Research for Real Life: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resources for Faculty

A 3D printed image of the Michigan Tech logo 1885 with a Husky on a rock and the words Michigan Tech
A 3D printed image of the Michigan Tech logo 1885 with a Husky on a rock and the words Michigan Tech
There are a ton of diversity, equity and inclusion resources on campus but it's not always easy to find out how to access them. A new directory helps.
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When it comes to creating a sense of belonging on a decentralized campus, figuring out where to go for what is half the challenge. A new comprehensive directory helps.

Michigan Technological University’s new DEIS Where to Go for What directory covers everything from finding accessible technology to mentoring underrepresented faculty. Divided into three categories — diversity and accessibility, equity and advocacy, and inclusion and a sense of belonging — the resource lives under the policies tab on Michigan Tech’s ADVANCE Initiative website. Units across campus are welcome to share the directory on social media, in their departments and on their webpages.

ADVANCE is a multifaceted, multi-university National Science Foundation-funded initiative that promotes faculty retention, career success and STEM equity.

The directory was compiled by ADVANCE member and 2021 Michigan Tech Diversity Award winner Sonia Goltz, a College of Business faculty member whose research focuses on gender equity issues and related topics including social power and equity. Goltz started the list for a compelling reason: There is demand.

“I knew I had some expertise about the different resources all over campus for DEI efforts and I also knew others don’t always realize what is available and how to access it,” she said. “I always liked the Where to Go for What listing that was developed for students on campus and borrowed that format for disseminating this information.”

A woman smiles with a green outdoors background with a college campus in soft focus behind her. She is a researcher and faculty member.
Researcher and faculty member Sonia Goltz put her expertise to work on a project that will benefit Michigan Tech instructors and others looking for a one-stop directory for DEIS resources. 

 

2022 Diversity Award Nominations Open

Established in 2014, Michigan Tech’s Diversity Award showcases faculty and staff who demonstrate exemplary commitment to initiatives that forward diversity and inclusion. Their contributions come in many forms, including recruitment, retention, teaching, research, multicultural programming, cultural competency and community outreach. The Diversity Award winner receives a $2,500 award and is honored during the annual faculty awards celebration in September. 

All are welcome to submit Diversity Award nominations, which are due by April 30.

After sharing the initial draft with fellow faculty members and others across campus, she made revisions — and received additional affirmation. “One person I sought feedback from replied, ‘I hope you distribute this widely,’ which confirms the need for something like this,” Goltz said.

Goltz began developing the document in early 2022 as part of her work with the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sense of Belonging (DEIS) Positive Action Team. The team, comprising staff, faculty and administrators and organized through the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion’s office, focuses on fast-start campus-led initiatives that set the groundwork for future progress. Projects range from introducing campus welcome signs to a corporate speaker series and developing better understanding between public safety officers and the community.
Goltz and the ADVANCE team will continue to collect feedback and welcome suggestions for improving the directory. While tailored to academic units, there’s a great deal of generally helpful information for anyone. And, the hope is that the listing can serve as a springboard to personalize where-to-go-for-whats for other distinct campus groups within the Michigan Tech community, from visiting Summer Youth Programs participants to new staff members. Because different people consume information in different ways, a print version of DEIS Where to Go For What is envisioned, which may include QR codes or other ways to digitally access the material.

Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.

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