Lunch and Learn Archives (2020)
Videos and materials from Lunch and Learn sessions in 2020 are posted on this page. For information on current Lunch and Learn talks, go to: https://equitydiversity.cals.wisc.edu/lunch-and-learn/.
“Scientifically Tested Methods to Reduce Racism and Promote Inclusion”
February 10, 2020
Markus Brauer is a professor in the Department of Psychology and the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Born and raised in Germany, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Boulder (1994). He then worked for 17 years as a research scientist in the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, the French counterpart to the National Science Foundation. He joined the University of Wisconsin in 2011. As a social psychologist, Markus Brauer studies social behavior and cognitions. He develops and tests interventions aimed at changing people’s behaviors in a variety of domains – such as diversity, energy consumption, and workplace behaviors. He is the author of more than 100 scientific articles and chapters, has obtained numerous grants, and is member of the editorial board of the top scientific journals in his field. He also consults for public and private organizations. For more information see https://psych.wisc.edu/Brauer/BrauerLab/
Most pro-diversity initiatives are not evaluated. Among the few initiatives that have undergone rigorous evaluation, most turn out to be ineffective or counterproductive. The empirical evidence for the effectiveness of diversity training is mixed at best. The same is true for approaches that aim to raise awareness of implicit bias. In this talk, Markus argued that successful pro-diversity initiatives require a systematic approach in which the target audience, the target behaviors, and the “barriers” to behavior change are identified through background research (e.g., focus groups, climate survey). He presented three pro-diversity initiatives that have been shown to be effective in randomized controlled trials: the prejudice habit-breaking workshop, a norm-based campaign, and motivational interventions. He also gave concrete advice on how to evaluate your next pro-diversity initiative.
“Biological Systems Engineering Women’s/All Inclusive Student Shop Night to Promote Inclusion”
March 9, 2020
Kody Habeck is the associate instrumentation innovation instructor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE). He received his B.S. and M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison focusing on power and machinery, machining, and fabrication. He now runs the BSE shop, instructs courses, and aids in a number of research projects. Rebecca Larson is an associate professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
In developing equity and diversity goals in BSE, the number of females and other underrepresented groups within the department as faculty, staff, and students was highlighted as an area for targeted improvement. In order to increase inclusion in shop, a historically male-dominated area, Kody Habeck and Dr. Larson began a women’s shop night to increase the presence of women in the shop and build confidence in their field. Over time, the program has grown not only in size but, upon recommendation by Kody, to be all inclusive and include a variety of students. The program has increased the number of students working in the shop area and the diversity of those students. While the program is highly successful and students report great satisfaction, it does require a significant amount of time and resources from the individuals who run the program. In this presentation, presenters covered some of their goals as well as some of the difficulties encountered along the way and encouraged others to evaluate how to increase the diversity and equity programs within their departments as well.
“Allyship: Reflecting on Systems and Biases”
July 21, 2020
In the weeks preceding this presentation, many asked what they could do to address systemic racism and bias. It begins with self-reflection and examination of our own potential blind spots and needed areas of growth. In this short workshop, participants reflected on the ways that individual, interpersonal, and systemic oppressions connect in order to understand the role that individual bias can play. The presentation concluded with potential tips and resources for continuing education beyond the workshop setting. This event was presented by Sam Becker, social justice education specialist with the Multicultural Student Center.
“CALS Update on Diversity and Inclusion”
September 14, 2020
2020 has been a very tumultuous year and as we begin the fall 2020 semester in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, we are aware that the strain of so many factors are heavily weighing on individuals and groups in our community. Our hearts go out to those who have suffered various loss due to a pandemic that continues to have an impact for the foreseeable future. We have also seen continued division relating to race and social justice, which has contributed to further polarization in our country. We in CALS have been engaged in planning relating to implementation of diversity and inclusion goals, and what has transpired this year only exacerbates the need for changes in structure and behaviors. In this Lunch and Learn, Dean Kate VandenBosch and Senior Associate Dean Mark Rickenbach shared updates and plans for initiatives and goals for the college as we work to listen to the voices of those in our community who are looking for action, and employ those who need to be part of the solution.
“Discussion on Trends Relating to Fall 2020 Election”
October 19, 2020
Wisconsin’s political communication ecology has been changing since 2010. Newspapers are in crisis across the state, and local television coverage of local and state news, a primary source of news for Wisconsinites, is becoming thinner. At the same time, more people are online, particularly using Facebook as a source of intra-and inter-network communication. This presentation discussed these developments in the context of partisan conflict and the current presidential election.
The presenters were Dr. Lewis Friedland, a Professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and Dr. Michael Wagner, Professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
“Resources for Taking Action and Getting Involved: Regardless of your Role, you can be a Mentor”
November 9, 2020
This interactive presentation addressed how you can take an active part in mentoring and engaging students on campus. During this presentation, participants learned how they can support historically underrepresented students regardless of their role. They also learned about what has worked well in the presenters’ programs.
The presenters were Sandra Vega-Semorile, Educational Content Specialist in Science for UW PEOPLE-Pre-College, Gail Coover, Executive Director and Co-PI for the Wisconsin Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, and Amber Smith, Associate Director of WISCIENCE & Director of Research Mentor and Mentee Training.