Update on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Welcome back! As we begin the Fall 2020 Semester, I would like to take the opportunity to update you on a matter that is very important to me. In October 2019, I appointed a Presidential Advisory Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The committee, led by Dr. Christine Taylor, vice president and associate vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion, is actively identifying practices that are aimed at enhancing the UA experience for all students, faculty and staff.

Even during COVID-19 restrictions, the committee continued its progress. I personally appreciate the time and energy invested by each of them — students, faculty and staff. Fostering a culture of inclusivity is one of the four primary goals of my Strategic Plan for the University. This is personal and critical for me.  As I have stated previously — bias, violence and acts of hate contradict the values of our beloved institution.

Over the summer, the timeliness and importance of the committee’s tasks have been underscored by recent events both on and off campus. Our Board of Trustees, the chancellor and I took action to remove plaques from the Quad. The Board has appointed a working group to thoughtfully review building names across the System, and Nott Hall was recently renamed as Honors Hall. Those discussions and the work of the Board continue.

While the final report of the Presidential Advisory Committee is concluding, we will undertake a number of efforts immediately. These initial actions are intended to, and will, maintain our momentum, and the momentum of the important work being undertaken by Dr. Taylor and the committee.

Recruiting, Retaining and Graduating More Diverse Students

  • Enrollment Management, the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and the Division of Community Affairs will continue to expand the University’s efforts to recruit diverse students through programs such as Our Bama and Vision Days.
  • DEI will work collaboratively with Alumni Affairs to expand programming.
  • The Graduate School will strengthen our pipelines with Historically Black Colleges or Universities.
  • Future Bama Bound sessions will include further information about DEI resources for students.
  • We will assist SGA to institutionalize its DEI Certificate Program.
  • University administration will continue to hold diversity student leader meetings each semester as we did during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Recruiting and Retaining a More Diverse Faculty

  • UA will develop and implement campuswide inclusive hiring practice workshops.
  • We will explore proposals to establish student, faculty and staff awards related to DEI.

Creating a More Welcoming Campus Community

  • Campus tours will highlight UA’s resources to support DEI initiatives.
  • We will continue to support efforts to complete the process of joining Universities Studying Slavery, a consortium of universities across the nation and world that share resources as they confront the role of slavery and racism in their histories and its impact today.
  • UA will institutionalize the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Campus Commemorative Committee.
  • UA will continue to affirm its dedication to academic freedom and free speech on campus. In June, the UA Board of Trustees passed a resolution underscoring the importance of its commitment to these principles.
  • The Intercultural Diversity Center has been expanded and relocated to the Ferguson Student Center. Larger plans are being discussed for the future.

Developing Cultural Competence for Faculty, Staff and Students

  • HR will add information on DEI resources and support to orientation presentations.
  • The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will continue to expand its support and capabilities.

As stated, these are just the beginning. As the Advisory Committee wraps up its work, expect more announcements and initiatives. I am ready to move forward and continue to strengthen our work related to diversity, equity and inclusion.  Our University takes pride in preparing some of the country’s best and brightest minds for leadership in an increasingly diverse and global society. The efforts we make today will undoubtedly have a positive impact on UA’s future and the future of our students.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President