Diversity Matters: Strategies for Engagement and Success
On April 15th, over fifty Maricopans participated in the annual review of the state of diversity at Maricopa. Participants recognized that the work of diversity is core to our mission and relates directly to institutional effectiveness, teaching and learning and academic excellence.
They reviewed current data and information, discussed the impact of current efforts and identified areas of focus.
The assessment of diversity efforts were linked to DAC’s Strategic Plan outcomes.
Participants noted the following strengths and areas of concern.
DAC Strategic Plan Outcomes |
Strengths |
Concerns |
All students, faculty and staff accept responsibility for creating and maintaining an inclusive environment. |
All colleges and the district office incorporate language about diversity and inclusiveness in their Vision, Mission and/or Values. |
We need to identify ways to measure the “words” in our Vision, Mission and Values. The same people participate in activities – not as many students participate as could be involved. |
All students, faculty and staff are respected for their intrinsic value and worth. |
There is a foundation for bringing issues forward and communication and training about expectations and how to address concerns. |
We need to improve communication with adjuncts and recognize generational differences in communication needs. |
All students, faculty and staff trust they will be treated fairly. |
Syllabi have clear expectations and rubrics to promote fairness for students. |
We need to look at using student satisfaction surveys (e.g. Noel Levitz) and an employee climate survey. |
Faculty, staff and students reflect the diversity of our communities throughout the colleges and levels of the organization. |
There have been a lot of efforts toward inclusive hiring practices. |
We need to figure out where we are losing ground in regards to faculty representation as compared to student representation. |
All students, faculty and staff succeed without disparities based on physical, social, economic or political characteristics. |
There are a lot of training opportunities offered. |
Want to know how data was gathered and in what context.
Are our accomplishments making a difference? Statistically significant? |
Constituency groups working collaboratively are primary resources to the organization. |
We have constituency groups that receive support including the Leadership Summit and Employee Calendar. |
Need groups to be more open to others to learn for future collaborations. Employee initiative is high at the time of hire; decreases with time spent on the job.
Voices of leadership from all groups need to be heard. |
Colleges, campuses and sites share information, resources and communication for optimal results. |
One Maricopa is happening – examples include Health Care Education, SIS, Career expo and other cross-college program sharing and district councils. The student success pilot reflects an active district-wide initiative with willingness to share and support across colleges. |
Talk about FTSE and the competitiveness it creates. (Address internal structures) Need a plan to be more inclusive – representation of the “right people” is not always in the room. Physical distance across the district is a challenge. |
Suggested areas to focus on in the upcoming year will be taken to the Diversity Advisory Council and other appropriate venues to address. They include:
- Assessment – we need to see how our practices impact the whole culture.
- Student Success is the primary goal.
- Respect for all students and employees across the board.
- Leadership and Maricopans have to genuinely buy-in.
- Leadership needs to be clear in communicating the importance of diversity and inclusiveness to student success.
- “Underclass” needs to be included in conversations. (M&O, adjuncts, etc.)
- Re-evaluate what we are doing. The same thing yields the same results. We need to do something different.
- We need to educate about the language used and transfer the concepts universally to the workplace re: diversity, inclusiveness etc.
- Diversity issues are connected to the “bottom line” they are fundamental to our mission of student success.