The Division of Student Affairs will bring Kathy Obear to campus for a keynote address and training on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3. The keynote address on Friday, Oct. 2, is scheduled from 3:30-4 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel, with a community social and refreshments to follow in the Noble Room (lower level of Hendricks Chapel). ASL interpretation and Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) will be available.
Kathy Obear
Obear has more than 30 years’ experience as an organizational development consultant and trainer specializing in creating inclusion, team and organizational effectiveness. Her focus for the keynote address, staff training and student training is “Awareness Skills and Tools toward the Creation of a Sustainable and Inclusive Campus Community.” Obear recently worked with Chancellor Syverud, the deans of the schools and colleges, vice chancellors and leaders of all parts of the University during a retreat.
“Dr. Obear is a phenomenal trainer and facilitator who encourages and provides the tools to think with an inclusive lens,” says Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, senior vice president and dean of Student Affairs. “We are excited to have Dr. Obear on campus to speak and also conduct some targeted training with Student Affairs staff and with students. We encourage the entire campus community to join us for Dr. Obear’s keynote and the community social.”
Prior to her keynote address, Obear is conducting a half-day workshop with staff in Student Affairs. The training focuses on increasing passion, competence and commitment toward an inclusive, socially just environment for all members of the organization.
“This workshop will give Student Affairs staff an opportunity to learn ways to navigate and effectively meet the needs of the increasingly diverse population we serve, and how we can infuse diversity and inclusion in everything we do,” says Shaun Crisler, associate director in Residence Life and one of the coordinators for the events.
On Oct. 3, Obear will lead the DSA Student Diversity Summit, providing students with an opportunity to have meaningful conversations with Obear and each other, and to learn awareness skills and tools to create a sustainable and inclusive campus community. Students interested in attending can register on the DSA Student Diversity Summit page. The on-campus workshop runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and includes breakfast and a break for lunch. ASL interpretation and Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) will be available.
“This is a great opportunity for students from all over campus to engage in conversations about diversity and inclusion,” says Kantrowitz. “We look forward to generating conversations during Dr. Obear’s visit and supporting other ways to continue these important conversations.”
For more information, contact Crisler at scrisler@syr.edu.
