| Overall Rating | Bronze |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 33.32 |
| Liaison | Laurie Kman |
| Submission Date | March 5, 2021 |
Lewis University
PA-5: Diversity and Equity Coordination
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.78 / 2.00 |
Does the institution have a diversity and equity committee, office, and/or officer tasked by the administration or governing body to advise on and implement policies, programs, and trainings related to diversity, equity, inclusion and human rights?:
Does the committee, office and/or officer focus on students, employees, or both?:
A brief description of the diversity and equity committee, office and/or officer, including purview and activities:
The Diversity Engagement Committee (DEC) seeks to further strengthen and advance Lewis University’s ongoing efforts to embrace and affirm the equal dignity of every person in the spirit of our Catholic and Lasallian Mission. The work of the Diversity Engagement Committee contributes to the University’s efforts to prepare students for a pluralistic world by offering resources and experiences which contribute to their appreciation and understanding of the diversity of the human experience.
HISTORY AND CONTEXT
Some form of University-wide coordinating committee for matters related to diversity has existed for approximately 20 years. These committees have included: President’s Transcultural Facilitation Council, President’s Diversity Task Force, University Diversity Facilitation Council, University Diversity Council, and the University Diversity Action Team (UDAT). These entities have evolved over time to adapt to the needs of the community and the changing nature of diversity issues on campus. The Diversity Engagement Committee, created in the Fall of 2016, has been created in this spirit.
The DEC is one of four standing committees of the Mission and Heritage Council (MHC). The MHC is chaired by the President and facilitated by the Vice President for Mission and Academic Services. The DEC is chaired by the Chief Diversity Officer.
MEMBERSHIP
The Diversity Engagement Committee includes faculty and staff from areas throughout the University. The DEC collaborates with other departments and offices (e.g. Human Resources, Multicultural Student Services, International Student Services, University Ministry), and student groups (e.g. Student Senate, Black Student Union, Latin American Student Organization, Gender Sexuality Alliance), to accomplish three primary goals:
Thoughtful and Respectful Dialogue: Study and discuss emerging trends, best practices, data, and research related to diversity and inclusion in higher education and in society at large and identify ways to further promote and advance campus wide conversation and action.
Programs and Initiatives: Create, recommend, and promote initiatives and programs that explore and foster a rich, engaged, and respectful community dialogue.
Resources and Messaging: Develop resources and messaging which fosters appreciation for and understanding of diversity that is consistent with the University’s Mission.
The Diversity Engagement Committee meets several times each semester.
Estimated proportion of students that has participated in cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
Estimated proportion of academic staff that has participated in cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
Estimated proportion of non-academic staff that has participated in cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
A brief description of the institution’s cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
There have been several workshops and activities that take place on a regular basis at Lewis.
Website URL where information about the institution’s diversity and equity office or trainings is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.