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Institutes + Centers

Center for Diversity and Inclusion

About

About

The Center of Diversity and Inclusion advances the institutional mission of graduating socially responsible practitioners by delivering quality programs, trainings, services and resources that support the success of all community members on Adler University’s three campuses. We also critically review existing policies to assess for equity and inclusion and develop new policies to create a more inclusive environment.

Our work addresses fundamental areas of Inclusive Excellence – access and success, institutional climate and intergroup relations, education and scholarship, institutional infrastructure and community engagement. In collaboration with administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners, we strive to integrate the Inclusive Excellence framework into the fabric of the University.

Services and Resources

Areas of Focus

Consultation and Advising

Confidential consultations and advisement are available for faculty, staff, students and other University affiliates. Our services cover a wide range of topics, including transforming curricula, enhancing diversity recruitment efforts, managing difficult/sensitive conversations with colleagues and students and sustaining inclusive classroom practices. We also facilitate dialogues among individuals and small groups and support departments with developing diversity and inclusion plans for their respective areas.

Research and Data Analysis

In collaboration with the Offices of People and Culture and Institutional Research, we analyze data on the recruitment, success, and retention of Adler’s historically underrepresented students, faculty, and staff to develop appropriate action plans. Additionally, we research best practices on a range of topics and provide individuals and departments recommendations based on the current literature. Bi-annually, we launch a diversity climate survey for faculty, staff, students, and administrators to ensure we are making progress towards our goals.

Workshops and Training

We coordinate the selection of scholars and experts to address a range of topics, such as implicit bias and managing difficult conversations in the classroom. We also provide internal training sessions, such as Safe Space (focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer populations), Inclusive Language, Principles of Inclusive Pedagogy, and Generational Diversity. Upon request, we design customized presentations to meet unique departmental needs.

Programs

We deliver programs that bring an increased awareness of equity, diversity and inclusion and/or events that represent underserved communities, often in collaboration with our Campus Diversity Committees. Our programming promotes a learning community that values varied ideas and experiences that reinforce pluralism, one of Adler’s institutional values.

Resources

We offer a range of resources to support Adler community members. Examples include an Inclusive Pedagogy website, a flowchart that identifies where to report incidents (e.g., biased incidents, discrimination, sexual assault, etc.) and diversity recruitment and hiring materials. Our office also maintains queery.org, a website that lists LGBTQIA+ resources for faculty, students, staff and the greater Chicagoland area.

Collaboration

The Center regularly works with the University’s Diversity Committee, student, academic, and student affairs leaders to design, develop, facilitate, and assess programs and resources.

Programs and Fellowships

Programs and Fellowships

Diversity Scholars Program

The Diversity Scholars Program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students from underrepresented/underserved backgrounds to learn more about graduate study in psychology at Adler University. It is designed to increase diversity among graduate students in various areas of psychology.

More specifically, this program is designed to:

  • Preview graduate-level courses in psychology
  • Share information regarding success strategies for completing graduate programs
  • Offer practical tips regarding selecting and applying to graduate programs
  • Expose participants to prominent faculty and administrators from diverse backgrounds
  • Establish authentic and lasting relationships through ongoing mentorship
  • Explore the intersections of psychology and social justice

Program Funding

Students who attend the Diversity Scholars Program that decide to apply to Adler University, will receive an application fee waiver. Additionally, those that are accepted into one of Adler University’s academic programs will also receive a Diversity Scholars Scholarship that provides a 50% tuition waiver! Please note, participants must attend and participate for the entire time of the program to qualify for any scholarship opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Identify as a member of an underrepresented population (i.e., student of color, low income, first generation students, LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, etc.)
  • Current classification as a junior or senior in college (minimum of 45 completed credits)
  • Genuine interest in the field of psychology
  • Strong commitment to social justice

Application Process

Please submit the following application materials:

  • A completed application form, signed and dated
  • An updated copy of your resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Recommendation – Please provide one letter of recommendation from an individual who can speak about your academic potential.
  • Essay – Please submit a statement (500 words maximum) describing your future career goals and commitment to working with underrepresented populations.
  • A copy of your Official Transcripts.

Students must submit all application materials by Friday, September 10, 2021 to [email protected]. Please feel free to email us with any further questions about the program.

Diversity Leadership Program

The Diversity Leadership Program (DLP) at Adler is sponsored by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion to provide opportunities for Psy.D.-level students of color to find community, develop a sense of belonging and receive academic support, resources, and advisement. 

For more information about D.L.P please contact [email protected] with subject line Diversity Leadership Program Information request 

Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois Fellowship

Mission 

The DFI Fellowship Program’s goal is to increase the number of minoritized full-time tenure track faculty and staff at colleges and universities in Illinois. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Admission 

Applicants must be admitted to a Master’s or Doctoral program at Adler at the time of application. If awarded, the applicant must enroll as a full-time student (12 hours). DFI Fellowship Program Applications must be submitted to [email protected] 

The 2022-2023 application should be available in January 2022. Be on the lookout for a message from our Center.  

Illinois Residency 

To be classified as an Illinois resident, an applicant must have received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution in Illinois or received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution outside of Illinois and has lived in Illinois for a period of at least three years prior to applying for a grant. 

Underrepresented Groups 

African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. “Traditionally underrepresented minority group” means any of the minority groups designated in the Act which are represented in Illinois post-baccalaureate enrollment at a percentage rate less than the percentage of the minority group’s representation in the total Illinois population. The Illinois Board of Higher Education shall determine annually which groups are underrepresented based upon census data and annual graduate enrollment reports from Illinois institutions of higher education. 

Academic Ability 

  • Applicants must possess above-average academic ability as evidenced by: 
  • An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning;
    A minimum grade point average of 2.75 (scale 4.0 = A) in the last sixty hours of undergraduate work or over a 3.2 (scale 4.0 = A) in at least 9 hours of graduate study; 
  • Unconditional admission to a master’s or doctoral degree program at Adler 

Academic Pursuit 

Applicants in all academic disciplines are eligible. Applicants must be pursuing a doctorate or master’s degree. Applicants must plan on pursuing a career in teaching or administration at an Illinois post-secondary institution or Illinois higher education governing board. 

Financial Need 

Applicants must demonstrate financial need.  Applicants must have a financial need of at least $10,000 for eligibility.  Please complete the Federal Applications for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) must be filed each year to maintain eligibility. Information regarding the student’s Total Direct Expenses minus the Expected Family Contribution [EFC] determines financial need [Need].  

Terms of the Award 

Upon graduation or separation from the DFI institution, an award recipient must agree to actively seek and accept when offered a teaching or non-teaching full-time appointment at an Illinois post-secondary educational institution or accept a position as an employee of this state in an administrative, educational-related position equal to the number of years for which he or she receives the DFI fellowship. Students failing to fulfill this condition of the award shall be required to repay 20 percent of their cumulative award amount, subject to revision by the DFI Program Board. 

The DFI Award is available for a maximum of four years: 

Doctorate Degree – Four (4) Years
Master Degree – Two (2) Years
Master’s degree holders funded through DFI are eligible to apply for additional years of support for doctoral study; total DFI funding is not to exceed four years 

Contact: 

DFI Fellowship Program Institutional Representative, Melissa Moore, [email protected]  

In addition to the programs listed here, we can also customize programs on a needs basis.

Inclusive Pedagogy

Inclusive Pedagogy

Adler University promotes the development and maintenance of inclusive, socially just pedagogy as part of its commitment to graduating socially responsible practitioners. To this end, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion offers numerous opportunities and resources for learning, practicing, and gaining feedback on inclusive pedagogy.  

Workshops, teaching circles, and other training for faculty are developed to meet faculty members’, departmental, academic program, and campus goals. Resources – such as the Inclusive Pedagogy Website – are collaboratively created with partners like Disabilities Services and the Library to provide self-paced guidance and ready to access suggestions for inclusive teaching practice. 

The Director for Inclusive Teaching Excellence, Cheryl Richardson, also provides observations, conversations, and consultations on inclusive, antiracist, and/or social justice teaching, creating a welcoming syllabus, equitably engaging and assessing students, universal design for learning, and other teaching concerns. 

What is inclusive, socially just framework for teaching? 

Teaching inclusively means embracing student diversity as an asset to student learning and designing and teaching courses in ways that foster talent in all students. 

Adler University’s mandate to nurture socially responsible practitioners means that fostering talent in all students adds an orientation towards social justice. Inclusive, socially just teaching therefore builds on our understanding of inclusive teaching because it requires a recognition of socially oppressive barriers and a commitment to dismantling them. 

 An inclusive, socially just educator thus understands how learning works and the fundamentals of their discipline, embraces diversity, designs courses that address the needs of students who are historically and continuously marginalized in higher education, actively challenges the processes and structures of oppression that have shaped our institutions of learning, and prepares students to challenge these systems in the world. 

Educators aim to correct historical and contemporary inequality in educational practices by destabilizing power, bias, and privilege in the classroom. They intentionally create structures that integrate marginalized experiences and knowledge and interrogate inequality with students. Both educator and students act as equal agents of social change. 

Why is this kind of teaching important? 

Inclusive, socially just teaching responds to moral, civil, and learning imperatives. 

It is morally justified to work to eradicate educational structures and processes that reified hierarchies of human value. Higher education normalizes white, cis-male, heterosexist, middle and upper class, ableist ways of being in its approaches to student engagement, assessment of learning, and evaluation of knowledge claims. Inclusive teaching with a social justice lens works against this tendency. 

Our civil society and classrooms are composed of various groups of people who once had no voice in our democracy or status in our schools. Current students are more racially, ethnically, and gender diverse and have more diagnosed disabilities than ever before, and they deserve adequate engagement and excellent opportunities to learn. Inclusive teaching embraces this diversity and uses it to help student thrive. 

Intentional inclusion improves learning by improving students’ sense of belonging as well as increasing innovative thinking and cognitive complexity. 

What does inclusive, socially just teaching at Adler University look like? 

Our educators cultivate a respectful classroom climate that engages student diversity, challenges problems, and dismantles known barriers to student learning. Our faculty regularly: 

  • Practice self-awareness, humility, and ongoing reflection;
  •  Carefully apply inclusive teaching tenets; 
  • Actively seek opportunities for increased accessibility; 
  • Create intentional interactions that are informed by the requirements of social justice pedagogy; 
  • Effectively assess student learning and the classroom environment 
Religious Observances

In celebration of the diversity of our community, Adler University honors the need for individuals to fully engage in their respective faith traditions – including those which may require the cessation of activities as part of a religious observance. We are sharing this list of non-exhaustive religious holidays so faculty, students, and staff may proactively partner to accommodate religious observances. Please see the faculty handbook for the Religious Holiday Policy, refer to course syllabi to understand policies for honoring religious holiday observances, or contact the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of recognized religious observances in 2023. Please note, some dates may be approximate, as many holidays, such as Islamic and Hindu holy days, are based on the lunar calendar. Days which observance begins at sundown the day before are indicated by an asterisk*. Bahá’í, Jewish, and Muslim holidays begin at sunset on the evening before date listed.

