Inclusive Community

In line with the University's commitment to inclusive excellence, the College is continually working to create an inclusive and engaging environment for all, maximize opportunities for individuals to contribute their talents, and foster innovation. The Keystone Strategic Plan places a high priority on expanding diversity by supporting the hiring, retention, and development of faculty and staff from historically underrepresented groups, as well as providing the DU and greater community with ongoing opportunities to engage with and explore the emerging and critical role of the creative and liberal arts.

In support of One DU, the College created the CAHSS Staff Committee with the goal of cultivating staff morale, engagement, and support in an inclusive excellence work environment. One way the committee is promoting staff dialogue and participation is through monthly "Idea Swaps." Staff are invited to come together and share ideas and best practices on different topics, such as budget management, managing work study students, and faculty hiring. These workshops give our staff an opportunity to share their expertise and learn from each other.

Additionally, the newly created CAHSS Inclusive Excellence Committee is working to facilitate a long-term culture shift that sees inclusivity, equity, and diversity as instrumental in achieving our strategic goals and institutional excellence. In just a short time, the committee has revised the annual reporting process to recognize IE as a priority in the merit process, established and awarded the new CAHSS Student Inclusive Excellence Project Award, and reviewed the governance structure of a newly proposed Critical Race and Ethnic Studies (CRES) minor. Looking ahead, the next to-do item on the committee's agenda will be to create a formal IE plan for the College.