The Community, Training, Education, and Belonging (CTEB) department within the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) partners with students, faculty, staff, and campus departments to foster a learning environment where individuals are empowered to engage across differences with curiosity, empathy, and purpose.
We believe that belonging is strengthened through meaningful learning, authentic dialogue, and shared responsibility. Through educational programs, professional development, consultation, and campus-wide initiatives, CTEB creates opportunities for the Grinnell College community to deepen cultural awareness, build intercultural competence, and develop the skills needed to contribute to an inclusive campus.
Whether you are participating in a workshop, collaborating on a campus initiative, or engaging in one of our educational programs, CTEB is committed to supporting personal growth, professional development, and meaningful community engagement.
Our Mission
CTEB collaborates with members of the Grinnell College community to empower individuals to make thoughtful, informed decisions and contribute to a campus where people can bring their authentic selves across the many dimensions of identity.
Our work promotes continuous learning, critical self-reflection, and meaningful engagement that strengthens relationships, builds cultural understanding, and fosters a greater sense of belonging.
Our Approach
Our educational philosophy recognizes that developing intercultural competence is an ongoing process rather than a destination. Through research-informed programming, facilitated dialogue, experiential learning, and reflective practice, participants are encouraged to examine how identity, culture, and lived experiences influence the way we learn, communicate, collaborate, and lead.
CTEB's learning experiences are interactive, participant-centered, and designed to translate reflection into meaningful action. Programs are offered in person and virtually throughout the academic year and can be customized to meet the unique goals of academic departments, administrative units, student organizations, and institutional partners.
Learning Outcomes
Participants who engage in CTEB learning, development, and connection opportunities will be able to:
- Develop a deeper understanding of social identity and its influence at the individual, interpersonal, institutional, and societal levels.
- Reflect on how their identities, values, beliefs, and experiences shape their perspectives and interactions.
- Explore the ways systems of power, privilege, and oppression influence lived experiences.
- Strengthen their ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across differences.
- Build confidence participating in thoughtful dialogue about complex topics related to identity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Apply practical strategies that foster inclusive environments grounded in respect, empathy, and shared humanity.
