Inclusive Excellence In Action 2025

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:08:32 -0400

Join us for Inclusive Excellence in Action, a semesterly series highlighting key inclusion, belonging, access practices and behavior at UMBC. Each session will offer practical insights into the work in these areas, share valuable resources, and equip participants with actionable skills and behaviors to foster inclusivity in their personal and professional lives. This engaging series will inspire and empower our community to implement inclusive excellence daily.

November 4, 2025, 11:30 am - 1 pm (Virtual)
Using Microaffirmations to Foster Psychological Safety for Faculty and Staff
Speaker: Bina Patel Ph.D

Grounded in UMBC's vision of redefining excellence through an inclusive, collaborative culture, this Inclusive Excellence in Action session invites us to harness the small, intentional gestures—microaffirmations—that strengthen psychological safety and everyday belonging. Whether it's affirming someone's name or pronouns, giving thoughtful recognition, or inviting quieter voices into the conversation, these actions disrupt exclusion, foster dialogue, and reinforce trust. Together, participants will reflect on our shared responsibility to uplift one another, especially when safety falters, and leave equipped with a practical, values-grounded toolkit of microaffirmations to nurture respect, belonging, and inclusive excellence across campus. Register here: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events/147642

December 9, 2025, 11: 30 am - 1 pm (Virtual)
Applying Student-focused Microaffirmation Tools and Practices to Foster Belonging and Inclusion.

Speaker: Floyd Cheung, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion; Professor of English Language & Literature and American Studies.

This session centers on embedding microaffirmations and microresistance into everyday campus life. Participants will learn how to proactively address bias, respond confidently to microaggressions, and foster a sense of belonging through intentional gestures and effective communication strategies. Drawing on Dr. Floyd Cheung's research and experience, participants will walk away with practical, values-driven tools, such as OTFD and ACTION, to build inclusive and trusted spaces for students and colleagues alike. Register here:https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events/147644

To request accommodation(s) or to inquire about event accessibility, please get in touch with each program office directly. All sessions are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.