VCU Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) Blog

Building Inclusive Communities (BIC) is a professional and personal development initiative designed to provide foundational cultural competence education for members of the VCU community. BIC is offered through 1-day or 2-day workshops, is aligned with VCU’s diversity and inclusion strategic plan, and has been supported through the Division for Inclusive Excellence.

Researchers at VCU are actively encouraged to recruit diverse subjects, including those with limited English proficiency. The program was developed specially for VCU and builds on the talents and skills of the members of our university community to build our capacity and effectiveness as an inclusive academic community.

Spring 2018 workshops began in January and continue through the end of June:

• • Workshops and training provide participants with tools for communicating across difference and support the development and use of a shared language to address issues of diversity and inclusion.

  • Participants learn diversity and inclusion concepts that impact relationships, support more effective communication and enhance our efforts to strengthen our institutional climate.

  • Integrated topics include: increasing our awareness of bias, exploring the potential differences between our intent versus impact during interpersonal exchanges, and considering the multiple ways in which groups and individuals have been historically marginalized and privileged, as well as the ways in which a group’s historic status may play a role in our work.

• Workshop participants learn and practice non-shaming ways to think and dialogue about diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Faculty and staff have the opportunity to gain skills and confidence in responding, at work and in the classroom, to world and local events that impact our lives.

• Workshops include practical action planning for professional development and personal growth.

Workshops seats are limited and registration is required – Please search www.training.vcu.edu  using the keyword “diversity” or click on workshop dates on the BIC website.

For more information, visit our http://www.inclusive.vcu.edu/initiatives/building-inclusive-communities/. Contact Jan Altman, PhD at jhaltman@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8947 with questions.