UMKC Strategic Plan:Embrace Diversity

Susan B. Wilson, Ph.D. MBA

Vice Chancellor, Division of Diversity and Inclusion

Goals and Focus

• Achieve the vision of a diverse and inclusive university environment– To embrace diversity in all aspects of

university life, creating• Inclusive environments• Culturally competent citizens• Globally oriented curricula and programs

Broad Definition of Diversity for Division

• Includes all the ways in which individuals and groups differ in characteristics, experience and multiplicity of human

expression. – Race, ethnicity, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation,

disability, linguistic ability, learning style, and socio-economic or veteran status are but parts of the broad diversity that UMKC values and seeks to cultivate for the individual and collective transformation and excellence that can be generated.

• Diversity reaches across the institution to promote access, respect, inclusiveness, support and cultural awareness in all of UMKC’s working, learning and living environments so that a welcoming community is evident throughout.

Expanded Scope and Focus of Division

• Students• Faculty• Staff• University Community• External Community

Division of Diversity and Inclusion

• Collaborative– No one office or division can implement

organizational change and transformation

• Strategic– All diversity initiatives are tied to overall

critical success factors for UMKC

• Engaged Stakeholders– Feedback and tracking emerging issues is

important to success

Strategic Areas

• Diversity and Inclusion is linked to the key success factors of the university such as enrollment, retention, graduation through 6 components:– Access, representation, and success– Climate and campus environment– Responsive teaching, research and experimental

learning– Community Engagement– UMKC and urban community in partnership– Institutional resources and infrastructure

Diversity and Inclusion Updates

• “Embrace Diversity” plan and new Vice Chancellor of Diversity introduced April 2014

• Chancellor’s Diversity Council and Division partnership in implementation phase

Strategic Plan Implementation

• Diversity VC hired• Diversity Training and Faculty

Development Committee organizational meeting held in October

• Academic Unit diversity planning launching early November

• Student Climate Survey Initiative forming

Other initiatives

• Diversity Dashboard • Chancellor’s LGBT Leadership Council

formed• African American Leadership Council in

the Planning Stages• Faculty Diversity project awards process

coming

How You Can Participate

• Provide Feedback—we need your perspectives!

• Serve or identify faculty for Diversity Council

• Contribute ideas to your academic unit’s diversity strategic planning process

• Spread the word

Other Strategic Diversity Initiatives

• Diversity Council revamped to include more faculty

• Diversity integrated into performance evaluation• Diversity Data Dashboard—draft completed• Faculty diversity project awards• New D & I website to launch in December 2014

7th Annual Pride LectureDustin Lance BlackScreenwriter, Producer, Director, Social Activist

Won the Academy Award® and two WGA Awards for Best Original Screenplay for MILK, the biopic of the late civil rights activist Harvey Milk starring Sean Penn.  

Founding board member of the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) which successfully led the Federal Case against Prop 8 in CA with lawyers David Boise and Ted Olson.

Social Justice LectureRebecca Skloot

AuthorThe author of the No. 1 New York Times Bestseller “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.” She has worked as a correspondent for WNYC's Radiolab and PBS's Nova ScienceNOW. She and her father, Floyd Skloot, co-edited The Best American Science Writing 2011.

This work was part of a University Community “read in.” It discusses legal and ethical issues related to medical research in poor, diverse communities.

D&I Lecture Series 2014-15The UMKC Diversity and Inclusion Lecture Series brings national thought leaders on campus to offer ideas and perspectives that elevate the discourse in Kansas City on issues of social justice, equity and advocacy.

7th Annual Pride Lecture | Oct 21, 2014 | 6 pm - Pierson AuditoriumDustin Lance Black - Screenwriter, Producer, Director, Social Activist

5th Annual Social Justice Book Lecture | Nov 13, 2014 | 6 pm - Pierson AuditoriumRebecca Skloot - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

8th Annual MLK Lecture | Jan 26, 2015 | 6 pm - Pierson AuditoriumNikki Giovanni - An Evening of Poetry Love and Enlightenment

7th Annual Cesar Chavez Lecture | April 2015 | TBD

Social Justice Related Screenings and Discussions

Sponsored by the UMKC University Libraries

Film Screening and Panel Discussion| Oct 26, 2014 | 2 pm – Miller Nichols Learning Center, Room 451Cancer Cell Research: The Way of all Flesh – The story of Henrietta Lacks and her cells

Film Screening| Oct 29, 2014 | 12 pm – School of Medicine, TheaterCancer Cell Research: The Way of all Flesh – The story of Henrietta Lacks and her cells

Book Discussion| Oct 29, 2015 | 6 pm – Miller Nichols Library, iX TheaterThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks – by Rebecca Skloot

Thanks for your time and attention!

Your feedback and input is welcome!