A&Spire to Illuminate Pillar 5

Fostering Diversity and Belonging

The College of Arts & Sciences is deeply committed to advancing diversity and belonging within its classrooms, its research spaces, the campus, and the wider community. As Christians and as citizens of a multicultural democracy, we are inspired to promote a culture of care and respect for all people as we confront issues of diversity and belonging in America and the world. In research, scholarship, teaching, and service, we are committed to bringing diverse experiences and perspectives to the academic table, knowing that only with an array of voices can we nurture and discover the dynamic, creative, and cutting-edge ideas that help us promote human flourishing and advance better solutions to societal challenges. 

Vision: Build on previous steps in Arts & Sciences to foster diversity and belonging in the College.

Goal 1: Become more diverse and inclusive across all aspects of Arts & Sciences, to include improved hiring practices, curriculum enhancement, addressing the needs of underrepresented students, targeted research activities, and promotion of special events.

Action Steps

1.1    Form a committee appointed by the Dean to study diversity needs unique to A&S and submit recommendations to the A&S Council of Chairs (COC) by their May 2021 meeting.

    Year 1: Completed.

1.2    Receive recommendations from the COC in response to the committee proposal regarding the implementation of key initiatives and/or continue committee activities into the following year, as needed.

   Year 1: The diversity plan will be put to a vote for implementation at the Fall 2021 Council of Chairs meeting.

   Year 2: An Arts & Sciences Diversity and Belonging Council, comprised of a representative from each department in the College, was formed. The council will discuss diversity and belonging goals in five specific areas through five subcommittees: curriculum, research, faculty and staff hiring, student support, and special events. We added a Diversity and Belonging page to the College of Arts & Sciences website that includes diversity and belonging work in all five categories. Additional goals include building diversity and belonging expectations into College-level initiatives, such as the Summer Research Program and the Teaching Innovation Program.

   Year 3: The Arts & Sciences Diversity and Belonging Council, comprised of representatives from each department in the college, met monthly. The Council divided into working groups to recommend action plans for the five main goals of Pillar 5. A new Associate Dean for Diversity and Belonging was appointed who will work closely with the Dean to implement the action plans after the recommendations are approved by the Council of Chairs. Diversity and belonging opportunities were incorporated into the Summer Research Program and the Teaching Innovation Program.