University of St. Thomas
PA-4: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The Diversity and Inclusion (formerly Affirmative Action) Committee's charge is to promote affirmative action and equal employment opportunities by bringing campus-wide perspectives and experience to the consideration of policies and procedures related to the selection, development and retention of a diverse workforce.

Human Resources offers training through the following outlets: Leadership Academy, Diversity and Inclusion Series, Mangers Forum. Additional trainings and relevant activities include:

Addressing Implicit Bias and Building an Inclusive Workplace - Taking proactive steps by learning about implicit bias and developing practical tools for de-biasing strategies and building inclusive communities.

All new faculty attend a workshop on cultural competence. The Center for Faculty Development's Inclusive Classroom Institute also offers a workshop series and certification that addresses the following learning objectives:
A. Expand personal awareness of one’s own bias and its impact
B. Foster critical awareness of multiple perspectives in the classroom and elsewhere
C. Employ teaching methods that acknowledge the variety of student backgrounds and abilities
D. Nurture mutual respect and support empathic awareness of others’ experiences in the classroom
E. Promote equitable opportunities for academic success for all students
F. Develop skill in managing difficult conversations in class

Incoming First Year Students Summer Orientation contributions
New Student Orientation continues to dedicate time and resources into ensuring that our staff is informed and trained on diversity-related issues. As part of their training, all Orientation Leaders hear from Student Diversity and Inclusion Services (SDIS) Office. We also work closely with our New Student Orientation Program campus partners to ensure messages related to diversity are included in the Orientation programs. The SDIS staff presents to new students and parents at every Orientation. In particular, there are specific messages during Orientation related to services and programming offered by SDIS and the Diversity Activities Board, along with the expectations the University of St. Thomas community has for all of its members. SDIS staff also provide training for resident advisors, apartment coordinators, and study abroad program directors.

The Diversity Activities Board (DAB) also supports a number of cultural education, engagement, and inclusion programs. Cultural education programs are intended to allow the St. Thomas campus community to acquire knowledge and experiences to fully understand and focus on the history, practices, and infrastructure of various cultures. Examples of DAB events from Fall 2017 include Religions and Cultures of South Asia; Black Jew Dialogues; and Olmeca; Kapulli Yaocenoxtli. Cultural enrichment and engagement are often through social programs that includes performances, entertainment, and social gatherings. DAB supports all cultural dinners on campus through the collaboration with culturally/racially identified student clubs. DAB's social justice and inclusion initiatives include co-curricular educational activities in partnership with the student community and departments to foster self-exploration, facilitate conversation across differences, and support actions that create social change on campus.

Inclusive Classroom Institute:
https://www.stthomas.edu/fdc/programs/ici/

Student Diversity & Inclusion Services
https://www.stthomas.edu/studentdiversity/