With over 100 members representing 50 units—each having its own DEI strategic plan—the DEI Implementation Leads Group (DEI-ILG) supports and develops leaders across the institution charged with managing implementation of their unit-based DEI plans.
DEI 1.0 Evaluation Update
Among its most meaningful accomplishments, the five-year Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategic planning process (DEI 1.0) created a vibrant campus network of DEI-related professionals—faculty and staff who in many cases added DEI work to their existing positions or appointments. Functioning as a campuswide catalyst, the Implementation Leads Group contributes in vital ways to the success of every DEI professional across the university by encouraging collaboration and enhancing impact at both the unit and university level. Through programs that provide resources and support, facilitate collaboration and enhance outcomes for individual and collective projects, the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI) has sustained and expanded this vibrant group of professionals.
During the fifth and final year of the initial DEI Strategic Plan, members of the group demonstrated resilience, adaptability and fortitude. As they and many others across campus continued with remote operations, the Leads worked to mitigate the disparate impact of inequities while advancing new efforts to address structural racism. Rather than winding down, they refocused and amplified DEI efforts that will continue to generate significant impact for years to come.
Throughout DEI 1.0 and the evaluation year, ODEI continued to organize monthly Leads meetings (via Zoom for the past two years) to share best practices, discuss issues and engage with guest speakers and each other. As in years past, DEI Leads:
- Guided their units’ work across recruitment and retention, education and research, enhancing the unit climate, and service
- Developed programs and advised on policies and practices
- Created communication channels to keep their community members informed and engaged
- Advocated for stronger attention to anti-racism in campuswide DEI work and worked tirelessly to move anti-racist initiatives forward
- Participated in professional development opportunities including a two-day virtual retreat focused on leading anti-racism efforts, developing allyship and preparing for a campuswide transition to the next DEI Strategic Plan initiative, DEI 2.0
Going forward, the Leads will continue to advance DEI efforts with immediate impact as well as initiatives that lay the groundwork for sustained and lasting change.
Responsibility: Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion