Goal 4: Equity and Diversity

Leads: Renny Christopher, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment, and Lynn Valenter, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations

Promote an ethical and socially just society through an intentional commitment to inclusion, equity and diversity.

Objectives

Lead: Obie Ford III, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Ensure equitable opportunities and outcomes for all student populations, including equal retention and graduation rates across demographic groups.

Infuse equity-mindedness throughout the fabric of the campus structure and create capacity to work toward equity in all aspects of campus endeavors.

Build and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all students and employees.

Strategies

Closing the gap

1. Assess equity of outcomes across race, gender, income, accommodation needs and other demographics.
   Lead: Elias Cohen, Research Specialist for Campus Effectiveness
2. Identify and obtain grant funding to increase capacity for campus-led college access programs for underrepresented students in our region.
   Lead: Obie Ford III, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Felix Braffith, Director of Student Equity and Outreach
3. Partner with culturally specific organizations to increase access and understand needs of underrepresented students.
   Lead: Obie Ford III, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Felix Braffith, Director of Student Equity and Outreach

Increased capacity for institutional change

1. Create a cabinet-level leadership position to implement and integrate equity and diversity goals.
   Lead: Mel Netzhammer, Chancellor
2. Provide ongoing professional developent related to equity and diversity.
   Lead: Obie Ford III, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
3. Integrate equity and diversity values in campus-wide activities.
   Lead: Obie Ford III, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Climate

1. Develop and support initiatives that promote dialogue around climate, equity and diversity issues.
   Lead: Obie Ford III, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
2. Create a cultural competency committee to ensure quality and effectiveness of mandatory cultural competency training held on campus.
   Lead: Obie Ford III, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
3. Implement campus supports to improve retention of underrepresented facutly and staff.
   Lead: Obie Ford III, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Next: Goal 5: Community