Cultural Linguistic Services recognized for promoting diversity

UW-Madison’s Cultural Linguistics Services program was among those recognized by the state Office of Employment Relations and the Council on Affirmative Action for its efforts to promote workplace diversity.

The services help UW–Madison attract and retain a diverse workforce by providing translation and interpretation services, among other resources, in Spanish, Hmong and Tibetan. Its mission is to enhance communication, cultural understanding and learning to advance a multilingual work environment.

The services are offered to all UW–Madison employees, including those seeking opportunities to learn English, as well as job applicants. Managers and supervisors can receive support and services to help with interactions in multilingual work environments where communication barriers exist.

Through the Workplace Learning Program, English language learning employees in custodial, food service and animal research technician positions enhance workplace understanding and communication. Areas of instruction include speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar and pronunciation. The Employee Learning Center, training opportunities and the Volunteer Tutoring Program are some of the other educational options available to all UW–Madison employees.

Sheila Conroy, director of the Office of Employment Relations, said the Cultural Linguistic Services program and two other programs were being honored for demonstrating a strong commitment to expanding diversity in the state workforce to better serve Wisconsin.

 “State agencies and University of Wisconsin campuses throughout the state, by virtue of their public stewardship, are expected to demonstrate best practices when it comes to application of the principles of affirmative action and equal employment opportunity,” said José Vasquez, president of Felician Sponsored Ministries and the keynote speaker at a ceremony for the honorees. “This year’s award recipients exemplify how these principles can be put into practice and, in turn, make Wisconsin a stronger place to live and work, as well as prepare for the future.”