Invisible Barriers: A Collaborative Development Day

November 6 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Breakfast & Networking: 9:00 a.m.
Lunch Provided

Location: Campus Center – Amherst Room

Hosted by the Instructional Excellence (the Center for Teaching and Learning and Instructional Design, Engagement, and Support), the Office of Faculty Development, and the Office of Faculty Diversity.

Throughout the day, we will explore how visible and invisible aspects of identity shape teaching, learning, mentoring, leadership, and belonging at UMass. Through engaging discussions, a thought-provoking panel conversation, and interactive workshops, participants will consider questions such as:

What do we notice, and overlook, in ourselves and others?How do invisible barriers influence participation, engagement, and belonging?What shapes the parts of ourselves that we choose to make visible in professional settings?How can feedback support growth without creating unintended barriers?

Featured Sessions

9:30-10:30am - Opening Session:

The Visible, the Invisible, and the In-Between: A Shared Exploration of Identity
Explore how visible and invisible aspects of identity influence our experiences, relationships, and access to opportunities within the university community.

10:30-11:30am - Panel Discussion:

Between Visibility and Vulnerability: Navigating Identity at Work
Hear colleagues share personal reflections on identity, belonging, feedback, and the tensions that arise as we navigate professional life.

12:30-1:30pm - Hands-On Station Rotation:

Who Counts as Engaged? Challenging Assumptions About Participation and Learning
Examine how traditional expectations of participation may unintentionally create barriers and explore strategies and technology tools for recognizing diverse forms of student engagement and learning.

1:45-2:45pm - Interactive Workshop:

Making Feedback Meaningful: UDL for Individual Mentoring, Advising and Supervision
Learn practical approaches to providing feedback that foster clarity, belonging, agency, and growth while reducing unintended barriers for students.

Who Should Attend?

Faculty and librarians interested in fostering more inclusive and responsive learning and working environments.

Join us for a day of meaningful conversation, practical strategies, and community building as we explore the barriers we do not always see and the opportunities we can create together.

Space is limited, register today to reserve your spot!