Semesterly, the IU School of Informatics and Computing at IUPUI decides on a Diversity and Inclusion theme. The entire school, regardless of research area or academic program is encouraged to engage our students and our school community in conversations, events and talks relating to this theme. This semester, the theme is Workforce Issues.
Investigate one trending workforce issue in your area of expertise that affect state, national or international workforces as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion. This could be governmental policy, labor unions (or lack thereof), fair pay, discrimination of any persons, or any unfair business practices. Support your findings with resources, links, news etc.
Consider and answer the following:
- How is your industry/area of expertise perceived when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion?
- What does a company, institution or industry risk if these issues are not addressed?
- What examples have you found in other sectors of business/industry that have already overcome these challenges?
- How can an individual or employee affect positive change in an organization or industry?
- In what ways can individuals disrupt these patterns?
Some helpful starting points
- IUPUI student Salary Information
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Condition of Education Report from National Center on Education Statistics
Submit your findings and your ideas that could lead to positive change at http://inclusion.soic.iupui.edu/
Faculty, from Make Your Voice Heard button, you and your students will have two options:
1) Share your concerns. This is an anonymous submission form where students can share feedback on how the school is doing with regards to building an inclusive environment. Vicki Daugherty, the school’s Diversity Coordinator, will be the only individual to receive these submissions initially. She will follow up as appropriate and with necessary discretion. Please alert your students to the existence of this venue and encourage them to provide suggestions, critical comments, and kudos accepted as well.
2) Inclusion ‘HoC’ Challenge Discussion. During the 6th week, September 28 to October 2, please encourage your students to contribute to the discussion. Maybe even make it part of an assignment or extra credit if you allow for such things. This link with take them to the Canvas login page and then directly to course site that has been set up to facilitate the discussion. There will be one discussion forum set up for each of the SoIC programs. Additionally, if students are interested in starting other discussions (not the Community Conversation), please have them contact one of the course instructors with their request to have it added.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Andrea Copeland, ajapzon@iupui.edu.
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