The overarching goals of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Consultant program are to increase UWGB’s use of evidence-based inclusive and equity-minded teaching strategies, reduce equity gaps, and promote an academic environment in which all students feel welcome and have the opportunity to succeed. The program defines diversity broadly and has included projects on student parent advocacy, first generation college students, Indigenous pedagogies, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Now entering its third year, the EDI Consultant program has evolved and will be implementing some changes for 2023-24. In an attempt to serve even more instructors, UWGB will begin offering the program with two tiers. Thanks to generous support from Vice Chancellors Dr. Kate Burns and Dr. Dawn Crim, we are calling for applications to each tier with the hope that we can support both instructors with advanced skills in the pedagogies mentioned above and those who have little or no experience with inclusive teaching approaches, but who want to learn more.
Tier One – EDI Training and Micro-Credentialing
The first tier will be called the EDI Consultant Community of Practice. It will engage selected instructors in readings, peer review, and other activities designed to help them reflect upon and improve their own course(s) by following evidence-based principles of equity-minded, inclusive instruction and universal design (which aims at course design that serves the needs of all). The experience will run for the academic year. At the end of the year participants can claim the title of “EDI Consultant,” a certification or credential that will remain with them for their time at UWGB. We hope this community of practice will have at least one representative from each of the four colleges at UWGB. Instructors of all experience levels, both in teaching overall and in inclusive pedagogies, are welcome to apply.
Compensation
Selected applicants will receive a stipend of $1500 for the 2023-24 academic year. Participation will involve approximately 3 hybrid or virtual meetings per semester, completion of assigned readings, and a final deliverable of 2-3 modules of one of their current courses in Canvas with revisions made to enhance inclusivity and universal design practices. A short reflection paper on the kinds of course revisions made and why will also be required.
To Apply
Send an email to CATL@uwgb.edu that includes the following: name, unit, brief (2-3 page) teaching-related CV, and a one-half to one-page (maximum) statement of interest explaining why you wish to become an EDI Consultant and what courses or issues you hope to work on. Deadline: 9/25/23.
Tier Two – EDI Project Leaders
The second tier is intended for instructors who have completed Tier One of the program already and are prepared to independently enact (or continue with) a substantial, ongoing EDI-related project focused on instructor development. An example of a substantial, ongoing project might be something like offering well-developed monthly sessions during an academic year for instructors on teaching and supporting students who are neurodivergent. Standalone presentations or consultations with colleagues would not be sufficient to meet the criteria for a “substantial” and “ongoing” project.
Note that this additional tier is not routine or expected of consultants who have completed Tier One. The Tier Two EDI Project Leader grants are designed to support those who have completed Tier One and wish to continue existing programs or develop new program proposals with exceptional potential to have a positive, sustained impact on instructors either within a college or university-wide. Successful proposals will also be assigned an undergraduate intern to provide support for the project.
Compensation
Selected applicants will receive a stipend of $1500 for the 2023-24 academic year. The specific details of participation will be outlined in a written agreement at the beginning of the academic year based on the nature of the project.
To Apply
Send an email to CATL@uwgb.edu that includes the following: name, unit, brief (2-3 page) teaching-related CV, and a one-half to one-page statement of interest describing your proposed project and why or how you believe it will benefit UWGB instructors and, thus, UWGB students. Under separate cover, please ask your Dean or one of the EDI Consultant co-leaders (Stacie Christian or Kris Vespia) to write a short letter (about a paragraph) of support for this project and your involvement in it. That letter should also be sent to CATL@uwgb.edu. Deadline: 9/25/23.