As we continue to drive forward our campus-wide DEIB initiatives, we are committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity and equity for all members of our community. Currently, we are progressing through several phases of implementing our strategic initiatives, as shared below. For additional information, contact Leslie_Wong@uml.edu or James_Kohl@uml.edu.
Broadening Understanding of Equity Work
Council of Social Justice & Inclusion is launched: Fall 2020
Chancellor Moloney establishes a new Council comprised of two Taskforces to spearhead and advance DEI. The DEI Taskforce and the Gender, Sex-based Discrimination Prevention Taskforce were convened. Over 125 campus members including students participated in 18 subcommittees.
Presentation to Executive Cabinet: Spring 2021
Summary of findings and recommendations presented to full cabinet just weeks prior to Covid-19 shutdown.
Campus DEIB Transformational Initiatives: Fall 2021
Varied college level and divisional DEIB transformative initiatives across campus are launched. CSJI recommendations continue to progress to completion and represented on the UML dashboard and priority action tracker. The Pillars of Inclusive Excellence is drafted and adopted as the campus framework for DEIB.
Strategic Planning 2023 is launched: Fall 2022
The CSJI initiative is integrated into the campus strategic planning process and final plan. Priority Goals and Actions are developed to guide campus efforts and steer individual unit alignment to the Pillars of Inclusive Excellence.
Strategic Plan 2028 is presented: Spring 2023
UML aligned resources to meet needs identified by academic leaders; including staffing and programming realignment; launched the first campus-wide climate survey, tasked a DEIB data team for further disaggregated info and systems enhancement.
Progress Highlights
- Drafting five Pillars for the campus.
- The development of a statement of UMass Lowell values.
- Creation of a draft Equity Framework Action Plan (doc) for further campus discussion.
- The scheduling of education and information sessions and the development of educational courses and workshops for faculty and staff on university non-discrimination, Title IX reporting, prevention and investigation policies and procedures, and fostering a diverse and inclusive campus culture.
- Establishing the LBGTQ Student Center in University Crossing.
- Developed a detailed Priority Action Tracker
Building Campus Capacity
DEIB Action Team: Summer 2023
Faculty & staff working group develop the following: campus readiness (awareness & visibility) process, DEIBJ infographic of definitions/terms, DEIB Action Plan Template.
Climate Survey Findings-Presentations: October 2023-January 2024
Findings shared with Senior Cabinet for further discussion and connection to strategic plan. College and divisional leadership were provided survey outcomes through individualized reports, presentations, and discussions.
Climate Survey Findings-Campus Rollout: Fall 2023
College and Divisional leadership engaged in individualized reports, presentations and discussions on use/application of findings to enhance strategic initiatives, goal-setting, future program designs, supports, and interventions.
Realignment of Existing Resources: Summer 2023
Focused on needs required for the vision work and the needs articulated in the Strategic Plan.
DEIB Strategic Plan Implementation: Spring 2023–December 2024
Pilot of 2 units (academic college & staff-based unit) for the next phase of implementation. Develop & refine processes, gather and test tools & resources, establish communication plan.