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

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:

  1. Create and strengthen a sense of community across the divisional units
  2. Support the collective work of the division, units, and individuals in the identification and implementation of initiatives focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA)
  3. Serve as the formal body appointed by the Vice President and Student Affairs Leadership Team to provide recommendations annually and strengthen unit DEIA initiatives
  4. Connect the division to the PECC and stay updated on university actions and partnership opportunities

Accomplishments

  1. Conducted Departmental/Program Equity Audits
    • From February 2021 – September 2021, the task force conducted 20 individual department equity audits identifying emerging, developing, and transforming practices for each area.
  2. Compiled Best Practices for Improvement
    • The task force completed a repository for Student Affairs staff of best practices and exemplars for departments to utilize in their ongoing equity efforts.
  3. Create Opportunities for Anti-Racist Professional Development
    • In partnership with faculty champions, the task force launched the Anti-Blackness and Anti-Racism Series throughout the 2020-2021 year to engage professional staff in supporting Black, Native American, LatinX, Asian American, and Pacific Islander students.

 

Strategic Plan