Professional Development Workshops
Workshops are facilitated by Dr. Leo Taylor, Program Manager in the CFAES Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, unless otherwise specified. They are scheduled throughout the year and address a variety of diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. All public virtual programs are free and open to anyone, regardless of affiliation with Ohio State.
On Demand Programs
Free on-demand virtual and in-person programs are available for individual units, departments, and organizations within CFAES, including Extension and field research stations.
- In-house programs: If you are a member of the CFAES community and would like to schedule a program for your unit, contact Dr. Taylor at taylor.3408@osu.edu. Please include 1) desired date of delivery (please provide several options), 2) desired topic(s) to be addressed, and 3) approximate number of participants.
- Guest lectures: Dr. Taylor delivers guest lectures on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics for CFAES faculty. If you are not affiliated with CFAES and would like to have Dr. Taylor provide a program for your unit, you may contact him for recommendations.
Accessibility
All virtual programs are presented with automated closed captions. If you wish to request traditional CART services or other accommodations, please contact Laura Akgerman at akgerman.4@osu.edu or 614-292-0622. Requests submitted two weeks in advance will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet every request.
PLEASE NOTE: To foster a brave space for learning, workshops are NOT recorded
Upcoming Webinars/Workshops
*Click on a workshop title or scroll down to view the description and registration links*
Workshops are added to the schedule throughout the year. Please check back for additional dates and programs.
May 2023
| Date | Time (ET) | Workshop Title |
|
Wed. 5/3 |
12-1:30pm | Inclusive and Equitable Hiring Practices |
| Thurs. 5/11 | 11am-12:30pm | Practicing Bystander Intervention Strategies |
| Fri. 5/19 | 4-5:30pm | How Implicit Associations Can Thwart Equitable Hiring Decisions |
| Tues. 5/23 | 1-2:30pm | Introduction to Microaggressions: Small Actions that Have a Big Impact |
June 2023
| Date | Time (ET) | Workshop Title |
| Tues. 6/13 | 10-11:30am | Inclusive and Equitable Hiring Practices |
| Wed. 6/21 | 3-4:30pm | The Language of Inclusion: Pronouns and Other Gendered Words |
| Thurs. 6/29 | 12-1:30pm | Exploding Myths About Transgender and Nonbinary People |
Past Events:
Workshop Descriptions and Registration Links
(in alphabetical order)
Difficult Conversations: Communicating Effectively Across Difference
Have you ever engaged in a conversation about an uncomfortable or sensitive topic with someone who is very different from you and didn't know how to approach it? Conversations between people with different views and lived experiences can go awry and lead to frustration and alienation. In this 2-hour workshop participants will be provided with strategies for engaging in challenging conversations. The latter part of the program provides participants with an opportunity to apply what they have learned in a breakout room activity. Participants will need access to a webcam and mic to engage in the latter part of the session. Please note: this workshop will not be recorded. Click the date to register for that session.
Stay tuned for more dates!
Exploding Myths About Transgender and Nonbinary People
Although transgender and nonbinary people have gained significant visibility over the past decade, numerous misconceptions and stereotypes still exist and create environments that are unwelcoming or even hostile to people with gender identities that fall outside of cisnormativity (i.e., the belief that being cisgender, or not transgender, is the “normal” and “correct” way of being). Beliefs rooted in long-held myths about people who have for centuries defied conventional gender norms must be challenged and replaced in order to create environments that are inclusive of all genders, not just those who are cisgender. In this 90-minute workshop we will cover basic terminology and differentiate identities related to gender and sex that frequently get confused. We will address several common myths and misconceptions about transgender and non-binary people and identify strategies for creating welcoming and inclusive environments for people of all genders, including those who challenge cisnormative expectations. Ways that cisgender people can serve as allies to transgender and nonbinary people will be identified. Click the date to register for that session.
