Regardless of location, size, or funding, one commonality between all institutions is the need to promote inclusion and diversity in the campus community. The concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have long been on the agenda for higher education (Nunes, 2021). As we navigate back to in-person learning, the importance of ensuring these principles remains at an all time high.
In her 2021 article, Nunes analyzed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at a variety of higher education institutions and argues that a tolerant campus cannot be created by one group alone. Rather, a shift in campus culture led by multiple stakeholders must happen.
This is where Impact's campus-wide communication hub becomes vital. Below are three examples of how Impact messaging can promote campus diversity and inclusion from the perspective of the university, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and instructors.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
In their 2016 study, the US Department of Education found that students reported less discrimination at institutions where they perceive a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion existed. These Impact messages serve as a template to remind faculty, students, and staff about campus policies regarding diversity and inclusion. This message can be used at the beginning of the semester, or as a reminder as policies become updated.
Want to take it a step further? You can use Impact messaging to survey campus community members about their perceptions of diversity and inclusion.
Promotion of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The US Department of Education (2016) suggests that student services improve academic outcomes. Help students and faculty find resources provided by your institution’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Messages such as these can also be used to promote events and programming designed by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Institutions that show diverse campus leadership play an important role in achieving campus-wide inclusivity (US Department of Education, 2016). For many students, their primary contact with the university may come in the form of interaction and communication from instructors. This message reminds faculty to update their syllabi with the most current version of the institution's anti-discrimination policy. Similar messaging could be sent to remind faculty of upcoming diversity and inclusion training sessions.
If you would like your campus community to acknowledge that they have read new terms and conditions, we can set up an EesyMessage as an alert!
Another simple way to create an inclusive classroom is to make sure that space is established for students and instructors to specify and use the correct pronouns when referring to each other. For those institutions using Canvas, the process is simple. This message informs students of the options in the Canvas settings so they can adjust how their identity is presented in the digital classroom.
These examples are currently available in the EesySoft Universe! Have something more specific in mind? Chat with your CSM to see how we can use rich-content to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives on your campus!
References
Nunes, L. (2021). New directions for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Association for Psychological Science. Retreived from https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/words-to-action
