Office of Diversity Strategic Plan
A message from the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Dr. Vanessa Jackson
Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard." The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture Food and Environment cares about all people. We acknowledge that the world is different and people come to our institution with differences. We work together to understand differences through educational equity for all through a sense of belonging for students, faculty and staff. This is not an easy job, but we utilize the external and internal educators and professionals, industry leaders, and we draw on the expressed needs of our diverse population of people.
2022-2027 Strategic PlanOptimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.
Nicholas M. Butler
Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Office of Diversity Strategic Plan Annual Report
July 2022 - June 2023Core Values
Encompasses honesty, moral strength, and incorruptibility, taking responsibility, and putting the needs of those around us ahead of our own needs.
Being sensitive to the needs of others, respecting individuality, and including all in decision-making.
Actively and intentionally using models and practices that incorporate content that reflects diverse ways of knowing, being and experiencing the world.
Continuously inviting and welcoming people to create equitable and collaborative partnerships toward shared goals in an environment where all have the opportunity to thrive at the university and beyond.
The motivating standard by which we operate, showing we care about what we do and striving for the best.
Measuring, assessing, and evaluating progress toward realization of the college’s and university’s vision for equity and diversity.
Engaging in continuous individual and institutional reflection and collaboration to build capacity and integrate what we learn into our culture and infrastructure.
Possessing the ability to effectively communicate and work with others to facilitate positive human interactions.
Definitions
Includes all visible and nonvisible dimensions that make a person who they are,
- Encompassing all human characteristics, ideas, perceptions, values, beliefs, experiences, preferences, behaviors, learning and communication styles, and backgrounds.
- Diversity requires that institutions create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment that honors and respects those differences.
Inclusion is an active, intentional, and continuous process to address inequities in power and privilege and build a respectful and diverse community that ensures welcoming spaces and opportunities to flourish for all.
The removal of systemic barriers, and the provision of and access to opportunities, networks, resources, and support in an impartial environment free from bias or favoritism, applied equally across all people.
Making sure that physical and psychological obstacles do not prevent individual achievement or participation.
Individuals who self-disclose as a member of one or more of the following races and ethnicity categories: Hispanic or Latinx, American Indian or Alaska Native, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Asian or Two or more Races.
An ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures. An interculturally competent individual:
- Has an awareness of one’s own cultural perspective
- Possesses knowledge of multiple cultural practices and perspectives
- Possesses skills to effectively interact across cultures.
