Advancing Diversity and Inclusion at Western
Timeline of Projects to Advance Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Western - Institutional Initiatives
A list of the major projects completed, currently underway, and to be addressed at the institutional level with respect to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Provost's Diversity and Inclusion Hiring Initiative
Hiring faculty and staff who are committed to cultivating equitable and diverse learning and work environments is imperative to fulfilling Western’s strategic plan goals of Advancing Inclusive Success, Increasing Washington Impact, and Enhancing Academic Excellence. The Provost’s Diversity and Inclusion Hiring Initiative assists search committees in applying more equitable and inclusive practices at every stage of the search process. This includes examining implicit bias and applying learning tools to limit its negative impact; structuring job descriptions and outreach efforts to attract more diverse applicant pools; and requiring candidates to specifically address their experience and commitment to ensuring equity and inclusion in the classroom and workplace, during the application and interview process.
Council on Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice
The Council for Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice works to identify structural barriers to equity, inclusion and social justice at Western and recommend policies and practices that help create and sustain a more just and inclusive community. Building on the work of the predecessor Task Force on Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity, the Council examines campus climate issues and recommend changes that enable our success as a more diverse and inclusive community. The Council is co-chaired for the 2019-2020 academic year by Kevin Delucio, Professor of Multicultural Psychology and Mental Health, and L.K. Langley, Director, LGBTQ+ Western.
For the 2019-2020 academic year the Council was charged with making recommendations for a bias education response team proposal, and for enhancing holistic wellness of diverse students. The charge for the 2019-2020 academic year is available here.
Council Membership for the 2019-2020 Academic Year
Sura Alquadah, Professor, Engineering and Design
Yesugen Battsengel, Associated Students Vice President for Diversity
Josue Claros, Student Representative, Resident Advisor
Lani Defiesta, Associated Students President
Kevin Delucio, Professor, Multicultural Psychology and Mental Health, Council co-chair
Teri Hall, Student Success Specialist, College of Business and Economics
Jeff King, Professor, Psychology
L.K. Langley, Director, LGBTQ+ Western, Council Co-chair
Sislena Ledbetter, Executive Director, Counseling, Health and Wellness
Fatuma Musa, Student Representative
Valeria Pedraza, Student Representative
Leti Romo, Assistant Director, Student Representation and Governance and President, Minority Employee Council
Michael Sledge, Assistant Dean of Students
Sarah Zarrow, Professor, History
Read the Council's Recommendation to Create a Structural Equity and Bias Response Team
Read the Council's Recommendations for Holistic Student Wellness
Commission on Gender Equity
The Commission on Gender Equity provides advice and recommendations related to promoting gender equity, parity, and inclusivity related to hiring, professional advancement, leadership development, salary equity, and student success. The Commission also identifies ways to foster a more diverse, safe, and welcoming campus environment that recognizes the contributions and challenges faced by Western’s female population, and by people with gender identities outside of the gender binary. The Commission was co-chaired for the 2018-2019 academic year by Raine Dozier, Professor of Health and Community Studies in Woodring College, and Stephanie Bowers, Vice President for University Advancement.
Commission Membership for the 2018-2019 Academic Year
Spencer Anthony-Cahill, Professor, Department of Chemistry
Stephanie Bowers, Vice President for University Advancement, Commission co-chair,
Simrun Chhabra, WWU Associated Students President
Deb Currier, Professor, Department of Theatre and Dance
Carmen Dolfo, Senior Women’s Administrator and Women’ Head Basketball Coach, WWU Athletics
Raine Dozier, Professor, Department of Health and Community Studies, Commission co-chair,
Natalie Fleischer, graduate student
Mark Greenberg, Dean, Western Libraries
Kristi Lemm, Professor, Department of Psychology
Sarah Neugebauer, Environmental Health and Safety Technician, Facilities Management
Shari Robinson, Director, Western Counseling Center
Barbara Sandoval, Assistant to the President and Secretary to the Board of Trustees
Final Report of the 2018-2019 Commission on Gender Equity
Appendix A: Opportunities for Women's Leadership and Promotion at WWU