Ripon to host diversity conference with area higher ed institutions

“Understanding Socioeconomic Inequality,” a free conference, will be held Oct. 16 by the four higher education institutions of Fond du Lac County — Ripon College, Marian
University, Moraine Park Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac. The institutions collaborate on events supporting diversity and inclusion.

The October conference will feature keynote speaker Terie Dreussi- Smith, co-author of “Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities.” It will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac. It will focus on frameworks for better understanding poverty and the hidden rules of economic class.

Students and staff from these institutions as well as community members are invited to attend. Busing from Ripon College and Marian University will be provided; information is available during online registration.

This workshop will help participants develop skills necessary for the 21st-century workplace. The morning portion will focus on understanding poverty, its causes and impact, and the hidden rules of economic class. The afternoon portion is geared toward faculty, staff and community members who will explore how they can more effectively work with students and clients who come from impoverished backgrounds.

The Higher Education Diversity Initiative Team (HEDIT) is planning the conference HEDIT received the 2012 Spirit of MLK Award for its efforts in organizing yearly events that lead, inspire, educate and challenge our students and our community to celebrate diversity.

The team comprises faculty and staff from Fond du Lac County’s four institutions of higher education and plans “an annual collaborative project designed to promote a climate of appreciation for all aspects of human diversity, supporting, fostering and welcoming inclusiveness, respect and dignity for all.” This conference is HEDIT’s sixth annual event.

There is no fee for the workshop, but online registration is required at marianuniversity.edu/hedit.

For more information contact Kyonna Withers at [email protected]

Posted September 26, 2014 in Special Event, Uncategorized.

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