Diversity Week

Monday, October 1

9 – 11 a.m.
Foundations of Cultural and Linguistic Competence
Alger 110

Tawara Goode, director of the National Center for Cultural Competence, will discuss the design, implementation, and evaluation of culturally competent service delivery systems. This session will provide an overview of the foundations of cultural and linguistic competence based on the national literature and will identify evidence-based strategies for embedding cultural and linguistic competence into higher education and human service settings.
Sponsored by the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities and the National Center for Cultural Competence

12 – 1:30 p.m.
Straight Eye for the Queer Guy: Exploring the Dynamics of Gay-Straight Friendships
Faculty Center South

What are the unique dynamics that arise in friendships between straight persons and gay/lesbian persons? This discussion will explore the impact of the stigma about both heterosexuals and gay/lesbian persons on being authentic and forming relationships and will raise awareness of how gender role norms influence interpersonal friendships. All are welcome; lunch will be provided.
Facilitated by Joshua Wolff and Steven Threlkeld, Assistant Professors, Department of Psychology

4 – 6 p.m.
Global Lens Film Series
Fat, Bald, Short Man/Gordo, Calvo y Bajito
Adams Library, Fortes Room

Each film in the Global Lens series is selected for its authentic voice, cinematography, and unique cultural perspective, opening a window to the diverse world in which we live. In this Colombian feature a lonesome middle-aged virgin is ridiculed by co-workers and family. When his boss takes an interest in him and he joins a self-improvement group, the undulation of his life story becomes clear – change is what you make of it (Spanish with English subtitles).
Sponsored by Dialogue on Diversity. Supported by the Department of Modern Languages.

Tuesday, October 2

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Global Lens Film
Craft/Riscado
Adams Library, Fortes Room

In this Brazilian feature, Bianca, a talented underemployed actress in Rio de Janeiro, is afraid of missing her "big break." She perseveres with single-minded dedication to her craft until an audition leads to a rare opportunity. Set against rich visuals, Karine Teles's remarkable performance drives this drama of everyday tragedy in the working world of an artist (Portuguese and French with English subtitles).
Sponsored by Dialogue on Diversity
Supported by the Department of Modern Languages

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Study Abroad Informational Fair
President's Dining Room

Want to study in another country? Speak with representatives of off-campus study abroad programs. Discover opportunities to experience cultural and linguistic diversity first hand while earning college credits.
Sponsored by the Rhode Island College Study Abroad Office

2 – 3 p.m.
Race and Biology: Controversial Connections
Alger Hall 110

Based on the Open Books, Open Minds (OBOM) common book selection, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, this program features Ann Morning, associate professor, Department of Sociology, New York University, discussing the intersection of modern medicine, bioethics, and race. Ann Morning is author of The Nature of Race (University of California Press, 2011).
Sponsored by OBOM and the Dialogue on Diversity

7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Ballet Folklórico de México
Auditorium in Roberts Hall

This authentic Mexican dance troupe, founded by choreographer Amalia Hernández, highlights the beauty of the universe in motion through dance, traditional music, and breathtaking costumes. Buy tickets online at www.ric.edu/pfa/pas.php or by phone (401) 456-8144.
Presented by the Performing Arts Series at Rhode Island College

Wednesday, October 3

10 a.m. – 11:50 p.m.
Celebrating Diversity in Media
Communications 240 – Open Class
Whipple Hall 215

In this open class presentation participants will discuss how media serves diverse audiences as a conduit to democratic participation and an advocate of change. There will also be a presentation about the many pioneers who fought for greater inclusion, fair representation, and increased diversity in media. Instructor: Anthony Galvez, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication

11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Hope Bus
On the Quad

The Hope Bus is an outreach program serving all of Rhode Island, with a focus on low income, uninsured, and underinsured populations. In 2010 breast cancer became the no. 1 cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. The incidence of breast cancer is rising as more immigrants become acculturated to U.S. lifestyles. Breast cancer is more aggressive in African American women than in other populations. Get your questions answered and learn about accessing affordable screenings.
Sponsored by Health Promotions and the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
Supported by the Student Nurses Association

12:30 – 2 p.m.
Access Challenge: Eye-Opening Experience
On the Quad

The fall 2012 Access Challenge features visual impairment (VI) simulation activities for students, faculty, and staff to experience what it is like to have low or no vision. Learn about service dogs, braille, white cane awareness, how to be a sighted guide, careers in the field of VI, and more!
Sponsored by Advocacy and Beyond Club (ABC)

