Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 60.83
Liaison Parker Long
Submission Date March 2, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Virginia Commonwealth University
PA-5: Assessing Diversity and Equity

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Joseph Costa
Sustainability Projects and Program Coordinator
Sustainability
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Has the institution engaged in a structured assessment process during the previous three years to improve diversity, equity and inclusion on campus?:
Yes

A brief description of the assessment process and the framework, scorecard(s) and/or tool(s) used:

https://inclusive.vcu.edu/media/inclusive-excellence/SocialJusticeForumPresentation02_08_2017.pdf

In April 2016, VCU launched two Diversity and Inclusion Climate Surveys, one for students and one for faculty and staff, to help inform our work in inclusive excellence to advance recruitment, retention and promotion of underrepresented and underserved students, faculty, staff and administrators, and to foster a welcoming environment that values human differences.


Does the assessment process address campus climate by engaging stakeholders to assess the attitudes, perceptions and behaviors of faculty, staff, administrators and students, including the experiences of underrepresented groups?:
Yes

Does the assessment process address student outcomes related to diversity, equity and success (e.g. graduation/success and retention rates for underrepresented groups)?:
Yes

Does the assessment process address employee outcomes related to diversity and equity (e.g. pay and retention rates for underrepresented groups)?:
Yes

A brief description of the most recent assessment findings and how the results are used in shaping policy, programs and initiatives:

Assessment Findings:
• 88% believe VCU is committed to diversity
• 74% agree their department is committed to creating a diverse workforce
• 87% agree campus resources, programs and services are equally available to everyone

There is an expressed need to improve the diversity of faculty and staff.
• “I’m graduating in the spring, and I’ve never had a person-of-color in front of the class during my four years at VCU.”
• “Faculty does not represent our student body.”
• “Staff is more diverse than faculty.”
• “In order to increase and improve perspectives, VCU needs to hire more faculty that
aren’t white males.”
• “Reduce the restrictions for faculty teaching to allow for more flexibility and diversity
of thought…this could help with faculty retention.”

Assessment findings are used to inform more equitable hiring practices and inform diversity and inclusion action and policy.


Are the results of the most recent structured diversity and equity assessment shared with the campus community?:
Yes

A brief description of how the assessment results are shared with the campus community:

At the time of the completion of the assessment, results were shared via the TelegRAM, an email sent daily to every staff, student, and faculty member. It is currently posted on the inclusive excellence site.

https://inclusive.vcu.edu/media/inclusive-excellence/SocialJusticeForumPresentation02_08_2017.pdf


Are the results (or a summary of the results) of the most recent structured diversity and equity assessment publicly posted?:
Yes

The diversity and equity assessment report or summary:
The website URL where the report or summary is publicly posted:
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.