Collin College Kicks Off Fall Dignity Initiative Series

Collin College will kick off the fall Dignity Initiative series with events in October and November. All events are free and open to the public. The Dignity Initiative is a districtwide effort organized by the Collin College Committee Against Gender Violence and Oppression to educate and provide action steps to end gender-based oppression.

The events planned for the fall include:

Panel Discussion: The Importance of Civility in an Academic Setting
Oct. 3, 1-2:30 p.m.
McKinney Campus, Welcome Center (W105)

This panel discussion will focus on how civility in an academic setting encourages a safe learning environment in which everyone is treated with respect and honored as a valuable member of our culture. The panel will include a member of Collin College administration and members of the Collin faculty (nursing, communications, sociology, psychology, and history). Contact Monica Cubberly at mcubberly@collin.edu for more information.

In Their Shoes
Oct. 3, 3-4:30 p.m.
Plano Campus, Living Legends Conference Center  

The Dignity Initiative, in collaboration with Collin College Counseling Services, will host an interactive scenario workshop titled “In Their Shoes,” a nationally recognized public health education experience. Students will explore real-world scenarios by making choices about issues including dating violence, pregnancy, coercive or controlling behaviors, sexting, homophobia, and sexism. Via a series of letters and outcomes, students learn what happens to each character and will discuss methods of prevention for navigating similar issues in their own lives. Facilitators and counselors will be present to provide support and assistance. This program honors the lives of those who have lived the real scenarios and prepares students for making better choices in the face of adversity. Contact Linda Sears at lsears@collin.edu, Renee Dessommes at rdessommes@collin.edu, or Kristi Clark-Miller at kcmiller@collin.edu for more information.

Resilience Workshop
Oct. 18, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Wylie Campus Commons, Room 300

Join us for an engaging and transformative workshop focused on building resilience and enhancing well-being. This workshop will introduce practical tools and strategies designed to help individuals strengthen their resilience, cultivate a positive outlook, improve attention and focus, and foster generosity. Through interactive sessions, group discussions, and hands-on activities, participants will learn to navigate challenges with greater ease, develop a more optimistic mindset, maintain attention in the present moment, and create a more compassionate and generous approach to life. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or professional development, this workshop will offer valuable insights and techniques to boost your overall well-being. Contact Andrea Fields at afields@collin.edu or Kimberly Gentry at kgentry@collin.edu for more information. 

Human Trafficking: Understanding the Real Danger
Oct. 23, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Celina Campus, Room 306

Commander Kevin Turner with the Tarrant County Human Trafficking Task Force will speak in collaboration with a representative from Allies Against Slavery. Together they will educate attendees about the dangers of human trafficking in Collin County, behaviors and signals to be aware of, and how to appropriately respond. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. Contact Jennifer Davis at jldavis@collin.edu for more information. 

Lotuses on the Battlefield: Vietnamese Women’s Roles and Treatment During the Vietnam War
Nov. 7, 2:30-4 p.m.
Frisco Campus, Conference Center

Alexis McKernan, a graduate student in Gender Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma, will speak about how Vietnamese women had to stray from their cultural gender norms to stay alive. She will express her opinions about the U.S. and the media’s roles during the Vietnam War. She will also share her thoughts about how media perspectives can shape biases when looking at Vietnam and its people. Contact Elizabeth Hamner at ehamner@collin.edu for more information.  

For campus locations, visit www.collin.edu/campuses. For more information about The Dignity Initiative and future events, visit www.collin.edu/community/dignity/. 

Collin College serves more than 58,000 credit and continuing education students annually and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Construction Management, and a new Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Clinical Operations Management. The only public college based in Collin County, Collin College is a partner to business, government, and industry, providing customized training and workforce development. For more information, visit www.collin.edu.