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Better Together: Fostering a Culture of Empathy and Respect

August 17, 2022
Submitted By: Office of Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement/HRD

Annual Professional DEIJ Professional Development Program

Better Together: Fostering a Culture of Empathy and Respect

Together, we actively foster a stronger community where differences are honored and respected, interactions are thoughtful, the humanity of everyone is valued, and understanding the experiences and perspectives of others is a priority. Guest presenter Tim Wise, Educator and Antiracist Essayist, Author will explore the ways in which practicing empathy and respect cultivates a more inclusive and welcoming campus culture and how we can embed these qualities into our daily interactions in the UHart community.

Join us! on Tuesday, September 13, 10–11:30 a.m., in person (Wilde Auditorium) or online (Zoom). In-person attendees may gather over coffee at 9:30 a.m. This program is open to all UHart students, faculty, and staff.

The presentation by our keynote speaker will be followed by a showcase of the UHart Employee Affinity Networks and resource fair for employees, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Shaw Center. Join us to connect with the Affinity Networks and learn about some of the local organizations specializing in various aspects of DEIJ.

The Annual DEIJ Professional Development Program is an opportunity dedicated to addressing important related topics. Our annual professional development programs will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve our vision of a more inclusive UHart community.

More about the presenter: Tim Wise, Educator and Author

wise-t-photo-high-res-headshot-9_20.jpgTim Wise, whom scholar Cornel West calls, “A vanilla brother in the tradition of abolitionist John Brown,” is among the nation’s most prominent antiracist essayists and educators. Wise is the author of nine books, including the forthcoming essay collection, Dispatches from the Race War. Other titles include his highly acclaimed memoir, White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son. His writings have appeared in hundreds of print and online publications, including The Washington Post, Alternet, Salon, Huffington Post, Counterpunch, and The Root.

Register here.

Follow-Up Workshop: Communicating with Empathy on Sept. 29, 12:45–2 p.m.

An in-person interactive workshop focused on how to communicate with empathy will take place on Sept. 29. We will consider cognitive, affective, and behavioral elements of empathic communication, including verbal and nonverbal messages, levels of communication, adapting communication to the situation, and skills of active listening, asking questions, and communicating clearly.  There will be discussion, group work, and self-reflection activities. Workshop facilitator: Lynne Kelly, professor of communication in the College of Arts and Sciences. Register here to join us for “Communicating with Empathy." 

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement in collaboration with the Office of Human Resources Development is excited to host the 5th Annual Fall 2022 Professional Development DEIJ Program. We hope you will be able to join us!