University of Massachusetts Amherst
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The Faculty Senate Status of Diversity Council makes recommendations on all matters affecting the status of diverse populations and underrepresented communities on the campus, including such matters as faculty, librarian and staff recruitment, retention, promotion and salaries, the recruitment, admission and retention of undergraduate and graduate minority students, granting of financial aid, and the development of programs to reflect the needs of the diverse UMass community. https://www.umass.edu/senate/sodc Recently, our Chancellor launched "Diversity Matters" (http://www.umass.edu/diversity/) which is a one-stop site for information on the support systems, organizations, policies and procedures, news, and events related to diversity, equity, and inclusion at UMass Amherst. This site is also where you can track our progress on our Diversity Strategic Plan (http://www.umass.edu/diversity/our-plan): UMass Amherst has several core values articulated in the Joint Task Force for Strategic Oversight's Phase I Report, Innovation and Impact: Renewing the Promise of the Public Research University (2014). These values speak to the campus’s enduring commitment to forming and strengthening “socially just learning and working environments that foster a culture of excellence through diverse people, ideas, and perspectives.”: Diversity and Equity Core Values: Social progress and social justice: UMass Amherst has a profound legacy of and commitment to social justice, extending across generations and spanning disciplines. We accept for ourselves and instill in our students the ongoing commitment to create a better, more just world. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness: By embracing diverse people, ideas, and perspectives we create a vibrant learning and working environment. Breaking down barriers to meaningful participation fosters a sense of belonging and treats all individuals with dignity and respect. In this environment we work toward an equitable society in which all enjoy equal rights and opportunities. Opportunity: A corollary to inclusiveness is opportunity, a commitment to welcoming all those who share our aspirations and high standards of performance. The Diversity Strategic Planning Steering Committee was formed (in Spring 2014) to articulate a comprehensive and clearly-articulated diversity-oriented strategy to match our commitment. The resulting 2015 Diversity Strategic Plan outlined five major goals to realize the promise of a culturally diverse campus. 1. Establish UMass Amherst as a destination of choice for students of color and other underrepresented groups. 2. Improve the campus climate of inclusion. 3. Enhance effectiveness of curriculum and educational programs with regard to diversity and inclusion. 4. Increase focus on recruiting, retention, and promotion of diverse faculty and staff. 5. Increase outreach and engagement with external communities/schools with large proportions of underrepresented minorities.

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office conducts a variety of educational workshops and training for the campus community to assist in combating sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation including: Diversity Training, New Employee Training, Complaint Handler Training, Individualized Training, Search Procedures Training, Sexual Harassment Prevention Training, and Harassment/Discrimination Prevention Training: 1. New Employee Training on Harassment and Discrimination: New employee training, provided on an ongoing basis, is a joint offering from the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office and Disability Services. It provides an overview of the policies, procedures and laws dealing with sexual harassment and discrimination. The training covers what constitutes a disability, harassment and discrimination and how to address it. 2. Sexual Harassment Training Sexual harassment training is open to all UMass Amherst employees. This three-hour training is scheduled on an ongoing basis or can be scheduled by request through the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office. The important aspects of sexual harassment, such as: what constitutes sexual harassment; what the laws exist; what are the campus policies and procedures; steps individuals can take if they have been harassed; and how supervisors can address this issue, are covered. Respectful Workplace and Diversity Workshops are available through Workplace Learning and Development: 1. Workplace Learning and Development (WL&D) provides a wide range of workshops on both respectful workplace issues and specific diversity topics. These range from topics such as "Customer Service in a Multicultural Society" to "Addressing Inappropriate or Disrespectful Behavior in the Workplace." LGBTQIA Ally Workshops are available through the Stonewall Center: 1. Stonewall offers introductory and advanced LGBTQIA workshops for campus departments and offices, residence hall staff, student organizations, other colleges, social service agencies, and community groups. These sessions are tailored to the particular audience and are free to campus groups (off-campus training is offered on a sliding scale). Faculty and staff who complete a training can receive an LGBTQIA supporter placard and be listed as an ally on the Stonewall website. Active Bystander Trainings are available through Workplace Learning and Development and Labor/Management Workplace Education and through UMatter@UMass: 1. Have you seen behavior that hurts or undermines other members of the UMass community? Do you want to help create a campus community where everyone is respected? Learn how to help stop and change hurtful behavior. Instead of being a passive bystander—wondering what to say or do—learn new skills for change and empowerment and become an active bystander.

In addition to the above mentioned offices/positions it should be noted that UMass Amherst also has a Faculty Advisor for Diversity & Excellence housed directly within the Chancellor's Office. For additional details about this position: https://www.umass.edu/chancellor/faculty-advisor-diversity-and-excellence