1. Diversity & Inclusion at UCONN
Building Community through Inclusive Excellence

2. Office for Diversity & Inclusion (ODI) Mission
Building Community through Inclusive Excellence
To advocate for access and equity across all university units, to welcome and celebrate the experiences of individuals regardless of background through innovative educational programs, and to transform campus climate to build a more welcoming and inclusive community.  
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. 

3. 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.

4. Office for Diversity & Inclusion Sample Actions and Implementation Academic Years 2017-2020
Strategic Area
Summary of Actions
Responsible Areas
Campus Climate & Community
Revamp State mandated diversity awareness training
Establish and implement diversity and inclusion training for students
Create school/college/departmental plans for diversity and inclusion
Support efforts to enhance recruitment and retention practices and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff
OIE, ODI, Student Affairs, Provost, Regional Campus Directors, HR
Student Engagement & Outreach
Develop a timeline for a campus climate study
Expand programs to catalyze achievement among students of color in the sciences
Encourage greater participation of underrepresented students in significant campus leadership and engagement opportunities
Support efforts to address retention and graduation rates for underrepresented students
ODI, Provost, VPEPM, Student Affairs
Collaborations and Best Practices
Support relationships with Alumni Networks
Provide consultation to departments around diversity and inclusion
Strengthen and streamline oversight of diversity and inclusion initiatives
Expand partnerships with organizations that promote opportunities for high school students of color
Hold annual Inclusive Excellence Lecture series and other University wide events promoting education around diversity and inclusion
ODI, UConn Foundation, HR, Admissions