Office of Diversity Strategic Plan
A message from the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Dr. Mia Farrell
Optimisim, Courageous, and Progress are the three words that have been at the forefront the last year as we have navigated through two pandemics. I had to remain optimistic and meet the growing demands of the office, courageous because I had to have courageous conversations in order to shift as I have had to be a thought leader in being visionary with the current and future state of the office, but continued to focus on the progress of the Office of Diversity (OOD). Over the last year we have increased staffing to be a resource for faculty, students, staff, with staff also including Extension. The goal is to have continuity across the college as it pertains to the foundation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
2022-2027 Strategic PlanOptimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.
Nicholas M. Butler
Core 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 towards 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 towards 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,1 encompassing all human characteristics, ideas, perceptions, values, beliefs, experiences, preferences, behaviors, learning and communication styles, and backgrounds.2 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.
