Engagement and Belonging at Michigan Tech recently spearheaded two significant events that emphasize the University’s commitment to advancing inclusive excellence and enhancing accessibility across campus and the broader Upper Peninsula community.
Distinguished Scholar Ronald Jackson II Energizes MTU Community
On Thursday, September 12, 2024, Engagement and Belonging hosted distinguished scholar and author, Ronald L. Jackson II, for a series of impactful talks that captivated the Michigan Tech community. The day-long event featured three well-attended sessions tailored to different audiences.
High-Impact Strategies for Difficult Dialogue
Aimed at faculty and staff, this session focused on enhancing classroom and workplace interactions. Jackson discussed the importance of recognizing personal biases, leveraging teachable moments, and building students’ capacity for respectful disagreement.
Understanding the Path to Grad School
In collaboration with the McNair Scholars Program, this afternoon session guided students on preparing for graduate education. Jackson stressed the value of undergraduate research, mentorship, and selecting the right fit for graduate studies.
Talking Across Divides
Open to the public, this evening session at the Rozsa Center drew hundreds of attendees. Jackson provided insights on navigating difficult conversations while maintaining respect and positivity.
All events saw excellent turnout, with participants actively engaging in the discussions and workshops. The high attendance across all sessions reinforced our community’s commitment to advancing inclusive excellence through open and respectful dialogue.
Throughout his talks, Jackson focused on creating environments that welcome diverse perspectives, encouraging respectful engagement, and being mindful of inclusive language. His visit was part of the University’s Bridging Communities Series, an initiative supported by Engagement and Belonging aimed at engaging our community and enhancing campus culture.
First UP Accessibility Summit Showcases Commitment to Inclusive Excellence
Building on the momentum of Jackson’s visit, Michigan Tech played a pivotal role in the success of the first-ever Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit (UPAS), held on September 26-27, 2024, at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. The event brought together community planners, government entities, local businesses, and education leaders to explore ways to improve accessibility infrastructure in the Upper Peninsula, furthering the goal of inclusive excellence in our region.
Engagement and Belonging served as a major partner in the event, with team member Paige Short making significant contributions to the planning committee. The summit featured inspiring keynote speakers, including Kaelynn Partlow, a passionate advocate for autism awareness and inclusive education, and Robin Jones, Director of the Great Lakes ADA Center, who provided expertise on disability rights and accessibility.
Key Themes
Key themes that emerged from the summit include:
- The business case for accessibility: “Accessibility isn’t just nice; it’s good business.”
- The importance of diverse representation in addressing disability needs
- Recognition of the disabled community as the largest minority population
- A shift from a culture of compliance to a culture of inclusion
The event was a resounding success, with excellent attendance and positive feedback from participants. The virtual keynote by Kaelynn Partlow was particularly well-received. Attendees praised Michigan Tech’s commitment to accessibility, especially the Rozsa Center’s prioritization of accessible facilities.
“These two events embody Michigan Tech’s commitment to fostering a positive sense of belonging for all our constituents,” said Wayne Gersie, Vice President of Engagement and Belonging at Michigan Tech. “The turnout and feedback from attendees confirms the broad support of the MTU community for the mission of our office and the University’s vision.”
These two events embody Michigan Tech’s commitment to fostering a positive sense of belonging for all our constituents.
The success of these back-to-back initiatives confirms Michigan Technological University’s dedication to creating an environment where all individuals can thrive and contribute to our shared success. By supporting and leading such events, Engagement and Belonging continues to play a crucial role in shaping a welcoming campus culture that values and supports a variety of perspectives and experiences.
For more information about Engagement and Belonging’s initiatives, please contact belonging@mtu.edu.