The end of the year is a natural time for reflection for many — a moment to consider our journey over the past year, including lessons learned and milestones we’ve reached.
As a faculty member of the University of Michigan campus community for almost 25 years and from the lens of my current role, I am deeply grateful for the collective dedication of our campus units, faculty, staff and students — whose leadership and commitments have made positive transformations on our campus. Following the progress, impacts and promise of our DEI 1.0 strategic plan, we collectively developed and launched our DEI 2.0 strategic plan, designed to move us forward even further in fostering a richly diverse campus that exemplifies the values of equity and inclusion — through enhancing access, experience, and opportunities for growth and thriving in our campus community. Thank you for all you do.
I also recognize the difficulty in celebrating our achievements and experiencing gratitude in the face of the challenges we’re experiencing on our campus, nationally and globally. As I emphasized at the DEI Summit when we launched our DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan in October — we can make a difference through the ways we treat and engage our whole campus community with human dignity, care and compassion. In the weeks and months ahead, we must continue supporting one another and using our respective roles and voices to ensure that our institution lives its values — recognizing the strength that lies in our diversity.
In the midst of all you have done and experienced this year, I hope you all are able to use the upcoming winter season break as an opportunity to slow down, reflect, recharge and care for yourselves, even as you care for others. May the break also provide a chance to connect with people and experiences that bring joy to your life.
I look forward to 2024 and working with and supporting you toward our shared goals. There is still so much more that we can accomplish working together.
Sincerely,
Tabbye Chavous
Vice Provost for Equity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer
Professor of Education and Psychology