Diversity, leadership institute seeking program proposals

KALAMAZOO—Western Michigan University is accepting program proposals until 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, for the undergraduate student Diversity & Leadership Institute.

The institute is for WMU's undergraduate student leaders and will take place from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, in the Bernhard Center on the University's main campus. Participants will have opportunities to enhance their leadership abilities as they learn about what it means to be a leader in a diverse world and how to become a stronger leader.

The Diversity & Leadership Institute Planning Committee invites members of the campus and local communities to submit proposals for 50-minute workshops and sessions. Submissions are welcome from area professionals as well as WMU graduate students, faculty and staff members, and alumni.

Proposal criteria

Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of clarity of objectives and learning outcomes, relevance of the topic to student leaders, and how engaging the session will be for participants. The committee is encouraging submissions on topics that fit into the following themes:

• affirming identity—helping participants grapple with the diverse identity development of self and others;
• inclusion and acceptance—helping participants gain an understanding of the various areas of diversity, the debilitating effects of stereotypes, and the importance of acknowledging, celebrating and leveraging differences; and
• the individual as leader—the various ways in which individuals are leaders, encouraging participants to intentionally communicate across cultures, manage conflict across culture, lead across cultures, and form ethical standards that encompass inclusion and social justice.

The institute is being sponsored by WMU's Student Activities and Leadership Programs office.

For more information or to submit a proposal, visit wmich.edu/activities and click Leadership Programs, then Diversity & Leadership Institute.

Direct questions to Jesus Romero, WMU graduate assistant for leadership and volunteer programs, at salp-rsoleadership@wmich.edu or (269) 387-2565.