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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Building an Inclusive Living/Learning Environment that Supports Access and Success for Diverse Students

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Overview

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Education
Development of a comprehensive DEIB educational component for students. With the curation of a DEIB education and training component, students will be able to gain enhanced cultural competencies which improves students’ overall worldview. In applying the education learned in the DEIB Education, students will be more marketable and prepared for employment opportunities.

Increase retention and recruitment of staff from underrepresented populations
The Talent Manger Position will lead and support staff recruitment processes, including creating diverse candidate pools. This position will review all hiring practices within Student Affairs for potential barriers to achieving the goal of increasing candidates from underrepresented populations for position openings. It is our hope that this position will review national best practices for inclusive recruitment and also be able to review job postings for any implicit bias language and ensure inclusive language.

Increased cultural competency training/ education for Student Affairs staff
It is imperative to have Student Affairs staff actively engaging in educational opportunities that provide DEIB related topics that increase their cultural competency. While working on a college campus, it is crucial to have Student Affairs staff that understand the various student identities that we engage with on a daily basis. A few of the DEIB training opportunities that will be offered to staff include:

  • Expert Education Presenters
  • Staff Development- DEIB Education Opportunities
  • DEIB Staff Awards
  • DEIB Staff committee

Scholarship opportunities for underrepresented populations through Student Affairs
Increasing the Student Affairs Diversity Fund as well as other opportunities to provide funding for underrepresented populations will eliminate one of the top barriers to success for many students. Providing financial assistance opportunities will give students from underrepresented populations the reassurance that Student Affairs values and supports their success at UGA.

Well-Being initiatives for underrepresented students.
Collaborating with the Associate Vice President for Well-Being we will continue conversations on maintaining, reviewing, and creating new opportunities for underrepresented populations to have engagement opportunities surrounding well-being. It will be important to be intentional in aligning well-being initiatives with underrepresented populations. Having programs that address mental health through CAPS, Student Care and Outreach, Health Services, and Recreational Sports will be important in eliminating possible stigmas that exist between well-being and underrepresented populations.

Student Affairs DEIB Plan Student Affairs DEIB Plan One-Pager

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

DEIB Goals

With this plan, Student Affairs is working to:

  • Increase access to and engagement in Student Affairs services and experiences by students from underserved populations.
  • Increase financial support available for and accessed by students from underserved populations to support campus engagement, including student pay, scholarships, and funding to support universal design technology.
  • Expand learning experiences across Student Affairs and with campus partners that facilitate enhanced understanding of DEIB.
  • Enhance peer mentorship for students and staff from underserved populations.
  • Increase the number of candidates from underserved populations for staff positions at every level within Student Affairs.
  • Foster a sense of belonging and community for staff from underserved populations.
  • Enhance recognition and appreciation as a division priority, with special attention given toward efforts to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging efforts.
  • Expand and enhance communication on Student Affairs DEIB initiatives and progress.
  • Expand communication of engagement, belonging, well-being, and student success opportunities within Student Affairs for students from underserved populations.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Measures of Success for DEIB

Some ways that Student Affairs is measuring success of this strategy include continued gains in:

  • Students from underserved populations participating in engagement opportunities through Student Affairs.
  • Support services that improve well-being for students from underserved populations.
  • Scholarship opportunities created for undergraduate and graduate engagement. Increasing the VP for Diversity Fund.
  • Funding toward student pay, student engagement, and universal design technology.
  • Development of educational programs for students and Student Affairs staff.
  • Students and Staff participating in peer mentorship opportunities.
  • Diverse candidate pools for Student Affairs positions.
  • Staff participation in affinity groups through Student Affairs.
  • Recognition efforts promoting DEIB efforts across the division.
  • Comprehensive communication strategy to communicate Student Affairs efforts related to DEIB.
  • Communication strategies for targeted student populations utilized in recruitment, outreach, and admissions initiatives for undergraduate and graduate students.