Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee (DEIC)

A diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda is grounded in the understanding that U.S. society is stratified and thus, peoples excluded from power continue to experience structural inequities in the workplace. The BFA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee addresses issues affecting historically excluded faculty of protected classes. Our work promotes inclusive excellence, in other words the many strategies that enable each faculty member to thrive despite continued forms of structural inequity that may prevent them from being a valued and included member of the institutional body. Our mission is to help facilitate equitable access to educational opportunities, fostering an inclusive campus culture, and addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in curriculum, faculty recruitment, hiring, pay equity and retention, sustainability, and health and wellness.

Committee Composition

The BFA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion shall be composed of eight selected faculty including BFA representatives from any college/school, three faculty from Arts & Sciences (preferably from all three divisions) and three faculty from non-Arts and Sciences units. The committee may also choose additional members, subject to approval by the BFA Executive Committee, to ensure sufficient and diverse membership. The committee chair may also select resource members with a non-voting one-year term that can include retired faculty, research faculty, staff, and students. Administration and campus shared governance liaisons should include representatives from the campus Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office, directors of college/school Diversity Equity Inclusion committees, and representatives from other campus shared governance Diversity Equity Inclusion committees such as CUSG, GPSG, and Staff Council.

Guiding Principles

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) means building a campus environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Diversity refers to the variety of identities, experiences, and perspectives that enrich the community, including race, ethnicity, ancestry/national origin, caste, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age, dimensions of difference both visible and non-visible, and protected classes recognized by OIEC. Equity means creating fair opportunities and outcomes for everyone, ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff have access to the resources and support they need to succeed. Inclusion means cultivating a welcoming, supportive campus culture where every individual belongs, is respected, valued, and knows that their work matters, while actively engaging with diverse perspectives and challenging inequity. ²ÊÃñ±¦µä's DEI efforts acknowledge institutionalized inequities and aim to dismantle systemic barriers, enhance representation, and promote social justice across all areas of university life. 

Fall 2024: The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee will meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held on Zoom from 4pm to 5pm. 

Various topics including review of the campus culture survey and recommendations for DEI and FRPA merit.

 

Diversity Committee Roster