January

January 6 – Christian | Feast of the Epiphany

January 7 – Coptic Orthodox Christmas | Using the Julian calendar, Orthodox Christians celebrate Jesus’ birth

January 15 – Hindu | Sankranti

February

February 18 – Muslim | Lailatal Miraj

February 22 – Christian | Ash Wednesday

February 26-March 1 – Bahai | Ayyam-i-ha

February 27 – Orthodox Christian | Clean Monday, Eastern Orthodox Beginning of Lent

 

March

March6-7 – Jewish | Purim

March 7 – Hindu | Holika Dahan

March 7 – Muslim | Lailat al Bara-ah

March 8-10 – Hindu | Holi

March 8-10 – Sikh | Hola Mohalla

March 20 – Wiccan | Ostara/Spring Equinox

March 21 – Baha’i | Naw-Ruz*

March 23-April 23 – Muslim | Ramadan*

 

 

 

April

April 5-13 – Jewish | Passover (Pesach)*

April 7 – Christian | Good Friday

April 9 – Christian | Easter

April 14 – Sikh | Baisakhi/Vaisakhi

April 16 – Orthodox Christian | Good Friday

April 17 – Jewish | Yom HaShoah*

April 18 – Islam | Lailat al-Qadr

April 21-May 2 – Baha’i | Ridvan*

April 23 – Muslim | Eid al-Fitr*

April 26 – Jewish | Yom Ha’Atzmaut*

May

May 1 – Wiccan | Beltane

May 24 – Baha’i | Declaration of the Bab*

May 26-27 – Jewish | Savuot*

May 27 – Buddhist | Buddha Day/Vesak

May 28 – Christian | Pentecost

May 29 – Baha’i | Ascension of Baha’u’llah*

June

June 11 – Christian Orthodox | All Saints Day

June 16 – Sikh | Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib

June 24 – Pagan/Wiccan | Litha

June 26-July 1 – Islam | The Hajj

June 28 -Muslim | Waqf al Arafa

June 29 – Islam | Eid al-Adha

July

July 3 – Buddhist | Asalha Puja

July 5-6 – Judaism | Fast of Tammuz

July 10 – Baha’i | Martyrdom of Báb*

July 18-19 – Islam | Islamic New Year

July 24 – Christian | Pioneer Day

July 26-27 – Judaism | Tisha B’Ay*

July 28 – Muslim | Days of Ashura/Muharram*

August

Aug. 1 – Pagan/Wiccan | Lughnasadh

Aug. 15 – Roman Catholic | Feast of the Assumption

September

Sept. 5-6 – Islam |  Arba’een

Sept. 6-7 – Hindu |  Krishna Janmashtami

Sept. 12 – Jain | Paryushan Parvaramb

Sept. 15-17 – Judaism |  Rosh Hashanah*

Sept. 18 – Judaism |   Tzom Gedaliah

Sept. 21-29 – Pagan/Wiccan |  Mabon

Sept. 24-25 – Judaism |  Yom Kippur

Sept. 26-27 – Islam |  Mawlid

Sept. 30-October 6 – Judaism |  Sukkot*

 

October

Oct. 7-8 – Judaism |   Shemini Atzeret*

Oct. 8 – Judaism |  Simchat Torah*

Oct. 15-24 – Hindu |  Navarati

Oct. 16 – Baha’i |   Birthday of Báb

Oct. 17 – Baha’i |   Birthday of Baha’u’llah

Oct. 24 – Hindu |  Dussehra

Oct. 31 – Pagan/Wiccan |  Samhain

November

Nov. 1 – Christian |  All Saints Day

Nov. 2 – Christian |  All Souls’ Day

Nov. 12 – Hindu/Sikh/Jain |  Diwali

Nov. 24 – Sikh |  Martyrdom of Guru Bahadur

Nov. 28 – Baha’i | Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Baha

Nov. 28-Jan. 6 – Christian |  Christmas Fast

December

Dec. 3-24 – Christian | Advent

Dec. 7-15 – Judaism | Hanukkah*

Dec. 8 – Roman Catholic | Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Dec. 8 – Buddhist | Bodhi Day

Dec. 12 – Christian | Our Lady of Guadalupe (Feast Day)

Dec. 16-24 – Christian | Las Posadas

Dec. 21-Jan. 1 – Pagan/Wiccan | Yule

Dec. 22 – Judaism | Asara B’Tevet

Dec. 24 – Christian | Christmas Eve

Dec. 25 – Christian | Christmas Day

Dec. 26 – Christian  | St. Stephen’s Day

Dec. 26-1 – Interfaith | Kwanzaa

Activities and Events

June

Events, Workshops, & Trainings

LGBTQ+ Pride Month


Monday, June 5 | noon CDT/10 a.m. PDT

Learning about Microaggressions 

Presented by A. Jordan Wright, Ph.D., clinical associate professor of counseling psychology in the Department of Applied Psychology at New York University.  

