Champlain College faculty and staff are invited to participate in the Spring 2012 Intercultural University, a certificate program created by Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Ame Lambert. Intercultural U focuses on the personal cultural and societal aspects of diversity and inclusion. "Diversity is diverse," stated Lambert, "One may blatantly accept, 'That's just that individual's personality,' but never assess why one may think or act the way they do. An individual's thoughts and actions are all bi-products of aspects of their diversity."

Lambert says Intercultural U offers a societal experience where one gets to learn about why individuals behave the way they do, whether it be a result of their sex, ethnic culture, geographical region, education, language, religion, or level of physical and mental ability. "Diversity is very present in a college environment - in the classroom, workplace, residence halls, and enrolled student body. It is important to get a better understanding of how to treat, teach, and communicate with diverse individuals," she explained.

"Last spring, we had two groups that met for two-hour afternoon sessions during the week. We followed this schedule for five bi-weekly sessions over 10 weeks, followed by two full-day intensives in May and June. It is a 26-hour program to achieve a resume building certificate to bring skills and knowledge of diversity and culture to your workplace and everyday life," she said.

Champlain College participants who earned a certificate in the first cohort include:

• Eric Ronis - Assistant Dean for Communication and Creative Media Division
• Sarah Potter - Director of Human Resources
• Joanne Farrell - Core Professor
• Katie Hawley - Secretary to the Corporation in the President's Office
• Tre Robertson - Marketing Department
• Cathy Brotzman - Center for Professional & Executive Development
• Ken Wade - Core Professor
• Frank Robinson - Core Professor
• Valerie Esposito - Environmental Policy Program Director
• Pat Suozzi - Core Professor
• Alberto Citarella - Budget Director in Finance
• Lisa Mazzariello - Director of IDX Student Life Center
• Christina Erickson - Sustainability Coordinator
• Becky Peterson - Director of Registration and Registrar
• David Keys - Assistant Director of Residential Life
• Claire Giroux-Williams - Assistant Director for Housing Operations
• Maggie Melvin - Service Coordinator, Center for Service & Civic Engagement
• Sarah Braun Hamilton - eLearning Senior Operations Coordinator
• Ania Zalewski - CRM Representative, Graduate Admissions

Graduates of the program praised the interaction and learning opportunities. Besides the knowledge they gained, many said it was great for social engagement and getting to know other Champlain faculty and staff. "It was a safe place to have honest, deep discussions where participants got to know each other on a personal level. Participants brought everything they got to the table because they could expect equal interest and intellectual participation from their peers," said Lambert.

The next Intercultural U begins in early February. To register or get more information, contact Lambert at diversity@champlain.edu or 860-2784. To register online, http://www.champlain.edu/Office-of-Diversity-and-Inclusion/Intercultural-U/How-to-Participate-x15160.html