Launch of Intercultural Development Inventory Trial
NC State University is launching the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) with six diverse leadership teams selected through a tough application process. The Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity is thrilled to introduce the following pilot participants:
- College of Sciences
- Office of Global Engagement
- NC State Facilities
- The Graduate School
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Wilson College of Textiles
The IDI Champion Team kicked off the venture via Zoom on Nov. 12, 2020, with invited participants getting acquainted, learning about IDI in work environments, and understanding the IDI continuum. Each leadership team had private sessions with their designated IDI Champion team members.
Melvin Jai Jackson, graduate student success director in the College of Education, shared, "The IDI Initiative at NC State is part of a university-wide catalyst that encourages units to explore their collective orientation on a cultural competence continuum. I'm stoked to collaborate with these groups, building bridges to resources, support, and encouragement they need to further their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts."
Delisha Hinton, associate director of student services in the Wilson College of Textiles, revealed, "We're excited to join the inaugural Intercultural Development Initiative. We've made progress as a college community, and we're looking forward to utilizing the IDI to continue developing and enhancing our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The IDI will help us pinpoint our gap areas as a community."
Carl Thomas, chief diversity officer in the Office of Global Engagement, shared, "Our units operate differently, leading to a somewhat decentralized environment. A common framework and vocabulary could unify and amplify our efforts for increased intercultural competence among students, faculty, staff, and international partners. Despite our existing cross-cultural expertise, there's always room for learning and growth."
Pamela Gilchrest, director of the Imhotep and Anderson Academy in The Science House within the College of Sciences, stated, "I'm excited to collaborate with a diverse team to support NC State leadership teams committed to creating inclusive work and learning spaces reflecting authenticity, innovation, thoughtful action, and the power of culture."
Maria Alamanza, director of external faculty awards and recognition in the Office of Faculty Affairs, expressed, "As an IDI-qualified administrator, I'm looking forward to working with leadership teams passionate about expanding and enhancing their diversity, equity, and inclusion goals within their units/colleges. The IDI pilot program will energize these efforts and inform crucial decisions."
Peter Harries, dean of the graduate school, added, "We're delighted to participate in the IDI to focus on diversity, inclusion, and belonging going beyond our existing emphasis. There's still much for us to learn and act on in this area, and we're eager to bring our new insights and plans to enhancing numerous aspects of graduate education."
Each leadership team member will complete the IDI by Dec. 2, with individual reports combined into a group profile. Debriefings with IDI Champion Team members will occur by Jan. 19, 2021. Throughout the spring semester, teams will work on their primary orientation through the IDI, blended with their unit's identified goals and aspirations.
The IDI Champion team will document the inaugural experience as it unfolds. Paul Lunn, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, shared, "The opportunity for our leadership team to develop our individual and group intercultural competency will enable us to meet our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and identify new ways to advance these programs in the college."
Be sure to check out Intercultural Development Inventory for updates on the pilot effort.
This post was originally published in Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity (OIED).
The Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) program's primary objective at NC State University, as indicated by participating leadership teams and IDI Champions, revolves around improving cultural competence and intercultural development within the university community. The program aims to enhance intercultural sensitivity and competence among participants to foster a more inclusive and effective environment. This involves leveraging the IDI as a tool to assess intercultural development stages, guide personal and organizational growth, and support informed strategies for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.[1][2]
Specific goals include providing insights into intercultural competence levels, informing and shaping culturally responsive practices and policies at NC State, supporting ongoing development through data-driven feedback and targeted interventions, empowering IDI Champions to lead efforts in embedding intercultural awareness into institutional culture, and ultimately cultivating a campus culture that values diversity and equips members to navigate and thrive in multicultural contexts.[1][2]
- The Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) program at NC State University, as stated by various leadership teams and IDI Champions, aims to improve cultural competence and intercultural development within the university community.
- Melvin Jai Jackson, a graduate student success director in the College of Education, is excited to collaborate with diverse teams, supporting their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts through the IDI initiative.
- Delisha Hinton, associate director of student services in the Wilson College of Textiles, announced their college's participation in the inaugural Intercultural Development Initiative, looking forward to utilizing the IDI to continue developing and enhancing their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
- Peter Harries, dean of the graduate school, expressed eagerness to participate in the IDI program to focus on diversity, inclusion, and belonging, aiming to bring new insights and plans to enhancing various aspects of graduate education.
