SPA 2023 - SPAGS Presents - From Supervision to Classrooms-Where do we go when conversations on div

Abstract

Talking about controversial subjects is an inherent part of many disciplines, including personality assessment. From our assessment classes to supervision, diversity-related topics like culture, politics, discrimination, ethics, and more can arise and lead to charged discussions. How we manage those discussions underlies the impact of our goals, bonds, and cultural competence/humility in the assessment field. Even more so, it can feel like so much emphasis is put on not making a mistake that we’re left confused about how to repair the damage when one is made.

SPA Graduate Student (SPAGS) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee is organizing a symposium on the student and supervisee experience with challenges of managing bias and difficult conversations in the realm of personality assessment. Often, these conversations lack the benefit of a student perspective, despite students typically bearing the brunt of the harm - whether seen or unseen. Therefore, this session will highlight students’ experiences with professors, supervisors, and/or professional associations that did or did not manage “hot topics” safely and successfully. Framing the dialogue around these perspectives, the presenters will provide a framework for better handling these conversations and how to repair harm already committed.

Attendees will be provided with various resources which can be applied to the classroom and which can translate beyond academic applications. With the benefit of insight from those most affected by how the issues are managed by professors, supervisors, or others in roles of power within their institutions, attendees will gain a more nuanced perspective and applicable understanding than they would from purely didactic approaches.

Presenting Anthor

Jennifer Boland | Sam Houston State University