EDI Learning Series: Conflict Literacy
March 11 at 8:45 am - 4:30 pm
UBCO faculty and staff are invited to this conflict literacy workshop, part of the foundational conflict training developed by the Equity and Inclusion Office.
This foundational course introduces conflict as a natural, relational and systemic feature of university life, shaped by identity, history and institutional structures. It builds learners’ confidence to recognize, assess and engage conflict in ways that are thoughtful, constructive, equitable and aligned with institutional responsibility.
Rather than training participants to “fix” conflict or resolve active disputes, the course develops conflict literacy: shared language for understanding different conflict situations, clarity about roles and boundaries, and foundational micro-practices that support intentional, trauma-informed, and equity-aware response. Learners gain tools to pause reactivity, assess context and risk, choose appropriate engagement pathways, and participate more skillfully in difficult conversations.
Participants are invited to see how everyday decisions, communication patterns and leadership behaviours shape the conditions in which conflict either escalates or becomes an opportunity for learning, accountability and relational repair. By normalizing conflict and strengthening institutional alignment, the course lays the groundwork for healthier team dynamics, increased psychological safety and more equitable participation across the university.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Understand conflict as a relational, systemic, and institutional phenomenon rather than a personal failure
- Distinguish between disagreement, conflict, dispute, complaint, and misconduct
- Identify structural and systemic contributors to campus conflict, including the role of positionality, identity, history, and culture
- Apply a shared Conflict Response Guide to decide when and how to engage
- Use foundational dialogue micro-practices to support dialogue and relational accountability
- Strengthen leadership and communication practices that foster a healthy conflict culture
This foundational course emphasizes orientation, readiness and skills development, not advanced expertise.
Workshop schedule
- Part one: 8:45 to 11 am
- Lunch: 11 am to 12:30 pm
- Part two: 12:30 to 4:30 pm
Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. Limited spots are available. Please only register if you are able to attend the entire day. If you have any questions, please email nataliap.gallo@ubc.ca.
