Diversity and Interculture at UBC TA Orientation Donna
Diversity and Interculture at UBC TA Orientation Donna Lester-Smith, Ph. D Emily Truong-Cheung, Ph. D Student September, 2017 www. Metis. Motivations. ca
Acknowledgements Musqueam Ancestral Peoples and their lands on which we are visitors
UBC Policies Diversity Interculturalism Location Tips for intercultural Classrooms Practice Scenarios Resources www. Metis. Motivations. ca
To me, “diversity” means… www. Metis. Motivations. ca
UBC Policy www. Metis. Motivations. ca
1. BC Human Rights Code: UBC’s “Policy 3” The 13 Grounds of Prohibited Discrimination are…
UBC’s Policy 3: 13 Grounds of Prohibited Discrimination • Age • Ancestry • Colour • Family Status • Marital Status • Physical or Mental Disability • Place of Origin • Political Belief • Race • Religion • Sex and Gender • Sexual Orientation • Criminal Conviction Unrelated to Employment
2. UBC’s Community Agreement UBC Policy www. Metis. Motivations. ca
UBC’s “Statement on Respectful Environment for Students, Faculty and Staff” “Excellence in learning, research and work in the university community is fostered by promoting the freest possible exchange of information, ideas, beliefs and opinions in diverse forms…” www. Metis. Motivations. ca
However: "… these freedoms cannot exist without an equally vigorous commitment to recognition of and respect for the freedoms of others, and concern for the well-being of every member of the university community” www. Metis. Motivations. ca
Diversity vs Discrimination
Diversity and Interculturalism www. Metis. Motivations. ca
Culture
Cultural Diversity Clothing Foods Music Language Values Beliefs Patterns of Thinking Customary Behaviors
Who are we? Let’s keep in mind what “culture” also widely embodies - and/or - derives from… u Heritage / Family / Community u Education u Work www. Metis. Motivations. ca
Our Unconscious Biases… Effe
Unconscious TA Biases to Consider � Why might some students’ comments be more intriguing and attractive to me? � Why might I perceive a quiet student to be less active than a student who speaks more in class? � My experience as someone who was considered “not the ideal student. ” � I recognize that some students are better in practicing the norms, values, and the “know-hows” in classroom discussion. � How do I make the classroom setting safe for discussion for students of different background. What did some professors do that encouraged me to share my ideas, or to ease my fears about sharing my perspectives and experiences?
Four Active Tips to Help Control our Biases (ODIS) u Observe u Describe u Interpret u Suspend Judgement www. Metis. Motivations. ca
Scenario Practice and Support www. Metis. Motivations. ca
A fellow TA is transgender wishes to be referred to using feminine pronouns. The professor, however, repeatedly ignores this request and refers to her as male. Students in the class seem confused by the situation and many follow the professor in using male pronouns. Your fellow TA is distressed by this and has mentioned it to you privately, but doesn’t know how to discuss it with the professor. • What is happening in this situation? • What is the impact of this situation on all involved? • What might you do in this situation? www. Metis. Motivations. ca
Your Scenarios and Support • What is happening in this situation? • What is the impact of this situation on all involved? • What might you do in this situation? www. Metis. Motivations. ca
Closing Thoughts www. Metis. Motivations. ca
Three Key Reminders about Diversity and Interculturalism u Develop Intercultural Awareness u Be Open to Curiosity u Dance with Ambiguity (Have Comfort with Uncertainty) www. Metis. Motivations. ca
Campus Resources u Your Professor u Your Department Administrative Head u Equity and Inclusion Office u Access and Diversity, for students u Ombudsperson for Students u International Student Development u CTLT Aboriginal Classroom Strategist u FNHL and Aboriginal Portal u Counseling Services, for students u Alma Mater Society Ombudsperson u Alma Mater Society Advocacy Office u Graduate Student Society Advocacy Office u Human Resources Advisors u Unions/Associations www. Metis. Motivations. ca
Donna Lester-Smith Sociology Instructor donnals. ubc@gmail. com
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