Administration

University-wide diversity, inclusion analysis to be shared at Dec. 2 event

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Since implementation of its diversity strategic plan in 1998, Penn State has made considerable strides and continues working toward being a leader in higher education for fostering diversity across the University. Findings from the University’s comprehensive external assessment of its diversity and inclusive excellence goals and their implementation — outlined in “A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State” — will be presented from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, in 508 Rider Building in downtown State College.

The “Diversity and Inclusion at Penn State: Where Are We Now and What’s Next?” workshop will feature Rona Halualani, principal and founder of Halualani and Associates, who recently completed the outside assessment of the University’s progress toward its diversity, equity and inclusion goals. Halualani also is a faculty expert in institutional planning, inclusive excellence and intercultural communication at San Jose State University and previously served in the capacity of its chief diversity officer. She has completed diversity and inclusion assessments at more than 50 colleges and universities.

The workshop and Halualani’s report will:-- Quantify how Penn State has incorporated key proven factors and high-impact practices associated with diversity excellence;-- Document the extent to which Penn State has fulfilled its commitment to diversity and inclusion;-- Reveal how the University stands in relation to national benchmarks; and-- Offer recommendations to further advance the effectiveness of the University’s diversity and inclusion goals.

“The findings are similar to what we know, but they show us more visibly our areas of strength and the areas that we need to continue to work on,” said Terrell Jones, vice provost for Educational Equity. “The University has worked to be in the forefront of implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives, and we want to continue that work to make sure our efforts become fully institutionalized.”

The workshop, presented by the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity and the Office of Planning and Institutional Assessment, is open to all Penn State students, faculty and staff members. To register, call the Office of Planning and Institutional Assessment at 814-863-8721 or email psupia@psu.edu. Penn State campuses interested in participating via videoconference also should contact the Office of Planning and Institutional Assessment. The full report and a video of the session will also be available on the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity’s website, http://www.equity.psu.edu.

In October, Penn State was selected as a recipient of the 2013 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award by INSIGHT into Diversity magazine. The University was one of 56 higher education institutions in the nation to be recognized for exceptional having strategies and programs in place to help achieve diversity and inclusion across campus.

Last Updated December 16, 2013

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