What is the Open Door Workshop?

The OPEN DOORWorkshop is an introductory level diversity training that helps participants better understand the benefits and challenges of living in a diverse society. Through the use of interactive activities, group discussions, self exploration, and case study analysis, participants are taught how to respect and value the thoughts, beliefs, and actions of others.

There are several OPEN DOORWorkshops already scheduled for the 2010-2011 school year which are open to all students, faculty, and staff (see the schedule below). On-campus groups (e.g. classes, student organizations, academic divisions, etc.) can also request their own personal OPEN DOORWorkshop, which can be tailored to the specific needs of the group. If you would like to schedule a workshop please contact Whitney McWhorter at 786-3039 or Brett Welsh at 786-3888.

Upon completion of the OPEN DOORWorkshop, individuals are encouraged to visit www.columbiacollegesc.edu/ opendoor and register to make the OPEN DOOR Commitment, which states: “I commit to honor all people regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation.”

Those who make the OPEN DOOR Commitment will be able to print out the OPEN DOOR Symbol to display in their residence hall room, office, or other desired location. Those who display the OPEN DOOR symbol make a public statement about their willingness to respect and appreciate diversity on campus. The OPEN DOOR symbol is simply an outward sign of an inward commitment to inclusiveness. These symbols point the way to some of the many friendly and welcoming places in the Columbia College community, making them readily identifiable to all of us who seek to be understood, accepted, and valued for who we are.

Open Door Schedule for 2011-2012

• Friday, September 30 at 1pm
• Thursday, December 1 at 12:30pm
• Friday, February 17 at 1pm

Note: The location for these workshops is Humphries Hall

For more information or to RSVP for workshops please contact Whitney McWhorter by phone at
786-3039 or by email at wmcwhorter@columbiasc.edu.

The Open Door program is sponsored by the Columbia College
Diversity Committee and Student Affairs.
The Open Door program was developed from the Open Door program at
Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.