The UC Master Gardener Program is proud to announce that two new UC implicit bias training courses are now available online to UC Master Gardener Program volunteers!
What's implicit bias?
Implicit bias refers to the unconscious short cuts (stereotypes or biases) our brains use when we are confronted with making real-world decisions, according to Jerry Kang, UCLA Vice-Chancellor. “We are all susceptible to automatic cognitive processes that throw our decision making off course,” says Kang.
While biases are normal, they can produce results that are unfair particularly for those who are not members of dominant groups.
To guard against the influence of bias in the interview and appointment processes, the University Office of the President and UC campuses developed resources and guidelines.
Guidelines include:
- Recommendations for building in enough time to engage in a quality process; Short timelines can increase the likelihood that confirmation or in-group bias will creep in
- Recommendations for using consistent procedures and rubrics for all candidates
- Recommendations that all hiring and selection committee members receive training about implicit bias, the consequence and impact of bias, and strategies for managing and disrupting bias
Training courses help guide new volunteer recruitment
UC Master Gardener volunteers, as agents of the University of California, and with guidance from program coordinators, advisors, and county directors, work to recruit and select new volunteers that perform educational outreach in their communities, sharing research-based information about home horticulture, sustainable landscaping, and integrated pest management.
Now, for the first time, all UC Master Gardener volunteers with recruitment and selection responsibilities will have access to TWO of the same critical training resources as staff and academics.
Training 1: UCLA Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – Implicit Bias YouTube series
UCLA's implicit bias series consists of seven short videos developed by BruinX, the research and development arm of UCLA's Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The video series defines and explores terms such as stereotype and schema, discusses the impact that bias can have on decision-making, and proposes countermeasures such as decoupling facts and assumptions.
Consider playing one of these short videos before each of your council, committee, subcommittee, or leadership meetings to build collective understanding of the reality and impact of bias.
The first video, linked below, describes how biases and heuristics can influence our decision-making and behavior without us even knowing it. These videos are free and available on YouTube.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwYFhJO9t50&feature=youtu.be
Training 2: UC Managing Implicit Bias Series
The UC Managing Implicit Bias Series is a six-course online training series designed to increase awareness of implicit bias and reduce its impact. Each course is 15-20 minutes in length and covers a topic related to identifying, understanding, and managing the influence of bias. Because vocabulary is built throughout the series, learners are encouraged complete the modules in sequential order.
The UC Managing Implicit Bias Series is accessible to UC employees through their division-specific online UC Learning Center. The series is accessible to UC volunteers through the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) Human Resources website.
Volunteers - please follow the steps below to access the online course. Volunteers attempting to view the UC Managing Implicit Bias Series using other links will be unable to access password-protected online UC Learning Center resources.
For volunteer access to the course:
- Navigate to the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) Human Resources website's Systemwide Talent Management eCourse page.
- Click the name of the course you wish to take. Remember, learners are encouraged to complete the modules in order.
- Use the course controls and menu bar to navigate through all of the course pages. Below you'll find the landing page of the first course, “What is Implicit Bias?”
Link: https://d5k7a2xqtwagn.cloudfront.net/What_is_Implicit_Bias/story_html5.html?lms=1
- Return to the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) Human Resources website's Systemwide Talent Management eCourse page and select the next course.
- Repeat until all six courses in the series are finished.
Consider hosting a session for volunteers involved in the recruitment and selection process. Play one or more of the videos to generate a discussion about reducing bias in volunteer application and interview procedures. The research about implicit bias is clear – awareness is the first step to interrupting and reducing bias in learning and working spaces. Now, volunteers and staff can take that step together.
Technical Support:
- Training 1: UCLA Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – Implicit Bias YouTube series - Contact UCLA Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to request support OR to let the Office know that you are using their resource WeListen@equity.ucla.edu
- Training 2: UC Managing Implicit Bias Series - Contact UC Systemwide Talent Management via their Contact Us page
Additional Resources:
- Project Implicit - Implicit Associate Test, Harvard University
- Implicit Bias Resources – Working at UC, UC Net
- Scholarship - Implicit Bias, UCLA
- Learn about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - How do I, UC Davis