Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 54.99
Liaison Denice Koljonen
Submission Date Feb. 6, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Boston College
PA-5: Assessing Diversity and Equity

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.88 / 1.00 Carol Pepin
Associate Director
IRPA
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Has the institution engaged in a structured assessment process during the previous three years to improve diversity, equity and inclusion on campus?:
Yes

A brief description of the assessment process and the framework, scorecard(s) and/or tool(s) used:
BC conducts institutional and consortium-based surveys on a regular basis. Results are explored based on gender, race/ethnicity and additional diversity factors. Major cyclical surveys include: Faculty & Staff Experience Survey; The Freshman Survey (HERI); College Senior Survey (HERI); National Survey of Student Engagement; BC Undergraduate Experience Questionnaire. Additional ad hoc studies in the past 3 years include: Graduation and Retention Study (examined whether demographics and other factors are significant predictors of persistence); Faculty & Staff Experience Survey follow-up focus groups (with affinity groups); and a comprehensive annual report for Office of AHANA Student Programs. Additionally, various entities (academic departments, student support offices, and faculty/staff related programs) explore data related to the diversity of participants.

Does the assessment process address campus climate by engaging stakeholders to assess the attitudes, perceptions and behaviors of faculty, staff, administrators and students, including the experiences of underrepresented groups?:
Yes

Does the assessment process address student outcomes related to diversity, equity and success (e.g. graduation/success and retention rates for underrepresented groups)?:
Yes

Does the assessment process address employee outcomes related to diversity and equity (e.g. pay and retention rates for underrepresented groups)?:
Yes

A brief description of the most recent assessment findings and how the results are used in shaping policy, programs and initiatives:
The Office of Institutional Diversity (OID) uses the results of the Faculty and Staff Experience survey to inform their work, which is dedicated to organizing and sponsoring programs connected to advancing and sustaining an organizational culture and climate that fully welcomes diversity and inclusiveness for all members of the Boston College community. Assessment findings are shared with senior leadership and incorporated into the work of various departments across campus. Office for Institutional Diversity programs include: University Affiliates Program - This program provides professional staff from underrepresented groups with opportunities to broaden their management experiences and to study critical issues in higher education. Selected participants participate in a professional development program that includes seminars, lectures, case studies and discussions. Cultural Competence Engagement Modules (CCEM) - Grounded in the cultural competence framework, the CCEM will enable participants to acquire the knowledge, language, behavioral and cultural skills needed to navigate within a diverse and help build an inclusive community. Those skills include, but are not limited to, cross cultural communication, managing difficult conversations, and addressing the needs of the various members of our community. In addition participants will be able to assist in the University's efforts to build a more inclusive environment. Living Out the Jesuit Mission: Diverse Perspectives Series - Having a shared understanding of the relationship between diversity, inclusion and the Ignatian tradition enables each of us to listen and be listened to; be welcoming and feel welcomed; and to embrace our work and the work of others. To that end, Campus Ministry and the Office for Institutional Diversity have partnered to reintroduce the Diversity and Ignatian Tradition initiative via the program, "Living Out the Jesuit Mission: Diverse Perspectives Series." Lunch and Learn Diversity Series - The goal of the lunch and learn series is to provide an informal, safe environment for faculty and staff to engage in conversations related to diversity while connecting with colleagues to foster an inclusive campus environment. Reflection and Dialogue Series - In the fall of 2016, OID launched this initiative that allows faculty and staff the opportunity to engage in dialogue about national events that may have had a significant impact. View the 2017-2018 Program Dates tab or the calendar of events to learn when the next Reflection and Dialogue event is taking place. Voices of Diversity and Inclusion - This program is a gathering of BC executives, managers, and others where ideas are created and shared about how to improve diversity, inclusion, and openness in the work environment. It is an open discussion about current diversity challenges, opportunities and possible solutions. Diversity and Inclusion Summit - The Diversity and Inclusion Summit is an annual, one-day conference open to Boston College faculty and staff that focuses on initiatives in our community that promote diversity and inclusion. The program began in 2016 and provides an opportunity for members of this community to connect to one another and to have discussions that are crucial to the University's mission of diversity and inclusion. New Employee Community Building Luncheon- In partnership with the Office of Employee Development, the OID and the Affinity Groups welcome newly hired staff and faculty at a Community Building Luncheon to learn about the many resources and opportunities for involvement in campus life. Private Industry Council - PIC connects the youth and adults of Boston to education and employment opportunities. Every BPS student has a PIC counselor that can help build a resume, improve interview skills, match to job shadow opportunities, or connect to a job. BC has been working with PIC for over 30 years in an effort to give local high school students a glimpse into university life and help provide them with real world experience. Customized Diversity Programs and Consulting - In addition to our ongoing, regularly scheduled diversity programs, the Office for Institutional Diversity works with departments and divisions across the University, offering expert consulting on diversity needs and initiatives, and partners with departments to create custom diversity programs for faculty, staff, and students. Please contact us for more information about these opportunities.

Are the results of the most recent structured diversity and equity assessment shared with the campus community?:
Yes

A brief description of how the assessment results are shared with the campus community:
Survey, focus group and study findings are provided in report form to university leadership and relevant offices and stakeholders. Additionally, findings are shared with relevant affinity groups and stakeholders for continuing conversations.

Are the results (or a summary of the results) of the most recent structured diversity and equity assessment publicly posted?:
No

The diversity and equity assessment report or summary:
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The website URL where the report or summary is publicly posted:
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.