Applications being accepted for Everyone Counts Learning Community

KALAMAZOO--Applications are due Friday, June 15, for Western Michigan University's 2012-13 Everyone Counts Learning Community, a professional-development opportunity that fosters diversity and inclusion.

Graduate teaching and research assistants, as well as full- and part-time faculty and staff members, are encouraged to apply.

This year, participants will focus on a variety of topics as they relate to race and racism, including but not limited to multicultural leadership, ethics, conflict resolution, facilitation, systems thinking, university structure and university culture.

Part of the intent of selecting those topics is to help participants deepen their ability to interpret their professional environment in ways that are consistent with WMU's commitment to dismantling institutional bias as expressed through the University's Diversity and Multiculturalism Action Plan.

Everyone Counts began in 2010 and annually brings together about 50 graduate students and faculty and staff members from across the University for a yearlong exploration of how to increase diversity and inclusion on campus.

The program aims to produce both personal and institutional transformation by equipping all levels of employees with necessary skills to respond to WMU's increasingly diverse campus.

Participants will be assigned to small learning communities of eight to 12 members. These small groups will meet regularly to explore literature on their diversity topic area, share best practices, listen to guest speakers, attend workshops and conferences, and discuss challenges and opportunities.

Each participant will select an individual "focus course" or program to work on, or a group may work together on a collective program. Participants will be supported in the development of learning outcomes by their facilitators and their learning community. Participants are also encouraged to engage in action research in their courses or programs, and present project results at local, regional and national conferences.

Everyone Counts is a joint offering of the Office of Faculty Development and Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The program is being led by Dr. Andrea Beach, director of the faculty development office and an associate professor of education leadership, research and technology; Diana Hernandez, director of the Division of Multicultural Affairs; and Tierra L. Marshall, program coordinator in the diversity and inclusion office.

Applications

Application packets are due by Friday, June 15, to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Mail Stop 5372. The materials being requested, such as biographical information and a supervisor's letter of support, will help ensure that each small group is diverse and composed of members who are in a position to meet on a regular basis.

Visit wmich.edu/facdev for an Everyone Counts application form or more information. Questions may be directed to Andrea Beach at @email or (269) 387-0731; Diana Hernandez at @email or (269) 387-4429; or Tierra Marshall at @email or (269) 387-6324.