Building Community through Inclusive Excellence

A commitment to diversity and the pursuit of inclusion is a necessary value in our society. It makes perfect sense that UCONN, as the state’s flagship institution of public higher education, would model, embrace and live out that commitment, as we prepare our students to become the leaders who will graduate prepared to change our communities, this state and our world.” Joelle A. Murchison                                                        Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

Diversity & Inclusion at UCONN Academic Plan, Core Value: Diversity “In our culturally and intellectually diverse community…. We appreciate differences in one another as well as similarities, We aspire to be an increasingly inclusive educational institution that attracts, retains, and values talented people from all backgrounds. We believe in diversity in intellectual approach and outlook. We embrace diversity not as a keyword for token inclusion of the underrepresented, but as a commitment to fostering a welcoming environment in which all individuals can achieve their fullest potential and in which open and respectful communication is facilitated.” 5

Office for Diversity & Inclusion (ODI) Mission Building Community for Inclusive Excellence To ensure access and equity across all university units, appreciate and maximize the experiences of individuals regardless of background and create opportunities to enhance the University’s mission through awareness, education and inclusion. Diversity can only be sustained and supported as an integral part of institutional excellence when it is actively promoted by the entire University community as part of a larger goal of equity, inclusion & accountability. Operations Supplier Diversity UCONN Foundation Education Training Dialogues Curriculum Workforce Recruitment Retention Engagement Students Recruitment Retention Engagement Partnerships Alumni Non Profits Private Sector

Office for Diversity & Inclusion (ODI) Strategic Goals Cultivate a campus climate of respect, appreciation and inclusion Support a university community which leverages dialogue and education to break down barriers and enhance cultural competence and collaboration across groups. Enhance student outreach and programmatic initiatives with an emphasis on inclusion, academic success and leadership Support the expansion of options related to diversity and inclusion in the curriculum and across academic units Support increased recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups amongst the students, faculty, administration and staff, and utilize metrics to monitor progress through analysis and assessment. Emerge as a national model for the intersection of inquiry and learning through inclusive excellence and expanded lenses of perspective.

Office for Diversity & Inclusion (ODI) Our Team Dana Wilder, Assistant Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion Joelle Murchison, Associate Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer Elsie Gonzalez, Director, Diversity and Inclusion Programming Jennifer Burckardt, Executive Assistant and Office Manager The Cultural Center Directors

The Cultural Centers The Cultural Centers at the University of Connecticut serve as vital resources in support of the social, behavioral, and cultural needs of students. They also provide an important resource to the broader UCONN community as a central point of reference for issues and historical context related to the particular demographic group represented by the center. The Cultural Centers also work collaboratively to bring light to issues that face the community of underrepresented populations at UCONN.

Office for Diversity & Inclusion University Diversity Council The University of Connecticut Diversity Council was established in May 2016 by President Susan Herbst and is charged with the development and implementation of a multi dimensional strategic diversity and inclusion plan that supports the diversity core value as stated in the academic plan and the six core recommendations of the Diversity Task Force. Composed of faculty, staff, and students across all academic and administrative units on campus, the council will also support the execution of initiatives that would further the University’s goals of becoming a more inclusive community and a leader in diversity and inclusion in higher education. The Council will additionally act in an advisory capacity to University leadership on issues including but not limited to student outreach and programmatic initiatives, expanding options related to diversity in the curriculum and across academic units, increased recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups amongst the students, faculty and staff, and utilizing metrics to monitor progress on diversity through analysis and assessment. Members of the Diversity Council will also work to identify and disseminate best practices around the successful coordination and execution of diversity programs and initiatives across the University. Committees Faculty and Staff Recruitment and Retention Committee Student Recruitment and Retention Committee Diversity Education and Training Committee Communication/Campus Climate Committee External & Community Partnerships Committee

Office for Diversity & Inclusion (ODI) Programs Diversity Awareness and Sexual Harassment Training (with OIE) Annual Martin Luther King Commemorative Celebration Inclusive Excellence Lecture Series I.D.E.A.S. Grants Twitter: @uconndiversity Regional Campus Initiatives Awareness Months Black History Month Hispanic Heritage Month Pride Month Women’s HERstory Month Asian Awareness Month

A Culturally Competent UCONNNATION Understands and values inclusion Acknowledges its own biases Understands the university, its customers (the world!) and their changing needs Acts as role models – leads the way Builds and leverages a diverse team Demonstrates cultural competence – continuous learning