Office of Diversity & Inclusion

THURSDAY, SEPT. 29, 2022

graphic with photo of Mary Grace Almandrez with words Message from Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Mary Grace A. Almandrez
 

It is with great enthusiasm that I share this first quarterly newsletter from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI). This newsletter will share updates on ODI initiatives, as well as campuswide diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) efforts.

ODI made great progress last year. Over 450 students, staff and faculty participated in at least one of our professional development workshops. On any given weekday, approximately 50 students utilize 119 Euclid for community building, meetings, studying and events. In April, the office launched the inaugural Disability Pride Week events. We received 931 responses from individual and groups on campus regarding feedback on the five-year DEIA Strategic Plan

My first few months have been filled with so many examples of the tremendous DEIA work that happens across our campus. I look forward to partnering with you on these projects, exchanging ideas and institutionalizing efforts to ensure our campus continues to be one that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

 

Updates From the Office of Diversity and Inclusion

 

Five Focus Areas

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will focus on five key areas: inclusion and belonging; DEIA learning and development; DEIA assessment and evaluation; disability access and strategic communications.

These focus areas for ODI will align with the five-year DEIA Strategic Plan. The work we do is also in collaboration with the Academic Leadership for DEIA; Council on Diversity and Inclusion; Disability Access and Inclusion Council; and others including those working on the Academic Strategic Plan.

Some upcoming events that represent our commitment to the focus areas include the following:

  • ODI’s first campus forum will be held on Oct. 4.
  • I am co-chairing the Academic Strategic Plan DEIA working group with Associate Provost Marcelle Haddix. DEIA community conversations are on Oct. 13 and Nov. 1. 
  • ODI and campus partners will bring Nikole Hannah-Jones to campus on Oct. 28.
 

DEIA Highlights

 

Each month our campus partners share highlights of their DEIA efforts; below are just a few examples of the work that is done to make our campus more welcoming and inclusive to all:

  • 119 Euclid, the space on campus that celebrates Black students and culture marked its first-year anniversary.
  • La Casita Cultural Center’s opening show “Once Upon a Time…A Toy Show” is now live.
  • The Community Folk Art Center will celebrate its 50th year on Oct. 26 with a dance performance by Ailey II.
  • Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and is celebrated with a full calendar of events.
  • “A Conversation with George Washington” is on display in the Maxwell Auditorium foyer. Portraits and additional information can also be accessed online.
 

DEIA in Action

 

Inclusive Event Planning

Events are a significant way to communicate and shape the campus experience for students, faculty and staff. When planning events, placing accessibility at the forefront helps ensure that the experience is welcoming and inclusive for all. To assist with this endeavor, the Disability Access and Inclusion Council, along with other campus partners, has created a Checklist for Planning Inclusive Events at the University.

 

Definitions and Terminology

 

Equity and Equality

Equity is a fundamental element of diversity, accessibility and inclusion. Unlike equality, which seeks to give each person the same opportunities and resources, equity requires that each person be given the unique opportunities and resources that will help them achieve equality. Examples of equity-minded practice include universal learning design and inclusive pedagogy.