Improve systems of campus wide accountability relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Campus Climate Surveys were conducted in 2015 and 2020. The 2020 study results, dashboards, and discussion and planning guides have been widely distributed to the campus community. The next campus climate study is slated to begin in 2025.

The Diederich College of Communication worked closely with the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion to create and test a model, which is being used as a prototype for other colleges. All colleges are expected to have a DEI plan by the end of 2022-23.   

The Beyond Boundaries Strategic Plan committee is also creating a reporting and tracking document for each college which will include diversity and inclusion metrics. OIDI continues to work with colleges to identify strategies to meet their goals.  

The HSI initiative, launched in 2016, has substantially increased Spanish language programming and outreach, fostered greater connections to our local Hispanic/Latinx communities, supported co-curricular programming for underrepresented students, supported the development of diverse courses through faculty grants, supported the development of a Hispanic Alumni Association, collaborated on campus climate projects such as Unlearning Racism, and engaged in dialogues and provided professional development opportunities around issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and in the broader community. The number of Hispanic/Latinx students – both undergraduate and graduate – has also increased significantly over this period and retention for this demographic group has recently increased.

With the creation of the position of Director for Black Student Initiatives and the incorporation of the Director for Public Affairs and Special Assistant for Native American Affairs into the office in 2021, the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion has gained critical capacity to respond to the needs of an increasingly diverse campus community. Staffing needs will continue to be reviewed and will evolve to fulfill strategic priorities for fostering a more diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just campus environment. 

The Office undergoes annual reviews of operating and diversity plan budgets and advocates for resources where needed.

A pilot diversity mapping project was completed by two staff members as part of their masters’ level studies in summer 2020. In 2021-22, the graduate assistant in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion continued the project, completing the institutional diversity map in summer 2022.

This website is the result of a collaboration between the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Marketing and Communication. It is updated on an annual basis through 2023.

The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion regularly works with the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis to determine the list of metrics available on the Diversity Dashboard.

After the 2020 Campus Climate Survey, the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion will work with the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis and other campus partners to review the survey tool we utilize to assess campus climate. This work will begin in the 2024-25 academic year.

This campus diversity plan is rooted in and expands upon the strategic goals found in Culture of Inclusion.

The President, Provost, and other university leaders regularly host student listening sessions focusing on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.