The Penn State New Kensington Professional Learning Committee has organized a series of events in partnership with the University's Affirmative Action Office for faculty and staff professional development, education and awareness.
To participate in the following events, please register via the LRN Registration Links below. Once registered, Zoom links will be sent to participants. Be sure to log in to the LRN network as a faculty and staff member using your Penn State Access Account prior to clicking on the registration links.
Upcoming Events
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Race and Ethnicity, Not Race or Ethnicity
- January 27, 2021
- 12:15 - 1:30 p.m. via Zoom
- The average person frequently uses the terms “race” and “ethnicity” interchangeably as synonyms to categorize humans. While race is ascribed to individuals on the basis of physical traits, ethnicity encompasses everything from language, to nationality, culture and religion. Ethnicity can enable people to take on several identities. This session considers how perceptions of race and ethnicity misidentifies members in our University community and how it affects their lived experiences and identity formation.
- Register Online
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What About Us? Learning from Seldom Heard Minority Groups
- February 8, 2021
- 12:15 - 1:30 p.m. via Zoom
- According to the latest U.S. Census, with the exception of Pacific Islanders, Asian Americans and Indigenous People of America represent the lowest demographic populations in the U.S. This session focuses on these “seldom heard” racial and ethnic groups and gives voice to their experiences. The individual narratives reveal how biases, stereotypes, and discrimination affects identity formation and sense of belonging. This session supports attendees efforts toward attaining cultural competency.
- Register Online
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Microaggressions: From Confusion to Clarity
- February 22, 2021
- 12:15 - 1:30 p.m. via Zoom
- Diversity education throughout U.S. colleges and universities commonly include unpacking “microaggressions.” If the concept of a microaggression is not difficult to understand, then why are microaggressions frequently communicated and seem nearly impossible to prevent? This session clarifies some confusion associated with the concept of microaggressions in hopes of improving overall understanding and communication between members of the Penn State community.
- Register Online
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How Stereotypes Affect Social Influence Strategies Session
- March 8, 2021
- 12:15 - 1:30 p.m. via Zoom
- Social Influence Strategies refers to techniques used to change someone’s ideas and actions to meet your demands. Individuals in formal or informal power positions, and others with influence, are well positioned to utilize social influence strategies. Stereotypes can subconsciously play a large role in the social influence strategies used. This session takes a granular approach and explores how stereotypes contribute to stereotype-based roles and activities often visible within U.S. colleges and universities.
- Register Online