Unconscious Bias
Unconscious (or implicit) biases (UB) can negatively impact our behaviour and decision-making. The influence of unconscious bias on our actions and decisions can significantly contribute to some of the lasting inequalities that are evident today. Psychologists identify unconscious bias as part of everyone’s social identity. Research suggests that we all, without exception, have unconscious biases that may influence our decision-making in favour of or against someone else or ourselves.
This workshop aims at increasing awareness of unconscious bias and its impact on equity and inclusion practices. The workshop will provide a context on how unconscious bias works, how it affects decision-making, and how it impacts underrepresented groups. Participants will learn how their preferences and biases influence their decision-making, which they may be unaware of.
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Knowledge Levels
Beginner, no background required
Duration
1 hour, 30 minutes
Audience
Open to campus community: students, senior/executive leaders, faculty, and staff
Core understanding of EDI
- Understand what unconscious bias is.
- Learn how unconscious bias can impact our attitudes, decisions, and behaviors.
- Identify various forms of implicit bias and their impacts on work and systems of practice
- Discuss strategies that can be used to minimize the impact of implicit bias
New learnings
- Explain university commitments to and efforts towards greater equity and inclusion.
- Examine EDI frames of reference for strategic and action.
- Develop an understanding of commitments to and efforts towards greater equity and inclusion.
Facilitators
Dr. William Yimbo (he/him)
Dr. William Yimbo, Senior Advisor for EDI Literacy, Education, and Training at the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, holds degrees from the University of Nairobi and the University of Minnesota. He conducts workshops promoting equity and inclusion at the university, with prior experience in diversity advising for Canada's immigrant communities. With a background in public policy, he brings extensive experience in administration from Kenya, Africa.
Workshop Prerequisites
Please review the workshop material below so that you can learn the most from the workshop. Reviewing this material in advance will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions, ask informed questions, and fully participate.
It’s our collective responsibility to create a more equitable and inclusive UCaglary and we all have an important role to play by learning and unlearning.
Dr. Malinda S. Smith, PhD
Vice Provost (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) and Associate Vice-President Research (EDI)