Faculty and staff are invited to this workshop on addressing microaggressions, with an emphasis on recognizing and addressing microaggressions within classroom settings. Dr. Wright will discuss theories and research behind microaggressions as they occur in everyday life, especially within academia. Strategies to identify microaggressions, as well as how to address them in the moment, will be introduced.    

Register.


Monday, June 5 | 4-6 p.m. CDT/6-8 p.m. PDT
Chicago Campus Community Hall & Zoom

The Dog Days of Summer: An Analysis of the LGBTQ+ Fight for Liberation and Police Brutality Then and Now

Presented by Ryan Tobiasz, Psy.D., program director of the Adler University Master of Arts in Forensic Mental Health Leadership program

On a hot summer day in August 1972, John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile robbed a bank and held hostages in Brooklyn, New York. The events of the day were chronicled in the 1975 crime drama, Dog Day Afternoon, directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino. In 2009, Dog Day Afternoon was deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.   

Films have historically portrayed homosexuality and transsexuality in a negative light, reinforcing the marginalization of the LGBTQ+ community. Dog Day Afternoon broke that pattern with an accurate depiction of the LGBTQ+ fight for liberation. Set against the backdrop of the gay liberation movement and using the film Dog Day Afternoon, the history of Stonewall, Pride, and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, this presentation will consider complex character development that defines LGBTQ+ characters beyond just sexual orientation. Themes of police brutality, Stockholm syndrome, mental health, internalized homophobia, and institutional homophobia will be discussed. Although released over 45 years ago, the relevancy of Dog Day Afternoon in 2023 will be explored.  

Register for in-person attendance here  

Register for virtual attendance here. 



Wednesday, June 21 | noon-1 p.m. CDT/10-11 a.m. PDT

Queer Affirming Therapy with LGBTQ+ Clients  

Presented by A. Jordan Wright, Ph.D., clinical associate professor of counseling psychology in the Department of Applied Psychology at New York University.  

Doing clinical work with clients who are members of the sexual and gender-diverse community — also known as the queer or LGBTQIA+ community — requires specific knowledge, attitudes/values, and skills. Queer individuals face both systematized, sanctioned discrimination, including laws against them, and everyday microaggressions that contribute to minority stress, all which can contribute to, exacerbate, and maintain emotional and mental distress, specific mental illness, and a host of other practical, personal, and interpersonal difficulties.    

In this presentation, Dr. Wright will introduce the current state of the literature as well as current clinical wisdom in working with queer clients. Steeped in the theory of cultural humility, the presentation will focus on the development of queer-affirming practices aimed at depathologizing queer norms and customs, attending to cis-heteronormative attitudes of the therapist, and managing therapeutic microaggressions that occur within the therapeutic relationship

Register.


All month

52-Mile Challenge

For Pride month, The Trevor Project is challenging all individuals to bike, walk, and/or run 52 miles to support the 52nd annual Pride month. Students and faculty from Adler’s Sports and Human Performance program are presenting three different ways the Adler community can participate. Individuals can join the challenge, donate directly to The Trevor Project, or buy a t-shirt where all proceeds will be sent to the organization.
The Trevor Project is an organization set up to help LBGTQIA+ youth navigate potential discrimination and oppression faced while being a part of a sexual minority group while also lobbying for LGBTQIA+ friendly legislation. The Trevor Project offers guidance and resources to parents and educators to foster safe, accepting, and inclusive environments for all youth.

Pride Month Activities in Chicago

Pride Month Activities in Vancouver.

