Elizabeth Mendez-Shannon

Elizabeth Mendez-Shannon

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Portrait of Julie Rothbardt

Julie Rothbardt

Senior Director of Human Resources

Goal 1: Promote an inclusive environment

  • Strategy 1: Use empirically validated methods to address the challenges and opportunities that arise for CLAS students, faculty, and staff
  • Strategy 2: Integrate DEI throughout the educational and scholarly experience in CLAS
  • Strategy 3: Foster a greater sense of community within the college

Goal 2:  Build stronger infrastructure to support DEI efforts

  • Strategy 1: Increase support provided to first-generation, URM, and international students, faculty, and staff in CLAS
  • Strategy 2: Build DEI capacity across the college

Year One Progress

  • Conducted review of departmental strategic plans for DEI components and integration

  • Compiled data on the types of diversity initiatives and trainings in CLAS departments

  • Established a baseline understanding of departmental mentoring practices

  • Hired CLAS DEI Director Dr. Liz Mendez-Shannon 

Year Two Priorities

  • Invest in the structure and culture to better support and access mentoring across CLAS

  • Collaboratively define a vision and roadmap for DEI in CLAS

  • Build community among committee, departmental, and college structures to increase capacity for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work in CLAS

  • Create a hub for DEI-related activities, information and resources in CLAS, including a toolkit to empower individuals, groups and departments

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