Cori Wong, director of the Women & Gender Collaborative at CSU, and Jessica Bennett, author of Feminist Fight Club, discuss the founding of the Feminist Fight Club at CSU during the 2017 Diversity Symposium.
Talks by a leading civil rights activist and a top executive from the global retailer Target as well as a fireside chat with Colorado State University President Joyce McConnell are among the highlights scheduled for this year’s Diversity Symposium.
The 19th annual event — set for Oct. 14-18 — features more than 50 sessions related to diversity and inclusion incorporating faculty research presentations, an entire day devoted to the Feminist Fight Club at CSU, a variety of keynote speakers, and sessions specifically for educators. The symposium is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.
The weeklong event kicks off Oct. 14 with a keynote presentation by Kimberlé Crenshaw, a professor of law at UCLA and Columbia Law School who is a leading authority in the areas of Civil Rights, black feminist legal theory, and race, racism, and the law.
CSU alumnus Arthur L. Valdez Jr., executive vice president and chief supply chain and logistics officer at Target, will give his presentation on Oct. 15. The next day, McConnell will sit down with CSU Vice President for Diversity Mary Ontiveros for a fireside chat.
CSU Diversity Symposium
Date: Oct. 14-18, 2019
Location: Lory Student Center
Website: diversity.colostate.edu/diversity-symposium
The symposium is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Get the CSU First-Year Student Guide for more information on sessions.
“The goal of the symposium is to provide ongoing educational opportunities regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion for our campus,” said Ria Vigil, assistant vice president for inclusive organizational practice at CSU. “We are fortunate to have scholars, experts, and deeply passionate people who care about equity within our community. The Symposium provides an opportunity for people to present and share and for others to learn, both about new concepts but also current equity initiatives on campus.”
Diversity Symposium schedule highlights
Monday, Oct. 14 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Assistant Vice President for Gender Equity Cori Wong shares lessons learned and the vision ahead for the Feminist Fight Club at CSU at 9 a.m. in LSC Ballroom D, followed by activities and sessions hosted by FFC@CSU members.
Kimberlé Crenshaw, a professor of law at UCLA and Columbia Law School, gives a keynote presentation on intersectionality at 6 p.m. in LSC Ballrooms C/D.
Tuesday, Oct. 15 (9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.)
CSU alumnus Arthur L. Valdez Jr. (’92), executive vice president and chief supply chain and logistics officer at Target, gives his keynote presentation at 11 a.m. in LSC Ballroom A.
At 4 p.m., in the LSC Theatre, the Career Center hosts Diversity Connection, an opportunity for students and student organizations to meet and make engage employers about their commitment to diversity and inclusion. “Diversity Connect: An Inclusive Career Event, presented by Target” offers CSU students, alumni, and student organizations an opportunity to make connections with employers interested in expanding their workforce by hiring CSU Rams from diverse backgrounds and traditionally underrepresented populations. Lunch is provided.
Wednesday, Oct. 16 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
CSU Inspire is at 11:30 a.m. in LSC Ballroom D, which features talks by faculty and staff on research on diversity and inclusion in short, 8-minute presentations. Lunch is provided.
CSU President Joyce McConnell and Vice President for Diversity Mary Ontiveros sit down for a fireside chat on diversity at 4 p.m. in the LSC Theatre.
Thursday, Oct. 17 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
A keynote panel at 6:30 p.m. from the Race and Intersectional Studies for Educational Equity (RISE) Center discusses the need for educational partnerships, praxis, and radical leadership to transform education for intersectional racial justice and equity. Education strand sessions focus on diversity topics that are of interest and importance to educators.
Friday, Oct. 18 (9 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.)
Sessions cover a variety of diversity, equity, and inclusion topics ranging from social justice mediation to intersectional feminism.
Student diversity programs and services
In addition to the Diversity Symposium, CSU offers programs and services designed to support students in a variety of ways and provide opportunities to participate and contribute to a diverse campus environment throughout the year.
The Asian Pacific American Cultural Center is dedicated to creating a supportive space for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, Asian American (including Southeast Asian, Desi, adopted, mixed race) students and those from other historically marginalized communities. The center is focused on building community, working to remove barriers, and providing access to resources to support students in finding fulfillment and success while at CSU and beyond.
Select events: Welcome Back BBQ (Sept. 9); Rice Bowl (Nov. 3); Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May)
Learn more: apacc.colostate.edu
The Black/African American Cultural Center promotes a diverse, inclusive campus environment and serves as a resource to the campus as well as surrounding communities, through academic, professional, cultural and personal development programs that embrace black and African American experiences. The primary goal is to enhance the overall college experience so that students achieve academically and can compete in a global society.
Select events: MLK Day March (Jan. 20); Black History Month (February); MURALS (March)
Learn more: baacc.colostate.edu
El Centro works to provide support for the Latinx community at CSU and Fort Collins through encouraging student engagement, academic success, cultural pride, empowerment, and volunteer/leadership opportunities. El Centro strives to promote an inclusive environment that focuses on awareness and understanding of the Latinx experience.
Select events: Welcome Back BBQ (Aug. 28); Latinx Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15); Speaker event: Annie Segarra (Oct. 3)
Learn more: elcentro.colostate.edu
The Native American Cultural Center works to ensure a successful educational experience for students by providing support and services related to recruitment, retention, graduation, and community outreach. The office embraces and encourages a supportive environment based on the traditions and cultures of Native American peoples.
Select events: Native American Heritage Month (November)
Learn more: nacc.colostate.edu
The Pride Resource Center provides resources and support for all CSU community members to explore and increase their understanding of sexual/romantic orientation, gender, and identity intersection. The center works to create inclusive and respectful environments and experiences at CSU.
Select events: Queer B-Q (Sept. 3); LGBTQ History Month (October); Trans Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20); Queer Prom (April)
Learn more: prideresourcecenter.colostate.edu
The Student Disability Center provides support for students with both permanent and temporary disabilities. This can encompass physical disabilities, chronic illness/health conditions, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, temporary disabilities.
Resources: Campus Resources; Community Resources; Faculty Resources
Learn more: disabilitycenter.colostate.edu
Women and Gender Advocacy Center
112 Student Services, with satellite office at 234 Lory Student Center
Women and Gender Advocacy Center provides programs and resources focusing on all genders, social justice, and interpersonal violence prevention. WGAC also provides advocacy and support for victims of sexual violence, stalking, sexual harassment, and relationship violence. Its purpose is to provide a safe and affirming space for the students it serves at CSU while supporting systemic change to end all forms of oppression within our community. WGAC hosts two podcasts: “We Believe You: Advocacy, Resources and Healing Around Interpersonal Trauma” and “Do You Even Lift Bro: Men Exercising Social Justice.”
Select events: Relationship Violence Awareness Month (October); Feminist Thought and Activism Conference (March 29); Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April)
Learn more: wgac.colostate.edu
