The RI Higher Education Training Consortium (RIHETC) is pleased to announce that the Annual Summer Institute will be held on Thursday, June 30th, at Providence College.

The topic this year is Building An Inclusive Campus.

RIHETC has invited nationally known diversity speaker and author Dr. Maura Cullen for a day long seminar on this important topic.

Dr. Maura Cullen is widely considered one of the nation’s foremost authorities on issues of diversity and inclusion. With over 30 years of experience as a trainer and keynote speaker, she has been referred to as being the best there is at simplifying the complex issues of diversity in an entertaining and educational manner. Dr. Cullen received her doctorate in Social Justice and Diversity Education from the University of Massachusetts. She is a founding faculty member of the Social Justice Training Institute and author of, 35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say.

All participants will receive a copy of Dr. Cullen's book, 35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say as a gift with registration.

Dr. Cullen will present two separate workshops during this full day event:

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Taking Adversity out of Diversity

This honest and engaging program will inspire people to create more inclusive communities. Our biggest challenge in achieving this goal is our fear of being judged and misunderstood. This fear prevents good people from taking meaningful action. At times we are so afraid of saying the ‘wrong’ thing that we make the biggest mistake of all, which is to say nothing. Our patterns of communication are vital to our success when exploring such explosive issues as race, gender, sexual orientation, class, disabilities, age, and religion. This aware winning session gets beyond our fear of saying the ‘wrong’ thing and teaches more effective and compassionate ways to connect.

1:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say

Have you ever found yourself saying “Some of my best friends are…” or “I don’t think of you as …” or “I’m colorblind”? We often make statements intended to be supportive or complimentary, but end up being problematic. Meant as joining statements, these remarks often have the opposite effect and end up creating a larger divide. Participants will gain knowledge of communication traps, how to avoid them, and what tools to use in their place.

Following the final session, Dr. Maura Cullen will be available to sign your complimentary copy of her book, 35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say.

The cost for this full day workshop is $100.00 per participant, which includes parking, continental breakfast and lunch.
Parking will be provided for all participants.
If you are unable to attend for the full day, individual workshop registration is available with an option to add lunch to your order.

We hope you will be able to join us at Providence College on June 30th to explore the critical issues related to diversity and inclusion in our campus communities.

Please note that we are unable to issue refunds on registrations cancelled 14 days or less from the event date. We recommend that you find a replacement participant from your institution in the event that you cannot attend.

Registrations are closed

Building An Inclusive Campus: RIHETC Summer Institute