Black History Month events at the University
Tuesday, 01 October 2019
The University will be hosting a number of events throughout Black History Month (1-31 October 2019).
‘How can we support black and ethnic minority students, so they attain their full potential at university?'
Seminar in SBS, Tuesday 1 October, 1-1.50, Edith Morley G27
by Dr Sam Boateng School of Biological Sciences University of Reading
In higher education, research has shown that several groups have long been marginalised along the lines of social economic class, gender and ethnicity. Whilst major strides have been made towards gender equality, there remain major challenges in relation to ethnicity in higher education. The uptake of higher education amongst black and ethnic minorities (BME) is low and for those at university, there is a significant attainment gap relative to their white counterparts. Currently, the attainment gap for BME students can be as high as 25% and this gap remains even after adjusting for entry grades. We are exploring ways to provide better support for BME students so that they can achieve their academic potential whilst at the University of Reading. This seminar will explore some of the reasons for the attainment gap and discuss the new support we are planning in the School of Biological Sciences.
ALL WELCOME: anyone wishing to meet with Dr Sam Boateng please contact s.boateng@reading.ac.uk
Films Celebrating Black History Month
Reading Film Theatre (supported by University of Reading Diversity and Inclusion)
Palmer Building, University of Raeding
- Tuesday 8 October, 8-10pm, Inna De Yard (12A)
- Thursday 17 October,8-9.45pm, Rafiki (12A)
- Thursday 24 October, 7.45-9.45pm, Blinded by the Light (12A)
- Thursday 31 October, 8-9.45pm, Gaza (15)
More details and to book tickets see readingfilmtheatre.co.uk
REACH Network meeting, Monday 14 October
The University is also hosting a meeting of the Thames Valley Race Equity and Cultural Harmony (REACH) Network on Monday 14 October (12-4pm, Meadow Suite). The session will feature an interactive workshop session, a keynote from Dan Robertson, Director of Vercida Consulting, the Global Diversity and Inclusion Company, and sharing of best practice from Thames Water and its BAME Network, and from the Civil Service's Minority Ethnic Talent Programme. Spaces for each organisation are limited, but if you would like to attend or further details, contact Yasmin Ahmed (y.ahmed@reading.ac.uk) who co-leads this network.
Diversity and Inclusion Termly Lecture, Tuesday 5 November, 1-2pm, G11 Henley Business School, Whiteknights
Rob Neil OBE, Culture Change and Leadership, Department of Education
Rob is an inspirational, engaging, and challenging speaker on race equality and how to make real change in institutions. He moved earlier this year to a change-leadership role at the Department of Education after 35 years at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) where he co-founded the PROUD BAME Staff Network, and led Project Race to support the delivery of the MoJ's objectives to deliver increased numbers of BAME staff at Senior Civil Service level by facilitating honest conversations about Race across the MoJ. He was awarded the OBE in The Queen's 2018 New Year's Honours list for ‘Services to Race Equality in the workplace and the community.'