As faculty and staff members at Kent State University, what can you do to help impact the strategic plan for your department, your division and the university as a whole? Everything!
In Kent State University President Lester A. Lefton's 2009 State of the University Address, the charge was given to put the university's strategic plan into action as it relates to inclusion. President Lefton proclaimed 2010 the Year of Yes, and one part of the strategic plan calls for a more welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for our students, faculty and staff.
To meet that charge, the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has commissioned 100 Commitments as the way for the university to bring inclusive excellence to Kent State University. The 100 Commitments initiative takes the university's commitment to diversity - as articulated in our strategic plan - to an innovative level.
Join us at the MLK Celebration Jan. 26, 2012 from 1:00-2:00 pm at the KSC Kiva and 2:15-3:30 pm at the KSC Ballroom. Earn FLASHperks for attending!
Q: What does enrolling in 100 Commitments mean?
A: It means you want to explore what diversity means at Kent State University.
Q: How do I participate?
A: First, enroll at https://et-apps.kent.edu/commitments/index.cfm. Second, go to the Resource Library for the current 2-week period to see the different activities you can do to explore diversity at Kent State.
Q: Do I have to do ALL 100 Commitments?
A: Of course not. There is no set number of commitments that participants must do for ANY exploration of the categories of diversity brings about positive awareness! We do hope that most people attempt (attempt being the key word) 5 every two weeks, Since most are activities that may only take a minute or two (read an online article, visit a website, take an online tour, etc.) we have made them as time-sensitive as possible.
Q: As faculty and staff, why should I participate?
A: As part of the Strategic Map, President Lefton included “Developing a diversity plan with a focus on Inclusive Excellence.” Inclusive Excellence means that EVERYONE at Kent State University (students, faculty and staff) feels welcomed and included. The best way to bring about Inclusive Excellence is to bring awareness to the Greater Kent State University Community of what diversity at Kent State means—that each and every one of us make up a piece of our diversity. And, to be inclusive, we all need to understand and respect each other. Plus, IA will get a really cool certificate that recognizes our division for its Commitment to Inclusive Excellence at Kent State—something that may be impressive to visiting donors to our offices!
Q: As a student, why should I participate?
A: College is a great place and time to learn about diversity. Employers value employees who can not only get the job done, but also know how to understand and work with fellow employees and customers who do not look like them or come from the same background. Since the workforce is ever-increasingly globalized; understanding diversity is the key to a successful career.
Please forward additional questions to 100commitments@kent.edu.