May

Events, Workshops, & Trainings

Jewish Heritage Month & Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month


Tuesday, May 9 | 2 p.m. CDT/noon PDT

D’Lo on Being a Queer, Trans, and Tamil Sri Lankan American 

Actor, writer, and comic D’Lo will be sharing his perspective as a community-based artist whose powerful work delves into the intersection of comedy and healing, and mental health and masculinity. He will share about his latest public installation busking project called “Cry with You,” a.k.a the UNCLES project, and the question at its foundation: what does beautiful masculinity look like? D’Lo takes pride in his solo-based work & comedy as well as his cultural work within queer/trans immigrant and BIPOC communities. You might’ve also seen him in shows like Transparent, Sense8, Mr. Robot, Quantum Leap and the film BROS 


Wednesday, May 17 | noon CDT/10 a.m. PDT

Living in the Intersections: How I Navigate Multiple Identities in All the Spaces I Inhabit 

Yolanda Savage-Narva will share intersectional experiences of being a woman of color and of Jewish heritage. In addition to being a 2019 Schusterman Senior Fellow and serving in an advisory role for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and Repair the World, Savage-Narva is the director of Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) at Union for Reform Judaism. In addition,  Savage-Narva is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; a historically Black sorority dedicated to sisterhood, scholarship, and service.  

 

 

 

Zoom registration link: 

https://adler.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckf-2hrDkiH9wJhO2jZPy1MZrmbowghIhc  

Information & Resources

The Blue Square

By Faraz Khaja 

It was in March 30, 2023, that a brand-new $25 million initiative to battle antisemitism called #StandUpToJewishHate launched. One main feature of the campaign is the use of the blue square emoji. 

The said emoji was created by the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism—which itself was founded by Robert Kraft, Owner of the New England Patriots back in 2019. The blue square emoji has been touted as a symbol of the #StandUpToJewishHate campaign. 

The campaign itself has been designed to increase awareness for the fight against antisemitism, specifically among non-Jewish audiences. The up-and-coming blue square emoji has appeared on television shows, digital billboards and social-media sites. The campaign encourages people to download the blue square and share it widely. According to CBS News, the blue square will take up 2.4% of television and digital screens, billboards, and social media feeds. That number symbolizes that Jews make up 2.4% of the American population yet are the victims of 55% of religious-based hate crimes. 

April

Events, Workshops, & Trainings

Arab Heritage Month


Tuesday, April 4 | noon PDT/2 p.m. CDT

Islam and Ramadan 101

Ramadan and Arab American Heritage Month both fall during April this year and, in anticipation, the Muslim Student Association will host a Common Hour event to learn about the Islamic holiday and share resources to support students and campus members who observe.

Guest lecturer and Islamic Scholar Sheikh Umar Farooqie will discuss what is Islam, the five pillars of Islam, and provide details of the importance and meaning of Ramadan for Muslims all over the world. A 15-minute Q&A session will follow the presentation. If you prefer to ask your questions beforehand, please email [email protected].

*It is important to mention that many Arabs do not identify as Muslim, and many Muslims do not identify as Arab. Ramadan is a holy month specific to the religion of Islam for all those who identify as Muslim, regardless of race or ethnicity. 


Wednesday, April 11 | 5 a.m. PDT/7 a.m. CDT

Uplifting the Liberation Work of Palestinian Clinical Psychologists: Dr. Mustafa Qossoqsi & Najla Asmar

This discussion will be recorded for those unable to attend — a link will be shared in next week’s Inside Adler. 

Mustafa Qossoqsi, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, family and couple psychotherapist, chief clinical psychologist of the Psychiatric Department at the EMMS Nazareth Hospital, and a clinical supervisor at the “Maana” Psychotherapeutic Centre. He has researched the intergenerational effects of the Nakbah on internally displaced Palestinians and has been instrumental in developing training in Arabic for Palestinian psychologists. He is co-founder and former head of the Arab Psychological Association and co- founder of the Palestine Global Network. Mustafa is also a published poet.

Najla Asmar is a supervising clinical psychologist, chief psychologist at the English Hospital in Nazareth, and founder and manager of MA’ANA Center at the English Hospital, an Arabic Center for mental health treatment, evaluation and supervision. She has worked for many years at the Developmental Psychological Treatment Station at the Ministry of Health in Haifa and is a graduate of the psychotherapy program and the experienced therapists program at the Psychoanalytic Society in Israel.

Hosted by the Adler Arab Student Association  


Tuesday, April 25 | noon CDT/10 a.m. PDT

Welcoming Diversity Workshop

The National Coalition Building Institute’s award-winning Welcoming Diversity Workshop is an experiential program presented thousands of times at universities and colleges. The workshop consists of a series of incremental activities that helps participants: 

  • Celebrate their similarities and differences.
  • Recognize the misinformation they have learned about various groups, including their own.
  • Learn about and reevaluate personal attitudes and behaviors that are based on the impact of prejudice and discrimination.
  • Claim pride in their group identities.
  • Understand the personal impact of discrimination through the telling of stories.
  • Learn hands-on tools for dealing effectively with offensive remarks and behaviors.

For those interested in additional NCBI training, Adler University will commission a Campus Affiliate Team of the National Coalition Building Institute this semester. Approximately 50 individuals are desired to participate in a train-the-trainer seminar on how to lead the NCBI Welcoming Diversity Workshop and NCBI Controversial Issues Process. The NCBI Controversial Issue Process helps move hotly contested issues forward by teaching individuals and groups how to listen to the heartfelt concerns of all sides and reframing the debate in a way that builds bridges. 

Sign up to receive additional information about becoming an NCBI Workshop facilitator. 

Please register at least 24 hours in advance.

Information & Resources

This section was created as a resource for the Adler community to bring awareness and highlight the devastating impact of the earthquakes on the Turkish and Syrian people in the region. 

Donations
Syria Relief Organizations 

Turkey Relief Organizations 

Resources 

Resource list compiled from USF’s website 

March

February

Events, Workshops, & Trainings

Black History Month

Wellness and Authenticity Without Apology


Friday, Feb. 3 | 1 p.m. CST/11 a.m. PST

Healing Circle

Members of the Adler community are asked to gather virtually and create a healing circle. This will be an opportunity to hold communal space and share our stories of strength. You are a divine light, courageous in the fight for truth. You matter. Healing happens together. For additional information, contact Monica F. Boyd Layne, Black Caucus Chair; Mtisunge Kapalamula and Nataka Moore, Black Caucus Co-Chairs.



Tuesday, Feb. 7 | noon CST/PST

BYOL Series (Bring Your Own Lunch): Black History Month Opening Address and Virtual Fireside Chat

The Adler Community is invited to join us as we kick off Black History Month 2023. After an opening address from the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, individuals are welcome to enjoy lunch and casually engage with members of the Adler community. Informal conversations about University DEI efforts are welcome.



Tuesday, Feb. 14 | noon CST/10 a.m. PST

Conversations about Teaching: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) (Faculty only)

Sponsored by Disability Services and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.

In Fall 2022, 23% of Chicago students had accommodations, nearing national estimates that 25% of all American adults have some type of disability. While accommodations can help to level the playing field for students with disabilities, they serve as mitigation efforts rather than proactively and holistically considering one’s teaching approach. By incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles into teaching strategies, we remove unnecessary hurdles and develop a flexible learning environment that benefits all students, including those with accommodations and from other marginalized communities. Join us for our monthly sessions in which we’ll provide a brief overview of UDL and break down one aspect of UDL Learning Guidelines developed by CAST. Adler faculty members will share some of their approaches in an open dialogue. Come with your success stories or your questions.



Wednesday, Feb. 15| noon CST/10 a.m. PST

The Power of Radical Authenticity: Bringing Our Most Authentic Selves into the Spaces We Occupy

Presented by: Moe Ari Brown, LMFT.

