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Student Affairs Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

In July 2020, Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Beth Lesen appointed the inaugural Student Affairs Equity & Diversity Task Force in response to the continued acts of hate, violence, racism, and systemic oppression across the nation towards the Black community. As leaders in higher education, our division recognizes our role and responsibility in dismantling structures that have historically marginalized and targeted many groups including, but certainly not limited to, those identifying as Black/Pan-African, Asian, Pacific Islander, LatinX, Native American/American Indian, Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, undocumented, and intersecting identities. The establishment of this task force draws on the expertise within our division and holds us accountable to remain steadfast in our support of students and one another.

Mission

The mission of the Student Affairs Equity & Inclusion Task Force is to:

  • Create and strengthen a sense of community across Student Affairs units
  • Support the collective work of Student Affairs, units, and individuals in the identification of initiatives focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)
  • Serve as the formal body appointed by the Vice President and Student Affairs Leadership Team to provide recommendations annually and strengthen unit DEIA initiatives
  • Reviews data and reports related our collective Student Affairs equity work
  • Connects Student Affairs to the President’s Commission on Equity & Change and stay updated on university actions and partnership opportunities

2023-2024 Goals 

  • Increase student involvement on the Equity Task Force by incorporating ASI student leaders and other students connected to Student Affairs departments
  • Review and discuss policies affecting student success outcomes and make recommendations to the appropriate DEIA groups or committees.
  • Review Beach XP Assessment data report in Spring/Summer 2024 for trends in student transition and belonging

  • Keep best practices SharePoint site updated with books, resource, podcasts, and other digital media
  • Review and determine next steps for expert speakers list
  • Host opportunities for staff to engage in shared learning like book clubs
  • Periodically review progress on the Student Affairs DEIA training plan
  • Review proposals for communications planning
  • Review proposals for assessment opportunities and make recommendations on frequency, format, and content

  • Further refine and explore the task force’s key areas of interest and strategy
  • Promote opportunities for including ‘accessibility’ in equity efforts aligned with the new campus initiative toward DEIA.
  • Make recommendations for information sharing and engagement during the upcoming election year