Research & Innovation Office
Unit Lead – Massimo Ruzzene
Goal 1: Units will build capacity for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion by focusing on employee skills and development.
2023-24 Academic Year
Action 1
Reduce bias in the hiring process by requiring all search committee members to participate in inclusive hiring training before launching searches for faculty and staff roles. This will include inclusive hiring search kick-off meetings with Human Resources, additional committee member training, and review of job descriptions before posting.
Status – Completed
Assessment
- RIO staff members serving on search committees completed inclusive hiring training before launching searches and will continue this requirement moving forward.
- RIO searches demonstrated an increase in the diversity of the applicant pool.
- It was difficult to track the completion of inclusive hiring training for search committee members outside of RIO, and recommendations will be made for future searches.
Action 2
Each staff member will demonstrate increases in learning focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in areas identified collaboratively with supervisors. This will be done through structured training and tied to performance plans.
Status – in progress
Action 3
Support retention of a diverse staff and faculty through flexible work arrangements. An analysis of existing work arrangements within the unit will be conducted to assure alignment with university policy and to create equitable access to flexible work arrangements.
Status – Completed
Assessment
- RIO developed flexible work arrangements for all employees, depending on their roles.
- In the most recent employee engagement survey, RIO increased favorable responses about employee well-being related to work-life balance. RIO employee responses were above internal and external benchmark data in questions about wellness and workload.
- RIO will continue to explore how to support employees better by helping them balance their workloads.