Campus Climate Conversations to Take Place through May 4

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As part of the next phase of engagement related to the campus climate survey, the Office of Equity and Inclusion has begun to facilitate small, peer group conversations with students, staff and faculty. The conversations, which take place through May 4, offer an opportunity for the broader university community to engage with one another about the current and ideal state of the attitudes, perceptions and standards of the university community.

“We’ve surveyed the campus; we’ve released a lot of data. We’re making progress in key areas with the campus climate improvement grants and the Building Bridges initiative. But there is no substitute for conversations and in-person engagement to inform the creation of local goals and campus strategies to move us toward our aspirational climate,” says Enobong (Anna) Branch, associate chancellor for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer.

These structured, one-hour conversations, led by campus climate ambassadors, will help to identify what needs to happen within schools, colleges and executive areas to protect intellectual exploration, advance mutual respect and promote inclusivity in the classroom, workplace and on campus.

Details of dates, times and locations of the climate conversations for each unit will be available via email from each unit’s dean or vice chancellor. Most areas will be hosting multiple conversations, providing several opportunities for engagement.

“We know it’s a busy time of year,” says Branch. “There will be more opportunities to engage in the next academic year but as units and the campus start work on revisions to the Diversity Strategic Plan this summer, we wanted to offer the opportunity for everyone to influence strategic priorities for the campus and in their executive area, school or college.”

For more information, visit www.umass.edu/diversity/initiatives/campus-climate-conversations.