Educational Programs - Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity provides educational programs on sexual harassment, diversity, affirmative action, disability awareness, and hiring fairly. Course descriptions are provided below. Classes are conducted by the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity and scheduled through UI Learning and Development, 335-2687.

Affirmative Action at The University of Iowa

This workshop provides concrete definitions of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, and the myths and misconceptions regarding its implementation. Participants learn about University of Iowa policies and procedures, including legal requirements of affirmative action and equal employment opportunity, a discussion of the search process and documentation, and the mission and responsibilities of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.

Building Bridges: Addressing Racial Diversity/Divisiveness

This program is designed as a discussion of racial diversity from the perspective that everyone has a racial/cultural identity that plays a significant role in our day-to-day interactions. Discussion will include racial identity development theory, minority/majority dynamics, treatment discrimination, prejudice and privilege. Case studies will be used to address subtle and blatant challenges to developing respectful multiracial environments and the skills necessary to do so.

Building Bridges: Creating Environments Inclusive of Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender People

This program is designed for all employees interested in learning more about sexual identity issues in the workplace. The program will explore the impact of stereotypes about lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual, and transgender people in the workplace. Discussion will include: terms and theories regarding sexual identity development, the range of personal attitudes/beliefs, job discrimination, and protection.

Building Bridges: Removing Barriers To People with Disabilities

This program highlights attitudinal barriers which impact full acceptance of people with disabilities in the workplace. Discussion will include identifying misperceptions, gaining information about disabilities and the disabled community, and developing skills to work effectively in an inclusive environment. Legal rights and responsibilities are integrated throughout program.

Building Bridges: Working Together—Respecting Our Differences

This program explores the challenges and opportunities presented by an increasingly diverse workforce. Participants will explore what is meant by "diversity" and how "diversity issues" impact the day-to-day working environment. Through the use of case studies, participants will develop a greater awareness of the subtle barriers that challenge the workforce, as well as skills necessary to create inclusive and respectful environments.

Cultural Competance in Service Delivery

Cultural Competence involves the awareness of socio-cultural differences and the integration of this awareness into practical skills which enhance one's ability to adequately serve a diverse population. The program encourages participants to explore their own and others' cultural frameworks, explore the impact of historic marginalization in developing relationships, and develop practical skills needed to respectfully provide service across cultural differences.

Diversity in the Classroom

This program explores theories of diverse learning styles and identity development as they apply to a culturally diverse classroom. Using the video "A Different Place: The Intercultural Classroom," instructional faculty/staff are encouraged to share strategies for creating an effective learning environment.

Diversity Dialogue Groups

This ten-week program offers an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to meet in facilitated groups designed to explore diversity issues. As barriers continue to divide individuals from each other on the basis of such issues as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, class, disability, age, and religion, the necessity for authentic dialogue across difference grows increasingly important within our society and within the University community.

Eliminating Bias in Interviewing

The role of bias in conducting interviews and selecting candidates, including legally permissible and impermissible inquiries, and culturally based assessments of candidates' competency is examined.

How Do We Make This Work: Interrelationship of ADA, FMLA, Workers' Compensation, and Other Leaves of Absence

This program is an interactive session for supervisors and administrators on the coordination of the FMLA, ADA, ADA accommodations, work related injuries and workers' compensation, long-term disability, catastrophic leave donations, paid leave, and unpaid leave of absence.

Preventing Sexual Harassment: What Employees Need to Know

This educational program examines sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination and emphasizes University of Iowa policies on sexual harassment and on consensual relationships. Participants will learn more about specific behaviors prohibited by the University policy, their rights and responsibilities as a faculty member, a staff employee, or a student at The University of Iowa, and strategies for what we all can do to help prevent sexual harassment.

Understanding New Sexual Harassment Liability: What Supervisors Need to Know

This workshop is designed to assist administrators in understanding their role and responsibilities as stated in the University's sexual harassment policy and complaint procedures. Issues include: defining sexual harassment, informal and formal complaint procedures, effective resolution of complaints, and campus resources.

Supervisory Skills For Preventing Discrimination

This program discusses skills and information necessary to become more culturally competent in managing a diverse workforce. Key topics include identifying and valuing cultural differences, eliminating subtle discrimination in the workplace, examining management's role in encouraging formal and informal inclusion. Also discussed are The University of Iowa's commitment to equal opportunity employment and affirmative action as they affect management decision-making.

Supporting Your Employees with Workplace Accommodations

Offered by the Office of Faculty and Staff Disability Services, the session will assist supervisors and department heads in understanding the implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act, including essential functions analysis and reasonable accommodations.