Diversity & Inclusion at UCONN Building Community through Inclusive Excellence

Office for Diversity & Inclusion (ODI) Mission Building Community through Inclusive Excellence To advocate for access and equity across all university units, to welcome and celebrate the experiences of individuals regardless of background through innovative educational programs, and to transform campus climate to build a more welcoming and inclusive community.   Diversity can only be sustained and supported as an integral part of institutional excellence when it is actively promoted by the entire University community as part of a larger goal of equity, inclusion & accountability. 

ODI Strategic Goals Cultivate a campus climate of respect, appreciation and inclusion Support a university community which leverages dialogue and education to break down barriers and enhance cultural competence and collaboration across groups. Enhance student outreach and programmatic initiatives with an emphasis on inclusion, academic success and leadership Support the expansion of options related to diversity and inclusion in the curriculum and across academic units Support increased recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups amongst the students, faculty, administration and staff, and utilize metrics to monitor progress through analysis and assessment. Emerge as a national model for the intersection of inquiry and learning through inclusive excellence and expanded lenses of perspective.

Office for Diversity & Inclusion Sample Actions and Implementation Academic Years 2017-2020 Strategic Area Summary of Actions Responsible Areas Campus Climate & Community Revamp State mandated diversity awareness training Establish and implement diversity and inclusion training for students Create school/college/departmental plans for diversity and inclusion Support efforts to enhance recruitment and retention practices and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff OIE, ODI, Student Affairs, Provost, Regional Campus Directors, HR Student Engagement & Outreach Develop a timeline for a campus climate study Expand programs to catalyze achievement among students of color in the sciences Encourage greater participation of underrepresented students in significant campus leadership and engagement opportunities Support efforts to address retention and graduation rates for underrepresented students ODI, Provost, VPEPM, Student Affairs Collaborations and Best Practices Support relationships with Alumni Networks Provide consultation to departments around diversity and inclusion Strengthen and streamline oversight of diversity and inclusion initiatives Expand partnerships with organizations that promote opportunities for high school students of color Hold annual Inclusive Excellence Lecture series and other University wide events promoting education around diversity and inclusion ODI, UConn Foundation, HR, Admissions