Division of Social Sciences DEI priorities
We need a more diverse community of people in our division. Many responses mentioned improving recruitment of historically marginalized faculty, staff and students. There were also many suggestions proposing a specific focus on systemic recruitment, faculty development, mentoring and financial support.
We need to create/further an environment that will encourage or make it possible for people to stay. Many responses mentioned improving retention of students, faculty and staff, especially individuals who hold marginalized or minoritized identities, and focusing on well-being post-recruitment.
We want our divisional members to feel valued, compensated and able to live in the area. Many responses mentioned the need to value employees (staff, lecturers, instructors, graduate students, TT faculty) through fair and better compensation.
We need to help our students succeed. Many responses mentioned improving student achievement outcomes in retention and graduation, and addressing inequities in outcomes.
We need to stay attuned to multiple types of diversity. Many responses mentioned the need for deep engagement with intersectional identities and intentionality in recognizing the many types of diversity in our division.
We want to strengthen our community. Many responses mentioned a desire for transparent communication; a greater sense of trust; building community; networking opportunities to bring people together; and resources to connect and to combat loneliness.
Learning needs to be an active, ongoing journey. Many responses mentioned the need for additional training and learning for all around topics such as implicit bias, navigating differences/conflict, inclusive teaching practices, learning about structural racism and related topics and skills for discussing and responding to diverse experiences.
Our classrooms are powerful spaces for change. Many responses mentioned teaching about diversity and social justice in classes; supporting and valuing more inclusive pedagogies; developing critical thinking that fosters open minds and curiosity; and increasing student opportunities to interact and connect with faculty and each other.
The way we do our work as a division is a space for re-envisioning an equitable community. Many responses mentioned respect for the work of staff, support for ethical leadership and seeking input from members of underrepresented communities in decision making.