In a letter last week from Vice Chancellor Robert Boswell more details were released on a long-term project promoting “inclusive excellence” on CU’s campus.
The project was initially introduced during the Diversity Summit in February. The Vice Chancellor writes that students and faculty can expect a summary report in mid-October, detailing possible future steps to achieving a more inclusive atmosphere on campus.
In the meantime, campus organizations such as the Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement (ODECE) and others have collaborated with Emeritus Consulting Group to address matters of fostering inclusivity within the classroom by introducing faculty members to “experts in inclusive pedagogy.”
Over the summer, the Inclusive Excellence Steering Committee reviewed the responses generated from department chairs and directors, who were asked to submit their definitions of inclusion and excellence. Over 90 percent of departments responded to the initiative, which was proposed in October 2015.
The push behind these efforts stems largely from the results of the 2014 social climate survey, which revealed that an overwhelming number of students don’t feel welcome on campus. Roughly 35 percent of students reported not having a sense of representation or belonging, and only 38 percent of African-American undergraduates felt welcome. The results of the survey prompted action from the administration to encourage greater appreciation of diversity within the campus community.
In the coming weeks, CU students and faculty should receive updates from the university on what is to be done in regards to addressing this issue that affects such a large segment of the school’s population.
Contact CU Independent News Staff Writer Heidi Harris at heidi.harris@colorado.edu.
