About the Symposium

The Symposium is part of the University of Idaho’s ongoing commitment to fulfill the objectives of the institution’s 2016-2025 Strategic Plan and the 2018 Diversity Plan. Our mission to “shape the future through innovative thinking, community engagement, and transformative education” can only be achieved by making higher education “relevant and accessible to qualified students of all backgrounds.” We must be committed to creating equitable and inclusive classroom and campus environments to better serve students, staff and faculty from different cultures, backgrounds, experiences and identities.

Increasing our community’s cultural responsiveness will help to establish a culture and practice of equity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. The Symposium provides a unique opportunity for Vandals to cultivate relationships and learn deeply from one another’s experiences, while developing new competencies and gaining valuable tools to bring back to our classrooms and work spaces. The goal of the Symposium is to positively impact the way our institution values and welcomes multicultural and diverse perspectives, honoring all voices while working towards improving students’ success and sense of belonging.

Mission of Symposium

Develop capacity within University of Idaho to support the principles of access, equity and inclusion that promote cultural competence and cultural understanding.

Goal of Symposium

Discover areas of intersection within the U of I Community that promotes community building and increase competence in diverse community engagement and understanding.

Outcomes for the Cultural Literacy and Competency Symposium

• Develop a personal code of ethics to guide decision-making rooted in a sense of responsibility as a member of society
• Contribute to the positive welfare of the campus, local and broader community
• Demonstrate concern and respect for the rights of others
• Create, build and sustain community by applying knowledge to help others
• Develop an deeper understanding of the importance of the collective community and culture
• Understand and participate in relevant political and governance systems
• Develop well-informed, multi-faceted understanding of local, national and international issues

History

This Symposium, its theme and sessions, spring from Dr. Jane Baillargeon's vision and leadership. She led the effort in calling for a cultural competence and capacity building forum and in forming the broad coalition of offices, organizations, committees and people that are the sponsors of today’s event.

Jane passed away on March 11, 2014 after a brief illness, and she is greatly missed. Her passion and dedication to her work, to her institution, to her community and to the principles and goals of diversity, access, equity and inclusion are an example to us all. She was passionate about her work and passionate about the University of Idaho. Her dedication, humor and interest in making the University of Idaho a better place continue to leave a lasting impact on the University.