University of Pennsylvania
PA-5: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The University of Pennsylvania’s Committee on Diversity and Equity plays a critical role in promoting and supporting diversity across the campus. It advises the offices of the president, provost, and executive vice presidents on policies and programs that foster inclusion and appreciation of diversity within the university community. The Committee focuses on creating a supportive atmosphere in both educational and work settings, integrating staff and faculty into the campus community, and advising on equal opportunity and affirmative action policies. It also provides recommendations on specific diversity issues that may arise and reports to the Council on diversity and inclusion efforts.

 

Additionally, Penn has a Senior Vice President for Institutional Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer, Joann Mitchell, who guides the President, Provost, and other campus leaders in implementing initiatives to advance inclusion, in alignment with the Penn Compact 2022. Mitchell also serves as a liaison to the University Board of Trustees Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity, which oversees and advises on best practices to achieve the University’s diversity goals. Furthermore, the Economic Inclusion Committee and the Faculty Senate’s Committee on Faculty Development, Diversity, and Equity (SCFDDE) contribute to ensuring inclusive excellence, providing recommendations on equitable treatment and faculty diversity. Together, these efforts are supported by initiatives such as the Presidential Professorships, Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowships, and Penn First Plus.

ER: The University of Pennsylvania provides a wide range of cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and social inclusion trainings and activities for students, staff, and faculty.

 

For students, Penn initiated "Thrive at Penn" (TAP), an online program that prepares both undergraduate and graduate students to navigate university life by covering topics such as health, wellness, civic engagement, and diversity. As part of the "New Student Orientation," first-year and transfer students participate in cultural competency trainings, including sessions on safe living, consent, and healthy relationships. Throughout the year, additional trainings focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion are offered by various departments and cultural resource centers.

 

The University’s seven cultural resource centers, such as the African-American Resource Center, La Casa Latina, and the LGBT Center, provide educational programs, support services, and opportunities for engagement. These centers work to promote awareness of diverse cultures and identities, while fostering cross-cultural dialogue and inclusion.

 

Additionally, the College of Arts and Sciences has a cross-cultural diversity requirement, and Penn offers numerous academic programs focused on cultural studies. The Penn Museum and other arts organizations further support cultural learning through exhibitions and programs that encourage reflection on global cultures.

 

For staff and faculty, Penn requires training on the Principles of Responsible Conduct, which include respect for diversity and fostering a respectful workplace. The Division of Human Resources conducts trainings on equity, diversity, unconscious bias, and sexual harassment prevention. The Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs also provides education on discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, helping to create a proactive, inclusive environment.

 

The Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics (DRIA) has taken steps to combat systemic racism, establishing a Racial Justice Task Force that works on initiatives related to diversity training, community outreach, and partnerships with Black-owned businesses. These efforts reflect Penn’s commitment to building an anti-racist institution.

 

Additioanlly, Penn's Workday Learning provides a list of trainigns realted to Diversity and Equity, including:

 

• Embracing Diversity Workshop 2024
• Penn HR Academy: Diversity & Inclusion
• Inclusion, Diversity and Cultural Humility
• Diversity Hiring Manager Training - Division of Finance
• STEP UP: Creating Inclusion (e-learning)
• SPO - New Staff Diversity Training
• STEP UP: Creating Inclusion
• ISC-HR - Anti-Racism, Equity, & Inclusion
• Antiracism, Equity, & Inclusion
• Culture of Care Module - ULAR
• SEAS PhD 2021 RCR Workshop Sessions
• PAA Proficiency Series - Implicit Bias