We place diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the core of O’Neill’s culture—values that we strive to live and model. Leveraging the O’Neill Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the commitment of students, faculty, and staff, we will increase the diversity and cultural intelligence of the O’Neill community and foster and sustain a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment for everyone who engages with our school. We will also draw on O’Neill’s multidisciplinary expertise to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion beyond our community, in society at large.
Area of focus: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Strategic goal: Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion
Updates on our progress
For the 2023-24 academic year:
- Developed new partnerships for graduate students with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
- Organized a book study group for faculty – Inclusive Teaching: Strategies for Promoting Equity in the College Classroom (Hogan & Sathy, 2022).
During the 2022-23 academic year:
- Activate O’Neill welcomed an inaugural cohort of 38 students in spring 2023
- Activate O’Neill is a leadership program that intends to build community, develop a professional network, and work toward social change. Activate Leaders will have the opportunity to engage in group travel, peer and alumni mentoring, community-building social events, and tailored support.
- Created the Civic Scholars Award, a new scholarship available to students with a demonstrated interest in civic engagement and leadership
- Formed a faculty working group focused on inclusive teaching practices
- Developed workshops for faculty during the Spring 2023 semester: (1) cultivating a sense of belonging; (2) TILT Framework (Transparency in Learning and Teaching); (3) teaching controversial topics; (4) diverse representation within course content
- Started a book study group for faculty – What Inclusive Instructors Do (Addy et al., 2021)
- Built a webpage and calendar to highlight upcoming events and recent research focusing on DEI efforts
- Set up a staff committee focused on DEI to review hiring practices and strengthen inclusion
- Created a faculty committee focused on DEI in areas within the curriculum, hiring processes, etc.
- Hired two new staff members in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: (1) a staff member focused on recruitment efforts for historically marginalized students and (2) a staff member focused on student inclusion and engagement