University Studies value: Diversity

Each of us has a unique perspective within with which we navigate the communal society, be it an academic setting, the workplace, our place in social institutions, orin family groups. In "Communities: The Structure of Belonging" by Peter Block, we learn to invite others to join us in convening, by twos and threes, a discussion where our needs are made explicit and can be met.

Let Knowledge Serve the City

​Diversity is one of the core values in the University Studies programs at Portland State University (PSU). Two key values in PSU's mission is a commitment to foster a climate of respect and institutional openness and reflection. 
Our UNST Diversity team believes that our experience at PSU has helped us learn to assert our individual qualities—an unlooked-for  gift—thriving in a "climate of mutual respect and reflection."
     COOPERATION—as in building cooperative learning communities—is the focus of the Senior Capstone projects. We Seniors, like birds fledged from the nest, work with community partners while we try on the first roles of our working lives. 
     
Diversity training is often experienced within a negatively-sensitized framework. Our small group chose to present a positive lesson, hoping to promote deeper personal reflection. We will all be called upon to share leadership; It is important to learn that our voice does not need to be the loudest to lead effectively. This 2-hour activity asserts that leadership can be learned.

The Four Directions:
Power •Healing • Vision • Wisdom
The Leadership Compass draws from a Native American tradition, the Four-fold Way, where each of the the four compass directions bring profound strengths, and primary struggles.
     This workshop is adapted from the BonCur Leadership Compass, Bonner Network (2013).

What did our students tell us?

Lesson Plans: Script Outline, signs, handouts, key, Traits

Powerpoint: Full Workshop \ integrated with script, activity

POWERPOINT: Diversity and the university studies goals

The following slideshow explains the connection between diversity and the other three university studies goals: social responsibility, communication, and critical thinking. The slideshow provides related quotes, descriptions of how each university goal in relation to diversity, and also specific suggestions for enacting each university goal.