Thursday, June 29th, 2023, 12:00-1:30pm ET
Gender Demystified: Creating Inclusive Spaces for People of All Genders
Whether you're transgender, cisgender, or agender, you have a gender identity. Frequently confused with gender is sex, but these two terms refer to very different identities. And what about sexual orientation? How does that fit in with gender and sex? Understandably, these identities can be confusing and nuanced. This interactive 2-hour workshop will explore various aspects of gender and sexual identity and examine whether binary models of gender and sex accurately represent human diversity. Participants will learn key vocabulary, gain a better understanding of their own identities through a self-reflection exercise, and identify ways to strive for allyship with transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Participants will leave the session better equipped to create environments that are inclusive of all genders, not just men and women. Participants will have plenty of opportunities for questions and dialogue. Click on the date below to register. Please note: this workshop will not be recorded.
Stay tuned for more dates!
How Implicit Associations can Thwart Equitable Hiring Decisions
Associations are mental shortcuts our brains develop to connect ideas or things and reduce processing time. While not inherently bad, associations can manifest in the form of implicit, or unconscious, bias. When left unmitigated, implicit bias can influence the way we treat others, including our perception of candidates during the hiring process. In this 90-min workshop we will explore the features of implicit bias, how it is formed, and the impact it can have on the evaluation of candidates in the hiring process. Strategies for mitigating the impact of bias in the hiring process will be outlined. Click the date to register for that session.
Friday, May 19th, 2023, 4:00-5:30pm ET
Implicit Associations, Insidious Assumptions: Unintended Manifestations of Bias in Everyday Life
This 90-minute workshop will provide an introduction to unconscious associations that can lead to an affinity toward or prejudice against some people (implicit bias). We will explore how our socialization process leads to the formation of conscious and unconscious associations, stereotypes, and prejudices that influence how we treat and view others in unintended ways. Participants will learn common ways that bias shows up in daily life and identify strategies that can help reduce the impact of implicit biases. During the session participants will complete and discuss an Implicit Association Test (IAT) – a tool that can help users identify hidden associations that can fuel bias. Click the date to register for that session.
Stay tuned for more dates!
Inclusive and Equitable Hiring Practices
This 90-minute workshop provides an overview of best practices for recruiting a diverse candidate pool and equitably evaluating them. Participants will examine the role that various forms of bias can play in evaluating candidates and identify factors that contribute to an unlevel competitive job market. The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences requires that all individuals serving on CFAES search committees participate in this program every 2 years. Please note: this workshop will not be recorded.
Click on the date to register for that session
Introduction to Microaggressions: Small Actions that Have a Big Impact
Microaggressions are common, often subtle expressions of bias, many times initiated unintentionally and unconsciously that can have serious impacts on recipients including shortening life expectancy. In this 90-minute workshop, participants will learn about common microaggressions and the hidden, harmful messages they send. Participants will practice differentiating intention from impact using real-life scenarios. Finally, participants will be provided with strategies for responding to being called out/in for being the microaggression initiator. Click the date to register for that session.
Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023, 1:00-2:30pm ET
Practicing Bystander Intervention Strategies
All too often we witness subtle comments or behaviors rooted in bias that cause harm to others, sometimes unintentionally and frequently directed toward people from marginalized social identity groups. Have you ever witnessed a bias incident such as a microaggression and wanted to intervene, but didn't know what to say or do? Becoming an active bystander involves recognizing a bias incident and saying or doing something to stop the harm. Anyone can become an active bystander and learn to address bias in everyday interactions. In this 90-minute workshop, we will explore some of the most commonly encountered expressions of bias and identify tools participants can use to interrupt bias in daily life. Participants will practice what they have learned using real-life scenarios. Click the date to register for that session.
Thursday, May 11th, 2023, 11am-12:30pm ET
The Language of Inclusion: Pronouns and Other Gendered Words
Pronouns are tools for effective and efficient communication, and their intentional or unintentional misuse can cause confusion and harm. Using gender-affirming pronouns and avoiding unnecessary use of other gendered words is essential to creating spaces that are safe, inviting, and inclusive of people of all genders. This 90-minute workshop will address why pronouns matter, the history of singular they/them, neo-pronouns such as ze/zir, and alternatives to other gendered language. Click the date to register for that session.