12:30 – 2 p.m.
LovePower and The Memory Lanes: Unique Bands with Unique Abilities
On the Quad

The bands LovePower and The Memory Lanes, managed by Resources for Human Development (RHD), help support individuals with a broad range of abilities, personalities, and goals to cultivate their own artistic expression. Enjoy a midweek break of music and fun!
Sponsored by Disability Services and Learning for Life

2 – 3:30 p.m.
Orchids: My Intersex Adventure
Adams Library, Fortes Room

"Gen X filmmaker Phoebe Hart always knew she was different growing up – but she didn't know why. This award-winning documentary traces Phoebe's voyage of self-discovery as an intersex person, a group of conditions formerly termed hermaphroditism. Learning in her teens that she was born with 46XY (male) chromosomes, she seeks to understand her own story and the stories of others affected by this complex and often shameful syndrome" (from Women Make Movies).
Sponsored by the Gender and Women's Studies Program

4 – 5 p.m.
Assessment and Instruction of Children with Severe Disabilities – Visual Impairment Simulation
Special Education 425 – Open Class
Sherlock Center (Bldg. 7) Training Room 017

Learn first hand about the experiences of individuals with visual impairments through simulated low or no vision exercises. Attendees will learn about educational strategies used to teach students with severe disabilities. Instructors: Terri LaPlante, Educational Coordinator, Dual Sensory Impairments (DSI) Project, and Chris Parker, DSI Parent Consultant

4 – 6 p.m.
What to Do When Stopped by the Police
Student Union 307

This program provides much needed information on how to deal positively with police encounters, particularly those related to vehicle stops. Discussion will focus on citizen and police rights, racial profiling, and enhancing the relationships between community and law enforcement.
Sponsored by the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers Presented by Lieutenant Charles Wilson, Treasurer

Thursday, October 4

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
El Camino
RIC Campus/Unity Center

This 30-minute directed walk begins at The Unity Center and mimics the journey of undocumented people who come from Guatemala to the U.S. This event will be accessible to participants throughout the day (rain or shine) and will culminate at The Unity Center with a 4 p.m. screening of Which Way Home, a documentary highlighting the plight of immigrant children. Dinner is included.
Sponsored by LASO and The Unity Center

5 p.m.
Bannister Gallery Exhibits: Opening Receptions
d'Ann de Simone
Main Gallery

This exhibit reflects the artist's increasing anxiety over the state of American culture and her ambivalence toward technology. Using two primary sources of imagery: maps and Chinese paper cuts, the art brings East and West together by blending imagery from both cultures and "mapping" out a new terrain. de Simone is visually impaired and a faculty member in the art department of Michigan State University.

Monique Rolle Johnson
Focus Gallery

Woman is a collection of works by Monique Rolle Johnson that focuses on the commonality of women, their strengths, endurances, burdens, and triumphs. Johnson's work is best defined by its brilliant colors that saturate her surfaces. The rhythmic patterns she employs are suggestive of her Caribbean roots. Johnson has received degrees from the Rhode Island School of Design and the College of the Bahamas. Her works are in numerous public and private collections.

6 – 9 p.m.
Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth
Student Union Ballroom

"This documentary focuses on the unique challenges that undocumented youth graduating from high school every year in the U.S. face as they turn 18. Many of these youths are at risk of exile from the only country many of them have ever known as home" (Americasvoiceonline.org). Followed by discussion about local undocumented college students and Welcoming America/RI, the national grassroots collaborative promoting mutual respect and cooperation between Americans.
Sponsored by L.I.F.E.
Presented by Michelle DePlante, International Institute of
Rhode Island

7 – 10 p.m.
Diversity Week Open Mic
Student Union Café

Got talent? Poets, musicians, comedians, singers, hip-hop artists – students, faculty, staff , friends – all are welcome. Join us for a night of entertainment. Acoustic instruments and simple setups only. Registration night of the event.
Sponsored by Student Activities

Friday, October 5

9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Literacy Strategies That Foster Academic Success of Diverse Learners in the College Classroom
Adams Library, Fortes Room

This interactive workshop for faculty presents practical, evidence-based teaching strategies and tools beneficial for students from racially, ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse families and communities, as well as students with disabilities, adult learners, and other students. Light breakfast provided. Presenters: Mark Gunning, Assistant Professor, Department of Special Education/Sherlock Center on Disabilities; Keri Rossi D'Entremont, Director, Disability Services Center; Steven Threlkeld, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology. Sponsored by the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning