We are undertaking synergistic initiatives in three key areas to bring cultural transformation and sustainable change for all members of our College community.
Established the Office of Inclusive Excellence
The team’s roles and functions are aligned to the strategic priorities.
Grow DEI knowledge in the College and departments
DEI trainings and resources are available for guidance on communication, hiring, fostering an inclusive culture, etc.
Partnering with departments
We are working with the Council of Diversity Advocates (CODA) to cultivate cross-departmental collaboration and to continue building on DEI knowledge and skills that will benefit departmental efforts.
Improve faculty hiring processes
The Faculty Hiring Pool Dashboard is a snapshot of our commitment to inclusive hiring practices. It gives an insight into our work toward a welcoming and inclusive College of Engineering community.
Introduced Inclusive Excellence Faculty Fellowship Program
IEFFP is training and development program in the College of Engineering for instructional faculty leaders and DEI “change agents.” The IEFFP will not only grow DEI knowledge and practice in existing classes but serve as a feeder program to have more engineering courses obtain Diversity (DIV) designation at the university level. Fellows will be provided tools and resources on integrating intercultural competence and inclusive teaching practices to redesign their course and facilitate impactful change in their unit and across the college.
Introduced the Elevate program
Elevate recruits, retains and provides tailored support for diverse graduate students in the College of Engineering. The Elevate community has access to resources such as social & networking events, conference sponsorship opportunities, mental health seminars and fellowships for their holistic growth.
WE Rise
Advances engineers, centering the experience of womxn and non-binary students.
Pathways for Inclusive Excellence
Increase recruitment and retention of underserved students from Washington state by providing clear support systems and more pathways into engineering.
Amplifying student voices
In 2021, Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence Dr. Karen Thomas-Brown worked with student affinity groups from historically marginalized communities to represent their perspectives on our shared values. The resulting statements can be found throughout the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building.