In this post, we’re excited to highlight a variety of professional development opportunities, both on campus and within the community, that focus on inclusive excellence. Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your skills in diversity leadership, seeking strategies to create more equitable spaces, or simply wanting to connect with others passionate about inclusion, these opportunities truly offer something for everyone. Furthermore, from specialized workshops and seminars to community events that actively promote inclusivity, there are numerous ways to grow both personally and professionally. Ultimately, you won’t want to miss these valuable chances to make a real impact!

If you are looking for inclusive dates such as heritage months or religious observations, please see the Celebrating Diversity post.

If you are looking for Inclusive Events across campus and in the Muncie Community, please see our Inclusive Events post.

If there is anything you would like anything shared in future newsletters please email ie@bsu.edu.

On Campus Professional Development Opportunities

These opportunities are available to all Ball State Faculty, Staff, and Graduate Students. Register via the Learning and Development website.

"Promotional flyer from Ball State University's Office of Inclusive Excellence. It features four people standing with their backs to the camera, embracing each other to symbolize community and belonging. The text at the top reads: 'Office of Inclusive Excellence Professional Development Series.' The main heading in large red font says: 'Fostering A Culture of Community and Belonging.' Below, a smaller text states: 'Develop an understanding of belonging & how a sense of mattering can foster community.' The event is scheduled for Monday, October 7th, from 2 PM to 3:30 PM via Zoom, indicated by a red circular graphic that says 'Join us on Zoom!!'"Fostering a Culture of Community and Belonging

Virtual Session

Monday, October 7th 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

This session will discuss best practices and considerations for creating an inclusive educational environment.  It will also discuss a basic understanding of belonging and how developing a sense of mattering can foster community. Participants will be invited to consider their approach to creating an inclusive culture within various educational settings.

To request accommodations, please email Mike Martinez at mamartinez3@bsu.edu or call (765) 285-5316

Introduction to Disability Justice

Multicultural Center Multipurpose Room

Tuesday, October 15th 10:00 am – 11:30 am

This course introduces the concept of disability justice. Participants will gain an understanding of social, environmental, and educational structures that may become barriers to success for students with disabilities. They will learn terminology, understand the difference between affirming and non-affirming language, and develop strategies to create an inclusive educational environment. The Americans with Disabilities Act will be reviewed, and tools will be shared to improve access, inclusion, and belonging for persons with disabilities.

To request accommodations, please email Mike Martinez at mamartinez3@bsu.edu or call (765) 285-5316

Trauma-Informed Approach to Higher Education

Multicultural Center Multipurpose Room

Friday, October 25th 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Attendees will learn about what it means to take a trauma informed approach to higher education. The trauma-informed framework will be discussed along with how an individual’s cultural capital and lived experience may intersect with personal trauma, influencing the way they navigate higher education. This course will not show you how to resolve student issues related to their trauma; this course is to inform you of how to create an educational setting that is supportive, equitable, and inclusive of students who may have trauma-informed pasts.

To request accommodations, please email Mike Martinez at mamartinez3@bsu.edu or call (765) 285-5316

Community Based Sessions

From Shafer Leadership

For all Shafer Leadership professional development opportunities, the cost is free for SLA Members (Which Ball State is a member). $250 non-member. $200 nonprofits.

Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.

In-Person Workshops

Chat Communication System- Leverage the Power of Diverse Communication Styles

Wednesday October 2nd 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

About the event: What would it look like if you could identify the communication style of each person you speak to, whether that be phone, email or in-person? How would that change the game for you?

Leverage the Power of Diverse Communication Styles with this special in-person workshop offered exclusively for Shafer Leadership members by national speaker & facilitator, Lorilyn Alden, the creator of the CHAT Methodology assessment tool. Participants will learn about the Chat Communication System to gain a better understanding each other’s preferred communication styles and how each style might be perceived so that they quickly identify communication opportunities and resolve communication challenges in real time.

Learning Objectives

  1. Assess the communication styles of other team members to adjust their own accordingly to facilitate more effective, authentic, and productive communication.
  2. Gain awareness of common communication style “disconnects” and how to use CHAT to resolve conflict, source solutions and connect powerfully with others.
  3. Learn how to create an inclusive agenda, taking into account diverse communication styles and learn how to connect/speak with new audiences.

In-Person Coffee Talk

Navigating the Job Search Journey with Confidence – The Power of Disclosing Disabilities

Wednesday October 23rd 8:00 am – 9:30 am

Free for All to Attend- Join us in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

In this empowering session, we delve into the nuanced and often uncharted territory of disclosing disabilities during the job search process. Discover the key strategies to turn disclosure into a strength, fostering an environment of openness and understanding with potential employers. We explore the delicate balance between transparency and personal privacy, providing valuable insights on when, how, and why to disclose your disability. Through real-life success stories and expert advice, participants will gain the tools to navigate interviews, application processes, and workplace dynamics with confidence.

Our presentation transcends the traditional narrative, encouraging individuals to embrace their unique strengths and talents. Uncover the potential for diversity and inclusion to drive innovation and enhance team dynamics within professional settings. Whether you are a job seeker with a disability, a hiring manager, or an HR professional, this session will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. Join us on this journey of empowerment, where disclosure becomes a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

Facilitated by Dr. Courtney Jarrett, Ball State University Director of Disability Services & Emily Karas, Ball State University Director of Graduate Student Success.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understanding the Dynamics of Disclosure: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding disclosing disabilities during the job search, including legal considerations, personal choices, and potential impacts on the hiring process.
  2. Strategic Disclosure Techniques: Learn practical strategies for strategically disclosing disabilities in various stages of the job search, from crafting resumes and cover letters to navigating interviews, in order to emphasize strengths and contribute to a positive and inclusive impression.
  3.  Navigating Interview Challenges: Develop effective communication skills to confidently address questions related to disabilities during interviews, turning potential challenges into opportunities to showcase resilience, adaptability, and unique problem-solving abilities.
  4. Building Inclusive Work Environments: Explore the role of individuals in fostering inclusive workplaces and learn how disclosing disabilities can contribute to a diverse and innovative organizational culture.
  5. Empowering Professional Growth: Discover how embracing one’s unique strengths, including those associated with disabilities, can lead to increased self-confidence, resilience, and overall professional growth.

Virtual Workshops

Learn the DNA to Make Hard Conversations Easy 2 Part Workshop

Session #1: Tuesday, October 15th, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Session #2: Wednesday, October 16th, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Facilitated by: Ariana Friedlander, MPA, is an organizational anthropologist, a leadership development expert and an author.

Ever lost sleep because you couldn’t stop rehearsing a conversation in your head?

Conversations are hard for a number of reasons. Either the stakes are high, the topic is emotionally charged, it’s complicated, or there’s conflict present. Oftentimes, it’s all four. Luckily there is a way to make navigating hard conversations easier. In this interactive workshop, Ariana will share the DNA framework, which utilizes the latest research on the Neuroscience of Conversation. Participants will learn practical tools they can implement immediately at work or home to make hard conversations easy.

Learning Objectives

  1.     Learn how to prepare effectively for hard conversations
  2.     Develop techniques to self-regulate during stressful situations
  3.     Learn how to apply the latest research in Neuroscience to improve communications