Strategic Framework for Advancing DEI at JAVĿ¼

JAVĿ¼ has defined DEI and our strategic direction to include one thing—fostering a culture of belonging.

Our strategic framework for fostering a culture of belonging compliments JAVĿ¼’s strategic plan and priorities that include an overall strategy goal to include all and exclude none. To acknowledge JAVĿ¼’s practice and strengthen its inclusive excellence reach, we endeavor to promote DEI at JAVĿ¼ across three specific areas:

As we advance DEI through these three priorities and additional goal areas, we've outlined actions in progress now through 2025. 

Inclusive Talent Management

Our specific actions include:

Promoting DEI in Hiring

Leverage an applicant tracking system to promote a diverse candidate pool. Continue DEI training for hiring managers and selection committees. 

Proposed

Infuse DEI in onboarding and orientation.

Proposed

Developing Cultural Competency

Develop DEI components for faculty and staff annual evaluation.

Proposed

Cabinet members complete the .

We Did It!

Commit to the Council of Independent Colleges initiative, “BELONG.” All managers participate in the Belong network micro-credential.

We Did It!

Program and Community Outreach

Our specific actions include:

Creating and Maintaining an Inventory of Partnerships

Inventory current programming supporting our surrounding community and develop recommendations for expanded partnerships.

Proposed

Inventory nonprofits and community programs including stated goals that align with JAVĿ¼ community engagement to expand mutually beneficial partnerships, and in partnership with the Institute for Civic and Community Engagement.

Proposed

Nurturing Achievement in Higher Education

Review Urban Scholars data to understand its purpose and make recommendations around its effectiveness, mission, and goals.

Proposed

Identify potential partnerships with other city-based schools and community-based programs and their goals around college achievement.

In Progress

Student Success

Our specific actions include:

Fostering a Success-Oriented Mindset

Foster and develop a success-oriented mindset, sense of belonging, and access to institutional data that foster and develop academic success.

In Progress

Using a DEI Lens to Review Academic Initiatives and Opportunities

Review the impact of academic initiatives through a DEI lens (e.g., library renovation, iPads, classroom redesign, departmental curriculum revision, and JAVĿ¼Link).

Almost There!

Audit participation in and access to academic opportunities (e.g., internships, transportation, parking, clothing, summer programming, mentoring, learning communities, and academic-focused clubs and organizations).

Proposed

Identify professional standards by which the institution will assess and adopt policies, processes, and operations through a DEI lens.

Proposed

Additional Goal Areas

Expanding JAVĿ¼'s Commitment to DEI

Facilitate the ongoing integration of DEI into the strategic plan.

We Did It!

Assess membership and primary function of the Inclusion Council.

In Progress

Aligning Curriculum and Pedagogy

Review JAVĿ¼ Core Curriculum in collaboration with the School of Arts and Science to embed DEI principles into the Core.

In Progress

Create a role for a DEI Fellow to align faculty education and professional development.

Proposed

Strengthening Our Community of Belonging

Support the Interfaith Learning Circle and extend interfaith dialogue and program offerings to include discussions with members of the Indigenous community.

In Progress

Prepare the University for the Campus Climate Study in spring 2024.

We Did It!

Serve as a resource supporting SGA’s resolution on gender-inclusive restrooms.

We Did It!

Encourage “Belong” Community credential participation across the University with all constituents.

Almost There!