To advance the ideals of academic excellence and its symbiotic relationship with diversity, equity and inclusion, leadership has called upon the university’s vast energies and intellectual and planning resources to develop U-M’s first five-year strategic plan on diversity, equity and inclusion. The President’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Planning Initiative was officially launched in September 2015 after more than a year of pre-launch activities. The planning process has been designed to engage all sectors and constituents of the university and the planning structure comprises more than 90 planning leads in every school, college and unit.
The First Generation (FirstGen) initiative seeks to provide first-generation students at the University of Michigan with resources, insight and inspiration that can help them thrive and succeed on campus as they pursue a degree. A website was created as a tool a provide useful information about college life, paying for college and other programs and services. Above all, FirstGen aims to connect individuals with opportunities that will help open doors and connect U-M’s community of first-generation students who will support and encourage them throughout their journey.
Since 1986, the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives has coordinated the University of Michigan’s annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium — one of the largest celebrations of the life and legacy of MLK sponsored by colleges and universities in the nation. Throughout the entire month of January, the MLK Symposium provides the community with opportunities to participate in lectures, live performances, exhibits, workshops and community service projects sponsored by academic and non-academic units, student and staff organizations and community groups.
This initiative stems from the 2014 Provost’s Report on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, aiming to enhance faculty skills and commitment to creating inclusive learning environments. In December 2014, a task force, including CRLT, IGR, and the Marsal Family School of Education experts, developed a flexible model for faculty professional development on inclusive teaching at the University of Michigan. Faculty focus groups, representing diverse roles and disciplines, provided input. Recognizing the ongoing impacts of oppression on student outcomes, our focus evolved to emphasize not just inclusion but also equity, leading to updated terminology.
The Office of the Vice Provost for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer sponsors the University of Michigan’s institutional membership with the NCFDD. The NCFDD is an independent center that offers a wide range of resources to support the professional development and successful transitions of faculty, post-doctoral scholars, and doctoral students throughout their academic careers. The resources are broadly applicable across academic disciplines and include webinars/workshops on topics such as how to develop a daily writing plan, strategies for increasing research productivity, managing time more effectively, how to write grant proposals, and maintaining work-life balance.
This initiative seeks to provide information and resources for current and prospective undocumented and DACA students at the University of Michigan. Furthermore, the website is designed to serve as a resource for undocumented and DACA students to connect with current support staff, other undocumented and DACA students, and allies at the University of Michigan.
The Student Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Board is a committee convened by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI) to develop short- and medium-term recommendations on disability, climate and inclusion matters. Learn More