Indiana University Bloomington and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis have again been honored with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
This is the second year IU Bloomington has been recognized as a HEED Award recipient and the fifth consecutive year IU Indianapolis has been recognized. The award recognizes schools that have demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion through their innovative programs, hiring practices, training, curricula and on-campus support systems.
Both campuses will be featured, along with the other recipients, in the November 2016 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.
"A university should be a place where all types of people can come together as a community that is dedicated to inclusion and celebration," said James Wimbush, dean of the University Graduate School and vice president for the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs. “We are pleased that IU has been recognized for its continued dedication to creating welcoming campus communities where faculty, staff, students and postdocs can do -- as often stated by former IU President Herman B Wells -- 'their best work.'"
The magazine’s recognition reflects IU Bloomington’s and IU Indianapolis’s continued commitment to diversity, a top priority in each campus' strategic plan.
In making its selections, Insight Into Diversity factored in each institution’s campus and unit diversity plans; diversity recruitment and retention policies and initiatives; leadership involvement in diversity efforts; peer mentoring and tutoring programs; organizational structures; diversity training; minority student population data; and graduation rates and trends.
“The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We take a holistic approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being accomplished every day across their campus.”
When reviewing IU Bloomington’s and IU Indianapolis’s applications, Insight noted IU’s university-wide, objective and comprehensive diversity assessment, conducted in support of the university’s commitment to creating a diverse, engaged, multicultural academic community. Conducted by outside consultants Halualani & Associates, the assessment examined all diversity efforts completed by divisions, programs and units on IU campuses in a five-year period.
The assessment revealed that IU Bloomington implemented nearly 2,000 diversity efforts and found that 99 percent of those actions were motivated by a desire to create the fullest educational environment around diversity. The assessment also revealed nearly 1,600 diversity efforts at IU Indianapolis.
Insight also noted both campuses’ strong affinity groups and diversity and inclusion resources as well as IU’s annual diversity fundraising program.
IU Bloomington
Insight’s review process also included many IU Bloomington achievements, such as the numerous opportunities for the diverse student body to travel abroad. This included the IU African American Choral Ensemble’s tour of Germany in May that provided educational and cultural exchange. The 27 students traveled to several cities, where they witnessed the impact of African-American music around the world and played a part in its global expansion.
IU Bloomington was also noted for its Faculty and Staff for Student Excellence Mentoring Program. The program is launching a new faculty-student mentoring initiative, matching faculty with students who are seeking help navigating the university environment, developing talents and preparing for success. Currently the program has attracted over 100 IU faculty members and almost 200 students.
"Michael Jordan once said, 'Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships,'" said Martin McCrory, associate vice president for academic support and diversity as well as vice provost for educational inclusion and diversity at IU Bloomington. "At IU Bloomington, creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive campus climate is a shared commitment among everyone at the institution. Provost Lauren Robel and her team have worked tirelessly with faculty, staff, and students to build upon Herman Wells’ foundation of diversity and inclusion.”
IU Indianapolis
Insight Into Diversity also noted specific IU Indianapolis achievements, including the implementation of multiple recommendations from task forces convened by IU Indianapolis Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar to improve recruitment and retention of African-American students and Latino students, staff and faculty.
IU Indianapolis recently completed a Campus Diversity Plan using framework of scholar Daryl Smith of Claremont Graduate University. Each IU Indianapolis school diversity plan now follows the same framework but also addresses unique needs of each school.
IU Indianapolis was also noted for its comprehensive Campus Climate Survey used to improve the experiences of women, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBT community, people of color, veterans and religious experience. That includes renaming single-occupancy restrooms to all-gender restrooms, a name chosen by students, to better reflect and respect transgender students, staff, faculty and campus visitors.
Insight also recognized the campus for its work with deans and department chairs on recruitment and retention of faculty of color and women in STEM fields.
“Receiving this prestigious award for the fifth consecutive year is gratifying because it It recognizes the very hard work and dedication of IU Indianapolis students, staff, faculty and community members to create a first-class urban institution,” said Karen Dace, IU Indianapolis vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion. “However, we also recognize that we have much more work ahead as we continue to think outside of the box, be inclusive and avoid the temptation to believe our work is complete.”