Meeting of the Minds

Join us for “Meeting of the Minds,” an MSU Denver workshop designed to reshape how we perceive and engage with cognitive diversity. This event is for anyone interested in fostering an inclusive atmosphere in their classroom or workplace. Come learn how to create transformative day-to-day interactions or share your tips and tools for a more inclusive community one conversation at a time. By participating, attendees will learn how to apply these insights to benefit all members of the MSU Community. Also, there will be time for deeper conversations with fellow MSU colleagues over the included lunch.

This workshop is not just about learning: it’s about transforming day-to-day interactions and creating environments where everyone feels valued and understood. Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for diversity of thought and learn how to apply these insights to benefit all members of the MSU Denver community.

Did we mention free lunch?

Date: Friday 16 August 2024
Time: 10:00a-2:30p (9:30a-10:00a is check-in and coffee/tea)
Location: Admin 300. The Administration building is 1201 5th St, Denver CO 80204. This event does not have a virtual option.

Tentative Agenda (subject to change)

• 9:30-10:00: Check-in and coffee.
• 10:00-10:45: Introduction session: Meet the organizers and factors driving Meeting of the Minds.
  
• 11:00-11:45: Session 1: Neurodiversity experience simulation and discussion.
  
• 12:00-12:45: Lunch.
  
• 1:00-1:45: Session 2: Empathy and Communication. Tools and Resources.
  
• 2:00-2:30: Closing.

Have a department meeting? No problem, we still encourage faculty to attend for part of the workshop!

Select the image below to see where the Admin building is located on the Auraria campus.Parking lots close to Admin include Fir, Elm, and Beech, with the 5th Street Garage fairly close for covered parking. We are also close to the Auraria West light rail station.

We are currently anticipating having some casual follow-up conversations throughout the term and/or academic year as well. The first follow-up conversation is Friday 8 November 2024, AD 325.

Shareable and printable flyers (two to a page): Meeting of the Minds PDF Flyer

• Employ Practical Solutions: Engage in hands-on activities that simulate real-world scenarios on challenging perceptions and education on neurodiversity. 
• Engage in Empathy Based Learning: Hear first-hand accounts from neurodiverse, students, colleagues, and peers.
• Promote Effective Communication: Explore various communication methods to bridge gaps and enhance mutual understanding. 
• Create Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals committed to making a difference.

This event is a must-attend for anyone committed to making their classroom or office a more empathetic and inclusive space. We look forward to welcoming you to this crucial conversation!

We invite all faculty, both those who were not able to attend and those who did, to the first follow-up conversation which continues the objectives of Meeting of the Minds. These conversations are open to both neuroaverage and neurodiverse faculty so we can all learn from multiple perspectives and continue to develop our empathy practices.

Follow-Up Conversation 1

Postponed to Spring 2025; we hope we can find a day and time so more folks can discuss these important inclusive issues to building inclusive offices and classrooms.
New Date: Friday, 8 November 2024, 10am-12pm, AD 325 (3rd floor of the Administration building, 1201 5th Street).

Prepare:

• Discuss any challenges faced since the beginning of the term.
• Share success stories (keeping other parties anonymous, i.e. “a student” or “a colleague”) in applying empathy in the classroom and in the office.
• What growth areas do we need to work on, both institutionally, departmentally, and as individuals?

Format:

The first hour will be mostly workshop style where we will start with a brief recap of neurodiversity and then move into group discussion on challenging scenarios, possible responses and actions, and how to apply empathy to improve outcomes. The second hour is for open discussion, Q&A, and responding to the prompts (above).