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Inclusive Excellence Institute

The University of South Carolina Excellence Institute is designed to help staff, faculty, and teams deepen their knowledge and understanding through a leadership development curriculum that draws on their lived experiences. Taking personal and collective responsibility to ensure that all experiences are valued and welcomed, participants develop and apply an intentional growth mindset that promotes effective practices in their everyday lives.

Applications are now open for 2025-2026!

Applications will close on Friday, July 18, 2025. 
Space is limited to 30 participants.
For all questions, please reach out to Khristina DeLorenzo at delorenk@mailbox.sc.edu

 

Inclusive Excellence Institute Information

To ensure a productive and cohesive learning experience, we have established the following attendance expectations for all participants:

  • Commitment to Participation: The Inclusive Education Institute consists of 14 carefully curated sessions designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills in inclusive excellence education. Your consistent participation is crucial for maximizing the benefits of this program.
  • Attendance Requirement: Participants are expected to attend all 14 sessions. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. Therefore, each participant can miss a maximum of 2 sessions throughout the program.
  • Notification of Absences: If you anticipate missing a session, please email Khristina DeLorenzo at delorenk@mailbox.sc.edu. Timely communication helps us manage session dynamics and ensures that you receive any necessary materials or information from the missed session.
  • Impact of Excessive Absences: Missing more than two sessions may impact your ability to complete the program successfully. Participants with more than two absences will be deferred to the next cohort experience to continue their learning.
  • Active Participation: Attendance goes beyond physical presence. Participants must actively engage in discussions, activities, and assignments to contribute to the collective learning experience. 
  • Session 1: August 22 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Session 2: September 12 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Session 3: September 26 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Session 4: October 3 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. 
  • Session 5: October 17 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Session 6: October 31 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. 
  • Session 7: November 7 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Session 8: November 21 from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Weather Make-Up Day)
  • Session 9: December 5 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Session 10: January 23 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Session 11: February 6 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Session 12: February 20 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Session 13: March 6 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Session 14: April 17 from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Session 15: May 1 from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Presentations and Awards)

*A scheduled date may coincide with a religious or cultural observance. This does not imply any lack of care or respect. We deeply honor and respect all traditions and observances.

Only breakfast will be provided from 8:30 - 9 a.m. on each session day. 

Program Objectives:

  • Recognize, develop, and share the skills to craft and communicate personal narratives, explore vulnerability and honesty to uncover personal values, and foster a culture of understanding through storytelling.
  • Demonstrate humility through the recognition of identity and effective communication strategies.
  • Identify learning environments through the exploration of personal experiences and global perspectives.
  • Discuss methods for providing honest, empathetic, and effective feedback, balancing personal care with direct challenges, and fostering a culture of radical candor® through practical strategies, case studies, and interactive exercises to enhance collaboration and productivity.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.