The Chief Diversity Officer’s Advisory Board created a Strategic Diversity Plan that was intended to encourage and support each university unit to accomplish the university’s strategic goal of “embracing diversity of thought, belief and community.” The plan was informed by the university’s previous strategic plan, the 2017 Inclusion Infusion Study, the annual Inclusion Infusion Summer Diversity Institute, research and discussions by the Chief Diversity Officer’s Advisory Board, and a series of listening charrettes hosted for faculty, staff and students in spring 2021.
Feedback obtained in the listening charrettes illuminated the need to elevate to a higher level the university’s strategic initiatives related to diversity, equity and inclusion. In response, Chancellor Everts requested the goals be merged with the university’s next strategic plan, rather than isolated in a stand-alone plan.