Commitment to Diversity
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As the Dean of the College of Information Science and technology, diversity and inclusion are fundamental values that drive innovation and excellence. A diverse and inclusive environment fosters creativity, innovation, and productivity. It allows us to share unique perspectives, ideas, experiences, and approaches that enrich our learning and lead to innovative solutions to societal problems. I acknowledge that diversity is not just a matter of representation but that it requires intentional effort and ongoing commitment. I am thus committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals feel welcomed, heard, and respected. For that to happen, all our units and our diversity and inclusion committee continually collect and analyze data to gain a better understanding of the factors that contribute to a positive learning environment and can identify areas where intervention is needed to improve our student experience and academic outcomes. Our faculty and staff participate in workshops and lectures that help us identify strategies to create welcoming classroom environments where all students feel valued, respected, and supported.
I recognize that systemic inequalities and biases exist in our society and strive to be part of the solution. I want to eliminate the barriers that can prevent our students from achieving their full potential within our college. I believe in providing equitable access to opportunities and resources that support the growth and success of our community, from faculty to staff and students. Our Learn and Earn Initiative is one of those efforts to break barriers and provide all our students the opportunity to explore the tech field, get experience through research projects, micro-internships, and year-long internships to ensure that they graduate with excellent academic preparation but also experience in their field.
I am committed to continuing to examine our policies, procedures, and practices to identify and address any areas that may perpetuate bias or exclusion. I will continue seeking feedback from our faculty, staff, and students to ensure our efforts align with their needs and aspirations. Diversity, equity, and access are essential to our success as an information technology school, and I am dedicated to achieving and maintaining a community where everyone can thrive.
