DEIA Strategic Planning Process Next Steps

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Thank you to all those who have engaged with the latest diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility campus initiatives, updates and developments. I write today to announce new opportunities for engaging with the planning process and to offer supporting resources.

Strategic Planning Initiative and Opportunities for Participation

The diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility strategic planning process is underway and would not be complete without additional input from our campus community members. To engage the broader campus community, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host several Strategic Planning Discussion Sessions throughout the month of April. These virtual sessions will:

• Feature a high-level overview of recently reported campus climate pulse survey data findings and insights.
• Provide an overview and timeline of the University’s diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility strategic planning process.
• Allow participants to share their thoughts, ideas and recommendations on what should be considered within the strategic plan.

The discussion sessions are organized by identity, affiliation or focus, and additional general sessions are also available.  Registration is now open for all students, faculty and staff who wish to participate. All sessions will include live closed captions via Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART). To request other accommodations, please indicate them upon your registration or contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion team at diversity@syr.edu.

The planning process will result in a five-year diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility strategic plan. A draft of the strategic plan will be completed in June 2021. Once approved by University leadership, implementation will begin. The implementation of the strategic plan will add a framework to our current diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility efforts while expanding upon them to meet University priorities.

Campus Climate Pulse Survey Reports Now Available

The results of the Campus Climate Pulse Survey, completed by the Center of Strategic Diversity Leadership and Social Innovation, are now available. We thank everyone who participated in the survey as its results will help inform the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility strategic planning process.

Please reach out to us at diversity@syr.edu. In addition, take care and continue to maintain wellness and safety.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Keith A. Alford
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer