Part 2: Practical Applications for Neurodiversity-affirming Reflections and Approaches to Supporting Students 

Understanding neurodiversity and applying this understanding in the classroom can benefit all of our students. During this session, we will advance our understanding and support for neurodiverse students through a brief review of the research findings. We will then discuss applying these ideas in the university classroom and across campus. We will identify positive strategies for student support and the methods to improve student, staff, and faculty experiences.

Presenter:  Jonathan Rodgers, PhD, Associate professor in the Psychology Department, Director of Lab and Treatment Operation at the Institute for Autism Research, Co-Director of the Aging and Autism Study, and Director of the Canisius University IMPACT Center.

Event Postponed until Spring 2025- date TBA

February 2025

GLYS WNY's Safe Space Training

Campus Pride is a national organization working with student leaders and campus groups to create safer, more LGBTQ-friendly learning environments at colleges and universities.  During the summer of 2023, Canisius participated in a national assessment to identify opportunities to improve the academic experience and quality of campus life for students, staff, and faculty.  Recommendations included implementing annual Safe Zone Training. 

In partnership with GLYS, we will offer Safe Space Training. The session will increase knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues, learn local and national history, and provide guidelines for offering friendlier and more inclusive programming and services.

Facilitators:

• Faith Winship (she/her) is the Community Programs Manager and GSA Advisor Liaison for GLYS Western New York. Her background is in Psychology and Women, Gender, and Sexualities Studies with a focus on Queer History.

• Gi Swords (they/them), LMSW, is GLYS Western New York's Program Manager. They hold a Master of Social Work degree from the University at Buffalo and are a field educator for students at the University at Buffalo and Daemen University.

• • Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Student Center, Regis 

Register here

November 2024

Embedding Equity: Practical Strategies and Tools

Join us as we delve into the essential concepts of equity, offering actionable strategies for staff and faculty members to embed equity principles into every aspect of their roles. Through interactive discussions and real-world case studies, attendees will acquire practical strategies to recognize and address challenges in supporting students and colleagues effectively.  By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the tools needed to foster an equitable academic environment that nurtures student, staff, and faculty success and champions a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Presenter: Angell Howard, a two-time graduate of Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work.

• Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Student Center, Grupp Fireside Lounge

Slideshow available here

Steps to Embedding Equity

October 2024

Bias Incidents:  Tools for Conducting Effective Investigations

Bais Resource and Response Team (BRRT) is a university committee committed to promoting a positive campus climate by providing education and best practices for addressing bias. This training is intended for university members who assist in investigating bias incidents involving students, staff, or faculty. The session is also open to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the investigation process. 

Presenter:  Clayton Staton, Director, Public Safety, Canisius University

• Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Grupp Fireside Lounge

Questions?

Contact Fatima Rodriguez Johnson, Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion