Portland State University
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

Portland State University is an access institution with a history of diversity and an emerging focus on addressing racism, equity and inclusion. We demonstrate our commitment to expanding opportunity by applying an equity lens to all decision making and in particular to campus-wide policy-making, planning and assessment measures. University employees, including faculty and academic advisors, receive training for culturally responsive education so they are adequately prepared to provide inclusive services. We strive to assess diversity outcomes and make necessary adjustments to ensure our students are equipped for success in a diverse and rapidly changing world. Diversity, equity and inclusion is not only a value and a mission of PSU, it is the essential framework of who we are and what we do as an institution and community. Global Diversity and Inclusion (GDI) is the central division that leads and facilitates the continuous quest for Inclusive Excellence. We structure our ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion journey through four pillars: Diversity education and learning, equity and compliance, advocacy, and partnerships and engagement. The Diversity Action Council (DAC) is commissioned by the President and Vice President for Global Diversity and Inclusion, and is comprised of PSU faculty, staff, and students, with facilitation administrative support from GDI. The DAC's role is to foster equity and social justice by reviewing PSU programs, policies, and decision making and developing recommendations that aid the university in our work to serve the best interests of our diverse constituents. The DAC mission is to continuously work towards the goals of the PSU Strategic Plan, Let Knowledge Serve and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan (DEIP). The work of the DAC is carried out by 7 primary committees and 3 subcommittees, charged with reviewing current practice, researching best practices, identifying gaps that frame recommendations for strategic plan DEIP goal progress. The committees are: Culture and Climate: Curriculum and pedagogy, Culture and Climate: Co-Curriculum, Culture and Climate: Workshops and Annual Symposium, Recruitment and Retention of Diverse Faculty, Recruitment and Retention of Diverse Staff, Recruitment and Retention of Diverse Students, DAC communications, including newsletter and blog, President’s Diversity Mini-Grants President’s Diversity Awards selection President’s Diversity Awards ceremony

Global Diversity & Inclusion offers diversity, equity, and inclusion education addressing a variety of topics, needs, and experience levels. We provide a body of learning opportunities of breadth and depth, from beginner to advanced. Most students have cultural responsiveness understandings via their freshman and sophomore inquiry courses, and/or senior capstone, in addition to educational offerings across the university from academic units, student affairs and GDI. ALL: faculty and staff are required at the time of hire to take a module on Creating a Culture of Respect: Preventing Prohibited Discrimination and Unlawful Harassment”. Some: On-going GDI, DAC and HR workshops, symposium, trainings etc on cultural competence/responsiveness, equity lens in decision making, diversity in the hiring process, implicit bias, micro-aggressions and many other topics. ALL: faculty and staff are required at the time of hire to take a module on Creating a Culture of Respect: Preventing Prohibited Discrimination and Unlawful Harassment

Information provided by Carmen Suarez, VP Global Diversity and Inclusion