Workshops
Exploring Perspectives and Roles in Higher Education
Addressing Subtle Behaviors that Impact Learning and Work
Understanding Unconscious Influences on Decision-Making
Participants will then choose three optional workshops from the following:
Cognitive Empathy Training
Safe On Campus
How to Become a Trauma Informed Ally
Humanizing Differences in an Anti-DEI Climate
Developing Reflective and Responsive Teaching & Leadership Practices
Locations for workshops:
Adrian Trimpe Building at 2466 Ring Rd S, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Exploring Perspectives and Roles in Higher Education
Examine how identity, power, and privilege shape experiences in classrooms and institutions. Participants will reflect on their own positionality and explore ways to foster equity and inclusion in higher education.
Date: October 14, 2025, MCC Trimpe, 11 AM
Addressing Subtle Behaviors that Impact Learning and Work
Learn how to recognize and respond effectively to microaggressions. This workshop provides practical strategies for addressing subtle behaviors that can undermine trust and belonging in educational and professional environments.
Date: October 21, 2025, MCC Trimpe, 11 AM
Cognitive Empathy Training
What is Cognitive Empathy and how can it make our campus better? To get a better understanding of another person’s experience, and how they think or feel. This workshop encourages participants to have honest and productive conversations blending demographic data, social-science research, and discussion. Participants will engage in exercises to develop skills to discuss complicated topics with others.
Date: October 21st, 2025, MCC Trimpe, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Safe On Campus
Learn to be a better advocate and ally to lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender people. Participants receive information on practical strategies for addressing homophobia, learn ways to support students who are “coming out,” and gain an understanding of respectful language use. Participants may choose to become members of the Safe On Campus program by signing a pledge of support for LBGT people.
Note: The Safe on Campus Training is a 3-hour training and is available each semester to all faculty, students and staff. Additional trainings may be requested for groups of 10 or more.
Date: October 29th, 2025, Sangren Hall, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
How to Be a Trauma Informed Ally
In this workshop we will be focusing on how you can exercise being an ally to youth who have experienced trauma by practicing just a few concrete strategies. We are going to define and explore the trauma impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences, provide an overview of the brain’s response to trauma, and outline three simple practices that enhance resilience through trauma in youth.
Date: November 11th, 2025, MCC Trimpe, 11 AM
Understanding Unconscious Influences on Decision-Making
Explore how implicit biases affect advising, teaching, supervision, and leadership. Participants will reflect on their own assumptions and practice approaches to reduce bias in academic and professional contexts.
Date: November 18, 2025, MCC Trimpe, 11 AM
Developing Reflective and Responsive Teaching & Leadership Practices
This session emphasizes cultural humility as an ongoing practice of reflection, openness, and growth. Participants will learn how to apply humility to teaching, advising, and leadership to build stronger, more equitable relationships.
Date: TBD
Humanizing Differences in an Anti-DEI Climate
Discover ways to sustain diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts even in climates that resist them. This workshop offers strategies for promoting respect, inclusion, and shared values during times of tension.
Date: December 9th, 2025, MCC Trimpe, 11 AM
Campus Dialogue Series
A recurring opportunity for open, respectful dialogue on key topics in higher education. This series creates opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage in meaningful conversation and learning together.
Date: TBD
Helpful Resources:
Multicultural Affairs for Students