An Equity, Diversity, Inclusive Excellence Liaisons (EDIEL) group was recently formed at Indiana State University to promote inclusive excellence at the college and department levels.
An Equity, Diversity, Inclusive Excellence Liaisons (EDIEL) group was recently formed at Indiana State University to promote inclusive excellence at the college and department levels. The creation of this group was among the steps the University took in its Advancing Inclusive Excellence plan.
“The Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Liaison group is one of several leadership teams at Indiana State University to bring awareness, foster dialogue and develop action steps to address the work stream for Advancing Inclusive Excellence,” said Rana Johnson, Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Strategic Initiatives.
“The liaisons meet once a month to highlight college DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion] strategies, identify resources and engage in collaborative discourse regarding learning outcomes, assessments and future events to advance equity, inclusion and social justice at ISU.”
The liaisons are Nesli Alp and Amanda Muhammad of the College of Technology; Gregory Bierly and Laura Froelicher of Honors College; Denise Collins of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies; Caroline Mallory and Jennifer Todd of the College of Health and Human Services; Christopher Olsen, Robey George, and Lain Mathers of the College of Arts and Sciences; JaDora Sailes of the Bayh College of Education; Milton Soto-Ferrari of the Scott College of Business; Hope Williams of University College; Robin Crumrin and Gregory Youngen of Library Services.
“The EDIEL are helping us to connect across academic disciplines to achieve the strategic priorities of the University and to raise our expectations for the whole Sycamore community,” said Mallory, dean of the College of Health and Human Services.
Other recently completed items in the Advancing Inclusive Excellence plan include the adoption of a new ISU Public Safety mission statement, revisiting the role of the ombudsperson within the Division of Student Affairs, and an amendment to Policy 923 Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment. Information on how to make a report and the report form are also live on the website.
Stephannie Gambill, Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator, and member of the President’s Council on Inclusive Excellence (PCIE), said the amended Policy 923 addresses all types of discrimination in the educational and work environments.
Off campus, President Deborah Curtis and Assistant to the President on Human Relations Sumalayo Jackson have been meeting with several members of African American community to discuss opportunities to better connect ISU students and staff of color with the Terre Haute community. This is also an item in the plan.
The listening and learning sessions have included faith-based leaders, African American entrepreneurs, African American administrators, and alumni. During these sessions, the participants shared ideas on ways to expand ISU students’ opportunities for internships, recreation, and jobs.
The President’s Council on Inclusive Excellence will further discuss items in the Advancing Inclusive Excellence plan at its November 20 meeting. AVP Johnson is scheduled to present a more comprehensive update to the ISU Board of Trustees at its December meeting.