In collaboration with the university’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) generates a wide range of ongoing communications related to DEI-related programs and activities.
DEI 1.0 Evaluation Update
During the five years of DEI 1.0 and the evaluation year, communications were shared through local, regional and national platforms that spanned social media, news outlets and event promotion. In partnership with the Office of Communications and Public Affairs, ODEI worked with campus units and departments to continue developing dynamic news stories that educate target audiences on the university’s commitment to diversity and raise awareness of our strategic plans. Achievements included the launch of a DEI Summit website (see below), an all-virtual DEI Summit and report, and a resource guide for issues impacting both African Americans and Asian Americans & Pacific Islander communities at the university. In addition, ODEI continued to manage @UMichDiversity on Twitter and an Instagram account, @UMichDiversity.
During DEI 1.0, ODEI launched a number of other new digital initiatives:
- The fourth and fifth annual DEI Progress Reports were presented in a fully web-based format that generated extremely positive feedback.
- A new online resource guide made its debut, focused on issues confronting U-M Ann Arbor’s African American community.
- As national unrest continued in response to racist violence and police brutality, communications and news stories addressed the university’s ongoing condemnation of anti-Black violence, anti-Asian racism and systemic racism.
- In addition to regular communications with DEI Leads, ODEI began a bi-weekly email rotation from Chief Diversity Officer Robert M. Sellers and Deputy Chief Diversity Officer Katrina Wade-Golden.
Of particular importance, ODEI leaders and communications staff members—along with central university communications staff—began planning and reporting on the upcoming transition from DEI 1.0 (2016-2021 strategic plan) to DEI 2.0 (launching in 2023, following a year of evaluation and a year of planning). In summer 2021, a new web page in the diversity.umich.edu website was created focusing on the progression to DEI 2.0. Spring 2022 saw the launch of a campuswide DEI 2.0 awareness campaign – Moving Forward Together: DEI 2.0 Transition – to educate the campus community on steps being taken to advance to the next 5-Year strategic plan. These efforts continue to reflect and support the University’s commitment to ongoing DEI initiatives campuswide.
Responsibility: Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion