professional Association for Human Resources) and UNL employees.  This group is already full, with limited seats for those who are in interested hosting a similar small group in their own unit.