Update on Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

 

To: University of Chicago Community

From: Daniel Diermeier, Provost

Date: January 24, 2017

Subject: Update on Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

 

The University of Chicago is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus that enables individuals of all backgrounds to thrive.

 

In an effort to capture the experiences and perceptions of our community, a faculty steering committee and working group developed and launched the 2016 Campus Climate Survey on diversity and inclusion. The 2016 Climate Report was shared with the community last November. The Campus Climate Survey is one of several initiatives aimed at identifying ways the University can support diversity and inclusion. The survey results should inform discussion and provide a baseline against which to measure improvement on a number of important dimensions.

 

In addition to the 2016 Campus Climate Survey, a Diversity Advisory Council (DAC), chaired by Professor Adam Green, was charged with exploring broad issues related to campus climate and suggesting strategies for increasing diversity and inclusion at UChicago. The DAC is comprised of faculty from multiple disciplines as well as undergraduate and graduate students from across the University. The DAC held 28 meetings with faculty, staff, and students across the University to better understand the issues faced by these groups and make recommendations regarding steps we could take to increase diversity and support a more inclusive campus. Today, I would like to share the DAC’s full report. 

 

While the climate survey results and the DAC report make clear that we have work to do, they also provide a foundation for positive change. Thorough understanding of the climate survey findings and the recommendations set forth by the DAC will be greatly enriched by engagement across campus. We are therefore offering opportunities for members of the campus community to engage in discussions that will help shape the University’s comprehensive plan for diversity and inclusion. The initial dates for these forums are as follows:

 

 

These forums are the next step in our ongoing efforts to ensure that all members of the campus community can participate fully in University programs and activities. In addition to these forums, the DAC will share and discuss their recommendations with multiple groups across campus, including the Council of the University Senate, Deans, and undergraduate and graduate student leaders.

 

All of these activities are intended to inform specific action steps and the development of a comprehensive plan for diversity and inclusion at the University of Chicago. We anticipate issuing this plan later this year.

 

Members of the University community are welcome to provide their suggestions for improving diversity and inclusion on campus by sending an e-mail to climate-survey-project@uchicago.edu at any time.

 

Thank you for your engagement in this important work.