December 3rd, 2009

The last two Diversity Dialogues of the semester will be held this week:

Monday, December 7: “Feminism: the F-word”: 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., Student Center 309. Facilitated by Candice Bosse, assistant professor of Modern Languages Feminism-the word and, by extension, the movement-has suffered from an image problem. Women of all ages, colors, and socio-economic classes have both embraced it and disdained it. Why is this? What does it mean to be a feminist in the U.S.? What can we do to re-invigorate this F-word and charge it with new meaning?

Wednesday, December 9: “Microaggressions”: 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., Student Center Atrium Conference Room (located next to the ATM machine). Facilitated by Dottie R. Morris, Chief Officer for Diversity and Multiculturalism. This dialogue will focus on microaggressions and their impact on individuals within a community.

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From Dottie Morris Chief Officer of Diversity and Multiculturalism: This fall, the Office of Diversity and Multiculturalism has sponsored a series of Diversity Summit meetings. The last of the four summits will be on Wednesday, December 9, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Student Center Atrium Conference Room.

The goals of these meetings are to:

• Address joys, concerns, hopes, and fears associated with diversity and multiculturalism
• Discuss our collective understanding of diversity and multiculturalism
• Help create a mission statement and develop goals and objectives for the Office
• Devise a plan of action to support diversity and multicultural efforts throughout the College.

After this last summit, a summary will be generated and distributed to the Keene State College community for feedback. The information obtained during the meetings and feedback period will help inform some of the work I will do as Chief Officer for Diversity and Multiculturalism. If you have not been able to attend any of the fall summits, you can send your thoughts, feelings, and ideas to me by e-mail (dmorris@keene.edu) or call 8-2206 and schedule a time to meet with me.

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From Kim Schmidl-Gagne, Academic Affairs: Please join us to help create a group that will provide social opportunities for diverse families; share information and expertise; inform, educate, and dispel misinformation; and celebrate our life choice, affirming diversity’s strengths and providing support for dealing with its unique challenges. We need your input and perspective to help this group be what you need it to be. We will meet on Tuesday, November 17, from noon to 1:30 in the Madison Street Lounge (lunch served).

This planning group meeting is extended to members of the KSC campus community. As the group takes shape, we will reach out to the wider community. We welcome any diverse family configuration: adoptive families, multiracial families, GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender) parents/guardians, grandparents who play a parenting role, any under-represented ethnicity, and more (help us to expand this list). Sponsored by the Office of Multiculturalism and Diversity and the Child Development Center.

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From Karen Cangialosi and Lucy Webb, co-chairs, Campus Commission on Diversity and Multiculturalism: Attendance at our first multicultural dialogue, “Veterans at KSC,” was excellent, thanks to your participation. We look forward to our next dialogue, Monday, November 16, at noon in Student Center 309. Please come to this discussion about “tipping point.” How might Keene State College look as a more diverse community with multiple cultures represented? What is the impact of having a “critical mass” of people who are currently underrepresented on campus? Please come to this intriguing discussion facilitated by our very own Chief Officer for Diversity and Multiculturalism, Dr. Dottie Morris.

Next week is chock full of diversity discussions: Tuesday, November 17 (family diversity), and Wednesday, November 18 (transgenderism). See a full schedule here. We would like for as many members of the campus community as possible to engage in these discussions on issues that affect us all. Please encourage your students to attend.

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From Dottie Morris, Diversity/Multiculturalism: Mike Ward (Student Center) and Kent Drake-Deese (Res. Life) will facilitate a discussion, “Veterans at Keene State College,” at noon on Tuesday, November 10, (Mountain View Room, Student Center) in recognition and honor of Veteran’s Day. A light lunch will be provided. Check out the complete schedule of the Diversity Dialogue Series here.

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From Dottie Morris, Diversity and Multiculturalism: The Office of Diversity and Multiculturalism is sponsoring Diversity Summit meetings to address joys, concerns, hopes, and fears associated with diversity and multiculturalism; to discuss our collective understanding of diversity and multiculturalism; to help create a mission statement and develop goals and objectives for the Office; and to devise a plan of action to support diversity and multicultural efforts throughout the college.
 
There will be five opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to get together and contribute to this endeavor. The summit meetings are scheduled for:

• Tuesday, October 27, noon-2 p.m.; Student Center 309
• Wednesday, October 28, 5-7 p.m.; Student Center Atrium Conference Room
• Thursday, October 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Student Center 309
• Monday, November 9, 4-6 p.m.; Student Center 309
• Wednesday, December 2, from noon-2 p.m.; Student Center Atrium Conference Room

If you are not able to attend any of the meeting times, you can send your thoughts, feelings, and ideas to me by e-mail (dmorris@keene.edu), or call (8-2206) and schedule a time to meet with me. After all of the meetings have been held, a summary will be generated and distributed to the Keene State College community for feedback. The information obtained during the meetings and feedback period will help inform some of the work I will do as Chief Officer for Diversity and Multiculturalism. Looking forward to talking to you!

