Syracuse University to sponsor conference on race, ethnicity in institutions, workplaces

Syracuse University to sponsor conference on race, ethnicity in institutions, workplacesJuly 10, 2007Matthew R. Snydermrsnyder@syr.edu

Syracuse University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) will sponsor the Syracuse Conference on Race and Ethnicity Experience July 18-20 at the Renaissance Syracuse Hotel, 701 E. Genesee St.

Registration for all conference elements is $175 per person and must be made by Friday, July 13. Registration forms are available at the OMA website, http://multicultural.syr.edu. For more information, visit the website or call (315) 443-9676.

Most diversity training sessions focus broadly on diversity issues and rarely address the nuances of specific dimensions of diversity and the unique dimension each has on the bottom line, climate or culture of an institution. The Syracuse Conference on Race and Ethnicity Experience, through a theoretical and practical approach to learning, will provide companies the opportunity to delve more deeply into issues such as race and racism that impact their capacity to create inclusive work environments, enhance their success, and boost their bottom line.

The conference will help participants examine the benefits of understanding and dangers of misunderstanding racial differences within the campus and/or workplace; clarify the construction of race in society and the manifestation of racism, sexism and other issues on the campus and in the workplace; understand the role that socialization plays in the construction and manifestation of race on campus; learn how to identify and address inappropriate behavior and build healthy and productive dialogue about the issues; and create an inclusive environment. For more information on the agenda topics, visit http://multicultural.syr.edu.

“The Syracuse Conference on Race and Ethnicity Experience will move participants beyond merely discussing the issues to forming and taking concrete action steps,” says OMA Director James Duah-Agyeman. “Those participating will develop individual, departmental and next-step strategies to address current problems and desired outcomes within the campus or company that align with the mission, vision and business goals.”

The conference will be facilitated by Rodney S. Patterson, who has more than 15 years of experience in the field as a diversity consultant, researcher and educator. During his career, Patterson has served a comprehensive set of clients, including the corporate/private sector, health care agencies, governmental agencies, the educational arena and nonprofit organizations. His experience within each of these entities has provided him with a breadth, depth and scope beneficial to any potential client.

In addition to his work with ProGroup, a pioneer in workplace and marketplace diversity, Patterson is certified by and has worked with several cutting-edge companies offering diversity solutions. He has also owned his own consulting firm and has an ongoing relationship with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), through which he has trained and consulted at nearly 50 institutions and several conferences. Patterson also has a wide range of experience in academe and city government.