That was an error on my part. I mentioned that we have an affinity group focused on creating community for women, but I incorrectly referred to them as The Council of Women.
Help create a sense of belonging through culturally relevant programming, inclusive classroom content, and recognizing that what works for our “majority” students may not work for our students from socially and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Review data within your office, unit, or department to look for any equity gaps in outcomes. Work with your leadership team and DEI committees to establish goals and strategies for addressing those gaps.
Engage in ongoing learning and reflection through workshops, conferences, and professional development that focuses on allyship, awareness of bias, and inclusive community building.
Listen to and believe the stories of our diverse community, even when different than what your personal experiences and observations. Elevate the voices of people and communities that are historically excluded or overlooked. Advocate for issues and that impact historically excluded or overlooked groups when their voices are missing from conversations that you are a part of.
Show up! Attend programs, meetings, events, lectures, activities that are led by, feature, and/or focused on celebrating, supporting, and understanding the diversity of our campus and beyond.
Earlier this year, representatives from the USC Race and Equity Center, a nationally recognized organization for its work in diversity, equity and inclusion, hosted multiple hybrid feedback and listening sessions with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members, and we anticipate their final report will be delivered by the end of the calendar year for review by leadership.
The Center, which was selected by OHIO in December 2022 following an extensive and thorough vetting process, has worked with colleges and universities across the country to assess student learning from an equity standpoint and advance racial equity; they also assist to empower faculty and staff members to strategically develop and achieve equity goals through climate studies, high-quality learning experiences, substantive partnerships and workshops built to improve racial literacy on campuses.