Diversity Events

In service of the Miami 2020 plan and our internal goals for celebrating diversity throughout IT Services, the Diversity Committee hosts various events and get-togethers to celebrate other cultures.

In the past, we have hosted film screenings and invited folks from around the University to have a conversation with us about diversity and its important role in both our working and personal lives. Below, you'll find information about these past events as well as upcoming presentations we're planning.

Recent Event: Understanding MU Chinese Students

The Diversity Committee hosted a conversation with Ms. Chen Zhao, director of the Confucius Institute at Miami University. She discussed how to more effectively communicate and engage with the Chinese students who attend Miami. Ms. Zhao also helped break down day-to-day interactions with Chinese students and showed how cultural differences may impact how we communicate.

For a recap of the event and the points covered by Ms. Zhao's discussion, please see our IT Services newsletter article.

Chen Zhao giving a presentation
Chen Zhao giving a presentation
Chen Zhao giving a presentation
Chen Zhao giving a presentation
Chen Zhao giving a presentation
Chinese student laughing in front of the classroom.
Chinese students sitting in a panel.

Past Events

2016

  • Fundamentals of Chinese Culture (February 11, March 18)
  • A Taste of Soul: Black History Month Lunch and Learn (February 22)
  • Effective Listening Workshop (May 3)
  • Film Festival 2016: Gateways to Inclusion (July 13)
  • Exploring Cross-Cultural Communication (November 2)

2015

  • Effective Listening Workshop (March 18, 24)
  • Film Festival 2015: Clown and Four Generations: The Greatest Potential (June 12)
  • Heritage Potluck (November 13)

2014

  • Film Festival 2014 (August 13)
  • Freedom Summer (September 17)
  • Effective Listening Workshop (October 14, 20)

Partnership Events

Safe Zone Training

The Safe Zone Program provides the campus community with the knowledge and skills necessary to create an environment that is welcoming and affirming of gender and sexuality differences. All members of the campus community--students, faculty, and staff of all genders, gender expressions, and sexual identities--are invited to join the Safe Zone Network.

The IT Services Diversity Committee has in the past sponsored Safe Zone Training for our staff members. For now, interested members of the Miami community can sign up to participate in one of the currently available classes: Safe Zone 101, Safe Zone 201, and Trans* 101.

For more information about Safe Zone training, please view the Miami University website.

Accessible Technology Symposium

The Accessible Technology Symposium takes place during the Fall semester. This annual symposium is designed to discuss current issues and trends in accessible technology, and provide information about universal design and building accessible content for classroom and marketing materials.

Please visit the AccessMU website for more information.

Fundamentals of Chinese Culture

In the past, we have hosted similar events to the March 14, 2018 "Understanding MU Chinese Students" presentation. We have partnered with the Confucius Institute to bring awareness to cultural differences between American and Chinese students.

Green Zone Training

The aim of Green Zone Program is to create a knowledgeable and supportive Miami community which will help military-affiliated students succeed. The presenters facilitate a discussion on a number of issues military-affiliated students face, what strengths they bring to academia, and how to understand and support these students.