University of North Carolina, Greensboro
PAE-6: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The Chancellor's Advisory Committee for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion was formed in 2009, transitioning from acting as The Inclusive Community Task Force begun in 2008 to investigate diversity issues at UNCG. In 2009, the committee was asked to identify two to three initiatives based on the data collected from two years of panels and open forums. The Chancellor requested that this group submit recommendations in the form of a proposal with a budget for her review and approval. In addition, the Chancellor requested this group to consider carefully the title for a senior position that would provide leadership for the Office of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion. Finally, this group was requested to determine what current programs on campus might be ideally placed under the administration of this office.

The 2012-13 committee was charged to work on completing a more comprehensive Inclusive Excellence/Diversity statement that could be supported by the university. It was agreed upon that the statement would include the following: request that diversity/inclusive excellence be infused into class syllabi through diverse scholarly materials, diversity workshops, scholarly projects engaging inclusive excellence linked to the university mission and QEP initiative, and learning communities. Chancellor Brady reaffirmed her full support and commitment to the inclusive excellence /diversity initiative for the entire campus. She proposed three additional items to the committee for consideration in the 2012-13 academic year:

1. Consider town hall conversations clustered around disciplines about why diversity and inclusion is important in recruiting, the nature of climate, etc. One approach would be to conduct four (4) town hall sessions (one area each session) social sciences, sciences, arts and humanities and the processional schools – talk through challenges and opportunities with faculty. The critical topic is infusing diversity and inclusion in to the classroom and across disciplines to ultimately weave inclusiveness into the fabric of the university;
2. Invite someone well known in the area of diversity and inclusion to do workshops with faculty, particularly, someone with experience and success in this area; and
3. Climate/Customer Service – figure out a way to present a more welcoming approach when engaging with students and visitors to our campus. Implement the “rule of two”, students and visitors should not engage with more than two people to get an answer. Customer service should not vary based upon color, age, etc.

The Chancellor closed with two important statements: “We must address the curriculum piece…imbedding diversity/inclusive excellence in the academic structure, in order to see change. Anything short of this and we will continue to chip away at the edges and never advance the initiative." Her closing comment sums up her commitment to this initiative “…inclusive excellence is not an add-on, it is important for the future (of the university). We have to work with faculty and help everyone understand why this is important, and bring them to the table for serious discussion related to this topic.”

2013/2014 Membership:

Ashleigh Best - Safe Zone/Leadership Education & Engagement
VACANT - Military Veteran (Undergraduate Student)
VACANT - SGA (Undergraduate Student)
Sarah Carrigan - Institutional Research
Edna Chun - Human Resource Services
Audrey Daniels - Office of Multicultural Affairs
Nora Dial-Stanley - Native American Indians/Information Technology Services
Michael Elliott - International Students Program
Diane Gill - Women & Gender Studies
Gerald Holmes - University Libraries
Jie Hu - School of Nursing
Andrea Hunter - School of Health and Human Sciences
Spoma Jovanovic - Communication Studies
Bruce Lynch - The Counseling & Testing Center/Student Health Services
VACANT - School of Music, Theater & Dance
Scott Milman - Auxiliary Services Director
VACANT - School of Business
Anthony Phillips - Building & Trades
Bruce Pomeroy - Office of Disability Services
Omar Ali - College of Arts and Sciences/African American Studies
Silvia Bettez - School of Education
Kevin Williamson - University Development
Frank Woods - African American Studies
VACANT - Undergraduate Admissions
James “Rod” Wyatt - CACEDI Chair - Human Relations Director
Alia Henderson - OEDI Graduate Assistant (Graduate Student)

Currently there are no employees that work directly for the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The University was in the process of searching for an Associate Vice Chancellor to head the office, who will in turn staff the office as necessary. However, in March 2011 due to severe budget cuts in the state university system, this search was put on hiatus. Once funding is available for the position the search will resume.