Leading mental health expert in the realm of Transgender Identity, Moe Ari has a keen understanding of the intersectionality of race, gender identity, and spirituality and their impact on the way individuals pursue belonging and authenticity in their lives. Please join us in conversation as we discuss the individual and collective healing that takes place when we can fully embody our most authentic selves.



Tuesday, Feb. 21 | noon-1:30 p.m. CST/10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. PST

Welcoming Diversity Workshop

The National Coalition Building Institute’s award-winning Welcoming Diversity Workshop is an experiential program that has been presented thousands of times at universities and colleges. The workshop consists of a series of incremental activities that helps participants:

  • Celebrate their similarities and differences;
  • Recognize the misinformation they have learned about various groups, including their own;
  • Learn about and reevaluate personal attitudes and behaviors that are based on the impact of prejudice and discrimination;
  • Claim pride in their group identities;
  • Understand the personal impact of discrimination through the telling of stories; and
  • Learn hands-on tools for dealing effectively with offensive remarks and behaviors

For those interested in additional NCBI training, this semester, Adler University will commission a Campus Affiliate Team of the National Coalition Building Institute. Approximately 50 individuals are desired for participation in a train the trainer seminar on how to lead the NCBI Welcoming Diversity Workshop and NCBI Controversial Issues Process. The NCBI Controversial Issue Process helps move hotly contested issues forward by teaching individuals and groups how to listen to the heartfelt concerns of all sides and reframing the debate in a way that builds bridges.

Sign up to receive additional information about becoming an NCBI Workshop facilitator.



Wednesday, Feb. 22 | noon CST/10 a.m. PST

Care for the Mental Health of Black Men

Presented by: Dr. Jerome Anderson, DSW, LCSW, BCD, CCFC, CCHP, CMCC

Join Dr. Jerome Anderson for an unapologetic learning tour of techniques and skills for working with Black men. Dr. Anderson is an Advanced Practice Clinical Professor and Board Certified Clinical and Forensic Psychotherapist. All are welcome to attend. Register online.

Dr. Anderson will also join the brothers of Men of Color at Adler (MOCA) for an informal discussion on March 9, 2023 at 5 p.m. CST/3 p.m. PST. All are welcome to attend – men of color and male-identified individuals of color employed or enrolled at Adler University are encouraged to attend via Zoom.



Monday, Feb. 27 | noon CST/10 a.m. PST

Ubuntu Circle 

Ubuntu is a Zulu term embracing the social and spiritual (not religious) philosophy of humanness, inclusivity, and concern for one another. Join the team of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and other campus leaders for the first of our quarterly DEI Town Hall Meetings. Updates on campus Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts will be provided, including the status of various initiatives, such as the Antiracism and Inclusion Plan (ARI), Black Community Demands and Expectations (BCDEs), the Transforming the Curriculum Initiative (TCI), and other exciting campus DEI initiatives.



Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 2 p.m. CST/noon PST

Exploring Black Wellness Through Culturally Sensitive Healing

Presented by: Richla Davis, LCPC and Sara Vivens, LCPs

Richla Davis, LCPC, and Sara Vivens, LCPC, of Ida Lillie Psychotherapy and Wellness will lead us in an interactive workshop that addresses the unique ways in which Black folks experience healing. We will debunk myths related to mental illness and explore options for providing appropriate care to Black populations. Participants will be encouraged to challenge the ways in which they have been taught to assess and treat Black suffering.

Contact Us

Contact Us

Kahan Sablo, D.Ed. – Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion 

[email protected]

Cheryl Richardson, Ph.D. – Director for Inclusive Teaching Excellence 

[email protected]  

Melissa Moore, M.S. Ed. – Program Manager 

[email protected]   

Make a Gift

Make a Gift

Support our mission to graduate socially responsible practitioners by delivering quality programs, trainings, services and resources that facilitate the success of all community members on Adler University’s three campuses.

If you have questions or concerns, please email the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, at .

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