Colleagues,

Our No. 1 priority as an institution is to offer students the highest quality, most inclusive educational experience – one that creates and nurtures a sense of belonging. An inclusive campus environment and culture – where diverse perspectives, cultures, and identities are shared and valued – makes us better as a university and our work more meaningful. As announced to the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management on Aug. 31 and the Division of Academic Affairs on Sept. 23, we have deepened our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of changes to the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.

This work began by establishing a diversity, equity, and inclusion presence in the Division of Academic Affairs, where we are committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty to more appropriately reflect the diversity of our students via an evidence-based approach. Additionally, the efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion that impact a student’s experience outside the classroom will be led by the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, as the Center for Diversity and Inclusion is aligning student-centered efforts with the Center for Student Involvement. As part of the strategic planning process, we will invite members of the former President’s Commission on Campus Inclusion (PCCI), as well as those with passion or expertise in strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion to join us in deepening our commitment. 

We have also begun preparation to conduct equity audits, or comprehensive diagnostics that feed an institutional equity program. The audits will serve as a benchmarking tool to identify and address disparities in our processes, structures, and environments. These audits will help us find out what we are doing well and where we are falling short as we strive for enhanced institutional outcomes. We look forward to engaging in this process across the university and implementing improvements based on the results.

The bottom line is this: Students need to know they matter, regardless of who they are. Setting goals for excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion must radiate from several different areas of the institution. Otherwise, we won’t be able to weave the experience students deserve into their time at the University of West Georgia.

Thank you for your commitment to these efforts and our institution. Be well.

 

Brendan B. Kelly, Ph.D.
President
University of West Georgia

André L. Fortune, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
University of West Georgia

David Jenks, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
University of West Georgia