Organizational Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) in Cultural Context: Puerto Rico, USA
If you enjoy exploring history’s impact on the present and strive to positively influence the organizations and communities you belong to, join us on this December 2024 Global Immersion Elective to Puerto Rico, U.S.A.
Naturally gorgeous, Puerto Rico has a complex political and economic relationship with the United States. As a U.S. territory, many of its laws are the same as those on the mainland United States; however, the Puerto Rican tax code is unique, and its citizens can neither vote in presidential elections nor be represented in the U.S. Congress. Currently, non-Puerto Rican investors flock to the territory for its high-value tax breaks and stunning terrain while Puerto Rican citizens and organizations build back from Hurricane Maria’s devastation during a decade marked by political protest, forced austerity, budget cuts, and declining infrastructure.
In Chapel Hill and on the island, our class will explore Puerto Rico’s past, present, and future through the lens of organizational Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). We’ll learn key concepts, trends, and skills related to DEIJ and investigate the ways that culturally complex contexts shape action and impact, both at an individual and organizational level. Pre-departure classes will take place in Mod 2, and our immersion will be the week directly following fall finals. In addition to company and community engagements, potential program activities include tours of Old San Juan, evening kayaking in a bioluminescent bay, a day trip to Vieques Island, and an excursion in El Yunque National Forest (activities are subject to change).
For students who believe in the power of individuals and organizations to create real change, this class offers both a space for collective learning and a toolset for value-driven action.
By the end of our pre-departure course and immersion in Puerto Rico, students will be able to:
- Initiate and participate in open, honest, and complex conversations about DEIJ-related topics
- Create respectful, inclusive environments that invite individuals to experience a sense of organizational belonging
- Analyze organizations and their cultural contexts in relationship to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ)
- Discuss the history and contemporary culture of Puerto Rico, especially as they relate to organizational DEIJ
- Create context-specific proposals related to organizational DEIJ in the United States, in general, and Puerto Rico, in particular
- Develop individual plans for professional success and DEIJ-related impact
Our emphasis on contextual, experience-based learning and commitment to inclusive community require your full presence, engagement, and participation throughout all aspects of the course: introductory sessions, Chapel Hill classes, and programming in Puerto Rico. This course is a full 3 credits, and you should expect to spend approximately 10 hours per day on program activities while in Puerto Rico.
The program is led by Clinical Associate Professor Dr. Allison Schlobohm, Management and Corporate Communication (she/her).
Eligibility
- GPA Requirement: None
- Language Prerequisite: None
- Class During Program: 1st year AAP students and December graduating seniors are not eligible for this GIE
- Language of Instruction: English
- Accessibility Resources
Program Information
Meet with an Advisor
UBP students can schedule a meeting with the UBP Global Team to learn more about this and other Global Immersion Electives by clicking on the “Schedule Appointment” link below.
Zoom with Shift⇧ + scroll