Diversity Mission Statement
Kent State University is committed to becoming a model of institutional diversity at its best.

Kent State University's Office of Diversity was established in July of 1998 to ensure the effective translation of diversity themes into policies, procedures, programs, and practices by:

Rationale

• The 1993 university-wide Diversity Planning Committee and many university task forces, committees and subcommittees have consistently recommended a comprehensive institutional diversity program.
• We live in an increasingly interdependent world.
• Business and industry leaders expect graduates to be cognizant of differences and able to interact effectively as team members with individuals with diverse backgrounds who may hold widely different beliefs and values.
• Students need to be equipped with skills to identify and understand distinctions and inclusions within various target markets to better respond to people of differing cultures, beliefs and values.
• The university needs to provide students with the most current and comprehensive understanding of history, culture, and society.
• Students who can feel that they are welcome members of the campus community are likely to perform better and complete their program of study in a more timely fashion than those who have sensed an unwelcome campus climate.
• Faculty and staff who sense that they are prized employees are more likely to have a sense of loyalty and commitment to the institution than those who feel that their presence and contribution have not been appreciated.

What We Can Do

• Foster an understanding of diversity through academic curricular initiatives and programs.
• Monitor faculty searches and hiring practices to ensure appropriate diversity in recruitment and facilitate identification of available candidates.
• Be the primary connection with Regional Campus leadership on diversity issues.
• Interact with all university divisions on diversity issues and programs.
• Interact with the Women's Resource Center, the Department of Pan-African Studies, the Pan-African Faculty and Staff Association, the African Community Association, the Center for International and Comparative Programs, and other units where appropriate.
• Play a major role in faculty professional development initiatives in collaboration with the provost and the director of the Faculty Professional Development Center.
• Strengthen the connections between the Office of Diversity and academic colleges, schools and departments, as well as other divisions.
• Play a leadership role in faculty and staff development initiatives on diversity issues.
• Establish links with individuals and departments that support and advocate for diverse populations.
• Play a more visible role in the recruitment and retention of a more diverse faculty and staff.
• Plan the university Diversity Dinner Dance.
• Direct the African-American Scholarship Program.

How It Works

The Office of Diversity was created within the Provost's office and leadership is provided by the Vice Provost.

The Vice Provost is a member of the Provost's cabinet, a member of the Academic Affairs Administrative Council and other university committees. The Vice Provost maintains daily communication and collaboration with academic colleges, departments, schools, Regional Campuses, Faculty Professional Development Center, Center for International and Comparative Programs, Women's Resource Center, Pan-African Faculty and Staff Association and other university and community organizations.

The office created an Institutional Diversity Advisory Council that will evaluate input and suggest programmatic directions. The council consists of the following seven subcommittees:

• Forums and Curriculum: Coordinate with Office of Faculty Development departments to create forums and curriculum for diversity training.
• Student Relations: Coordinate with the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs to advise the council on student diversity issues.
• Faculty Relations: Serve as a conduit for faculty inclusion in diversity initiatives; promote curriculum transformation.
• Staff Relations: Advise council on staff diversity issues; work in collaboration with Human Resource Development to coordinate training sessions for staff.
• International Relations & Development: Coordinate with the Center for International & Comparative Programs to advise and develop diversity agenda for international programming on campus.
• Community Outreach: Coordinate with other university divisions to develop community/university relations programs and projects.
• Campus Programs/Grants & Fund Raising: Identify grants and other fund-raising projects; coordinate with Diversity Dinner Dance Committee to establish recognition agenda.

Strategic Goals

• Develop a shared, inclusive understanding of diversity.
• Create a welcoming campus climate.
• Recruit and retain a diverse student body.
• Recruit and retain a diverse workforce.
• Develop a curriculum that supports the goals of our new Liberal Education Requirement.
• Diversify university leadership and management.
• Coordinate organizational change to support our diversity goals.