The Office of Affirmative Action works to facilitate the creation of a vibrant university community rich in intellectual and cultural diversity through its Diversity Dialogue program. The Diversity Dialogue program is an innovative approach to building community in a university setting. 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 among students, staff and faculty. The Diversity Dialogue program advances the University's institutional commitment to excellence and diversity by encouraging a sense of community among individuals. Groups are co-facilitated by trained individuals.
Groups reach consensus on ground rules, confidentiality, and topics for dialogue.
Videos, articles, and interactive activities are used to explore topics. The Diversity Dialogue Group offered an opportunity to hear the concerns and issues of other UI faculty and staff in relation to their department and personal lives. It was also a safe place to challenge and be challenged by your peers. I think that I learned more about myself from listening to other people talk than I could have imagined. It was a positive learning experience that I would highly recommend.