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Louise Derman-Sparks (courtesy photo)

On Wednesday, October 7, at 7 p.m. in the Mabel Brown Room in the Student Center, Louise Derman-Sparks will present “Teaching Children to Resist Prejudice: Why Do We Still Need To Do This?” as part of Keene State’s Diverse Lectures from the Field series. She will repeat this lecture on Thursday, October 8, at 4 p.m. in the Mabel Brown Room; both events are free and open to the public.

Louise Derman-Sparks, now professor emerita, was a long-time human development faculty member at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California. She first worked with young children and families as an early childhood education teacher and program director, and she is the author and co-author of several books, including Anti-Bias Curriculum: Tools for Empowering Young Children; Teaching/Learning Anti-Racism: A Developmental Approach (with Carol Brunson Phillips); In Our Own Way: How Anti-Bias Work Shapes Our Lives; Future Vision, Current Work: Lessons from the Culturally Relevant Anti-Bias Education Leadership Project; and “What if All the Kids Are White?” Anti-bias/ Multicultural Education with Young Children and Families (with Dr. Patricia Ramsey).

Ms. Derman-Sparks speaks, conducts workshops, and consults widely throughout the United States and internationally. A former member of the governing board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, she currently serves as a member of the national board/staff collective of Crossroads, an interfaith and community-based anti-racism training organization, and on the National Diversity Advisory Council of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Keene State College’s Diverse Voices from the Field lecture series is dedicated to bringing speakers who represent diversity in education to the College. For more information on Diverse Voices in the Field, or to request accommodations for a disability, please contact Felicia Favreau at 8-2301.

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From Susan Theberge, CODM Search Committee chair: The entire campus community is warmly invited to meet the candidates for Chief Officer for Diversity and Multiculturalism.

The CODM reports directly to President Giles-Gee, serves on the President’s Cabinet, and provides leadership and collaborative guidance to the college community in matters related to the advancement of Keene State College’s goals for diversity and multiculturalism. The search committee will be bringing three candidates to campus and each of the candidates will participate in a forum (date, time, and location listed below). The forums are open to students, faculty, and staff, and we hope you will attend.

Monday, May 18: Dr. Susan Stebbins
10:15 a.m. in the Mountain View Room

Thursday, May 21: Dr. Sumita Furlong
10:15 a.m. in Rhodes 203

Friday, May 22: Dr. Dottie Morris
10:15 a.m. in the Mountain View Room

Curriculum vitae for each candidate will be on reserve at the main circulation desk in Mason Library. We will provide evaluation forms at the forum and look forward to reading and hearing your feedback.

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From Kim Schmidl-Gagne, Academic Affairs: What is the climate on the KSC Campus for returning Veterans? Are we doing what we should to welcome them into the KSC family and help them with college? As the new GI Bill is implemented, what can we do to help make this a more veteran-friendly campus?

A panel of three veterans will share their experience at KSC on Friday, April 17, at 1 p.m. in the Mountain View Room. This event is sponsored by the Campus Commission on Diversity and Multiculturalism, the Office for Diversity and Multiculturalism, and the Student Development/Dean of Student’s Office. A light lunch will be provided.

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From Linda Baker, Psychology: Dr. David Karp will offer an in-depth introduction to the philosophy, principles, and practice of restorative justice on Friday, April 17, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Putnam Theater.

Karp, a professor of sociology, is now serving as interim associate dean of Student Affairs and director of Campus Life at Skidmore College. He is the author of numerous publications on restorative justice and editor of Restorative Justice on the College Campus: Promoting Student Growth, Responsibility, and Reawakening the Spirit of Campus Community. An experienced and well-known presenter, he will bring with him co-presenter Duke Fisher, recipient of N.Y. State Dispute Resolution’s 2007 Lawrence P. Cooke Peace Innovator Award.

Supported by grants from the Campus Commission on Diversity and Multiculturalism and the Pepsi Foundation, this workshop is open to the entire campus community and the wider Keene community, offering an opportunity to learn about restorative justice and to participate in an initiative to bring restorative justice to Keene State College. For more information contact Linda Baker.

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The PAT/OS councils, in collaboration with the Department of Human Resources and the Office of Diversity and Multiculturalism, invite the campus community to explore issues of diversity at Keene State during a day of diversity training in the Student Center on Wednesday, March 18 (beginning at 9:30 a.m.)

We hope that you will take advantage of as much of the day as is possible for you, and request that you register for sessions so that we can assign presentations to rooms that are of the appropriate size. Registration for lunch is required so that we can provide accurate numbers to catering. Please register here.

Schedule of Events
• 9:30–10 a.m.
All Staff Meeting: Catch up on current events with the councils.
• 10:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (double-length sessions)
Session I: Gender Identity Issues: An estimated one in 10,000 individuals experiences a conflict between their physical sex and the sense of gender they feel in their hearts and minds. Dr. Nancy Strapko, former faculty from Plymouth State, will share insight and information into such gender-identity issues so that we may react and respond positively to members of our own community who are transitioning or have gender-identity concerns.
Session II: Tough Guise: Documentary and Discussion of Men’s Issues: This documentary looks systematically at the relationship between the images of popular culture and the social construction of masculine identities in the U.S. at the end of the 20th century. Discussion facilitated by Forrest Seymour (Counseling Center) to follow documentary.
• 10:15–11:15 a.m. (single-length sessions)
Session III: Communication in the Workplace: This workshop will examine the complexity of effective communication in the workplace. This includes an exploration of the barriers to effective communication, discussion of skills that enhance effective communication, examination of the impact of power differential within the relationship (supervisor/supervisee), and exploration of effective ways to resolve work-related conflict. Facilitated by Dottie Morris (Diversity/Multiculturalism).
• 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (single-length session)
Session IV: Cultural Awareness and International Students: Understand the transitional and cultural issues international students may face when coming to the Keene.
• 12:30 p.m. Working Lunch
Presentation on Gender Equity Issues: KSC Human Resources will host a brief presentation and facilitate a discussion regarding recent efforts to address inequities, such as those created by having two different Operating Staff bases (i.e., 40 hours/week versus 37.5 hours/week). The group will participate to identify those issues and concerns associated with gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation that most need our attention.

We look forward to seeing you on the 18th!

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On Wednesday, March 4, the Multicultural Luncheon Series will present “Restorative Justice: What It Is and What Does It Have To Do with Diversity?” from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Mountain View Room.

Linda Baker (Psychology) will provide a brief introduction to the philosophy, principles, and processes of Restorative Justice (RJ) as it is used in communities and college campuses across the country. Dottie Morris, chief officer of Diversity and Multiculturalism will discuss ways in which RJ can promote a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and populations in these settings and provide more healing approaches to dealing with crime and conflict. Mark Schmidl-Gagne, Dispute Resolution coordinator, and Amanda Warman, director of Campus Safety, will join us in describing plans to bring restorative justice to KSC.

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From Shawna Perrin, Arts and Humanities: A small group at Keene State is looking into bringing a Women’s Resource Center back to campus. On Friday, February 20, we will hold a question-and-answer session with Delilah Smith from Plymouth State’s Women’s Services & Gender Resources Center from noon to 2 p.m. in the Mountain View Room of the Student Center. We’re really looking forward to talking with her and learning about her experiences. Since the vision of the potential WRC is to be open and welcoming to all campus members, it’s only fitting that everyone on campus be invited to join this discussion. A light lunch will be served. Please RSVP to me (sperrin@keene.edu) or Nick Germana (ngermana@keene.edu) by Friday, February 13, if you will be attending.

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From Rebecca Briggs, Dining Services: Keene State Dining Services welcomes our fourth Global Chef next week, with opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to experience Peruvian food and culture. In conjunction with the Young Student Center, we welcome Chef Veronica Pena to campus with events beginning on Monday, February 16. Come learn about Peruvian food and culture in the Dining Commons and Student Center (view schedule here). Inca Son will perform Peruvian music at the Student Center during the event on Monday, February 16. Grupo Wayno will entertain Dining Commons guests during dinner on Tuesday, February 17.

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Tuesday, January 27:
The KSC Campus Commission for Diversity and Multiculturalism, the Office of Diversity and Multiculturalism, and Common Ground will sponsor “The ‘Dream’: The Relevance of Martin Luther King Today,” on Tuesday, January 27, at 7:30 p.m., in the Student Center. Steve Chase, founding director of Antioch University New England’s Environmental Advocacy and Organizing Program, will give the keynote speech; Evelyn Harris, formally of Sweet Honey in the Rock, will discuss the significance of music in the Civil Rights movement and offer a musical interlude; and Jay Cook and Steve Leicach will provide celebratory drumming. This event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, January 29:
The KSC Campus Commission on Diversity and Multiculturalism is sponsoring a trip for faculty, staff, and students to UNH’s 19th Annual MLK Commemorative Address, “Education or Incarceration: The Future of Democracy,” by Angela Davis. Free transportation from Keene to UNH will be provided (depart from Keene at 4 p.m.). To sign up, please contact Kim Schmidl-Gagne at 8-2768 or kgagne@keene.edu before 9 a.m. on Monday, January 26.

Saturday, February 7:
The KSC Student Center, the Campus Commission on Diversity and Multiculturalism, the Office of Diversity and Multiculturalism, and Common Ground will sponsor a performance for Black History Month, The Meeting, on Saturday, February 7.

This drama by Jeff Stetson takes place in a secluded room in the Hotel Theresa in Harlem, where Malcolm X is headquartered before his fateful appearance at the Audubon Ballroom. He has requested a secret meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who is also in New York.

The show will start at 2 p.m. in the Mabel Brown Room, Student Center, and will be followed by a discussion. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information about these events, please contact Kim Schmidl-Gagne at 8-2768 or kgagne@keene.edu.

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From Kim Schmidl-Gagne, Academic Affairs: On Wednesday, November 12, Dr. Jennifer Lisa Vest will present a lecture and a reading of her poems at noon in the Mountain View Room.

Dr. Vest approaches issues about racial intersections, about the right to have “my own voice” as a Native American woman, and about scholars of color in traditional disciplines. This event is sponsored by the Feminist Collective, the Women’s Studies Council, the Campus Commission on the Status of Women, the Campus Commission on Diversity and Multiculturalism, and Common Ground. For more information, contact Kim Schmidl-Gagne at 8-2768.

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From Bill Stroup, English: The month of November is nationally recognized as the month for Native American appreciation and remembrance. Check out these Native American-themed events:

Monday, November 10, 6 p.m., Mountain View Room:
Prof. Kristy Feldhousen-Giles: “The Freedmen: Race and the Question of Tribal Citizenship”
The Freedmen are people of mixed African, Native American, and white ancestry with histories of slavery and intermarriage in the Five Civilized Tribes. Although most Freedmen were guaranteed tribal citizenship after their emancipation, today most Freedmen have been disenfranchised from their tribes. Refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, November 12, 12 p.m., Mountain View Room:
Dr. Jennifer Vest: “The Philopoetics of Biracial Identity”
Jennifer Lisa Vest is a mixed-race (Native American/African-American) poet and philosopher from Chicago. A professor by day and a poet by night, Dr. Vest performs her poetry, delivers philosophy papers, and sometimes combines the two genres to deliver “philopoetics” on issues of race, culture, identity, and justice at academic, community, and artistic venues throughout the country.

Wednesday, November 19, 4 p.m., Madison St. Lounge:
Brenda Esperanza, Counseling Center: “Native American Spirituality”
Join us for an exploration of various Native/indigenous beliefs and practices.

Wednesday, November 19, 7:30 p.m., Night Owl Café:
In 2007, Dances with Wolves (1990) was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. The film tells the story of a United States Army lieutenant (Kevin Costner) who travels to the American frontier in search of a military post. He eventually befriends a local Sioux tribe, learning their culture, Lakota language, and rituals.

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Dr. Dottie Morris has been appointed Interim Chief Officer for Diversity and Multiculturalism at the College.

“Dr. Morris brings an exceptional resumé with a strong combination of academic credentials and life experience, and well-grounded preparation and understanding in the areas of diversity and multiculturalism,” President Giles-Gee wrote in an announcement to the campus.

Morris worked most recently as associate dean for Student Learning at the World Learning SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, Vt., and as director of Student Affairs/Core Faculty at the Clinical Mental Health Program at Antioch University, Keene. She has worked at Keene State as an adjunct faculty member in the psychology department, and was named one of Keene State College’s 2008 Outstanding Women of New Hampshire.

The Chief Officer for Diversity and Multiculturalism will recommend institutional practices and policies that foster a welcoming and inclusive campus community. Reporting directly to the president, she will provide support and resources to the College’s deans, commissions, department chairs, administrators, staff, and students in matters related to the advancement of the College’s goals for diversity and multiculturalism. Dr. Morris will begin on September 29, 2008. Her office will be located on the first floor of Hale Building.

Courtesy Photo
Dr. Dottie Morris (seated far right) with the 2008 recipients of Keene State College’s Outstanding Women of New Hampshire (standing, l. to r.): Helen Giles-Gee, Jan Cohen, Jahleh Ghanbari; seated: Juliana Eades

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From Jeanne Hearn, President’s Office: The Interim Chief Diversity Officer search committee is pleased to announce details of the upcoming interview process for this position. All staff, faculty, and students are warmly invited to attend campus open forums for each candidate. The finalists, dates, times, and locations for the campus open forums are as follows:

Cynthia Chase
Thursday, September 4, 10-11 a.m.
Student Center Mountain View Room

Dottie Morris
Friday, September 5, 2-3 p.m.

Science Center 101

Participation from the campus community is critical to the success of this search, and we welcome your feedback on the candidates.

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