Professional Development in DEI for Deans and Executive Leadership

Action Item (as stated with DEI strategic plan launch in 2016)

The university will provide professional development experiences in DEI-related issues for new deans and executive leaders both as part of their onboarding process and as continued leadership support. Training will be offered centrally as a supplement to professional development resources provided by the Office of the Provost. Topics will include recruitment and retention issues specific to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as skill development for fostering an inclusive climate.

Progress update

During the past year, Chief Diversity Officer Robert M. Sellers and Deputy Chief Diversity Officer Katrina Wade-Golden engaged deans and executive leaders in two meetings to discuss DEI issues and plans. These discussions centered on refocusing and advancing efforts on anti-racism. They also underscored the importance of integrating DEI into the institution’s response to COVID-19. Other key topics included plans for transitioning from the initial five-year DEI Strategic Plan to the next DEI strategic plan, DEI 2.0.

These conversations tapped the capacity gained from previous DEI skill-building retreats for deans and executive leadership, which were planned and executed in partnership with the Department of Organizational Learning. The retreats were designed to achieve four goals established for this work: 1) deepen alignment and commitment to advance DEI objectives, with an emphasis on culture/climate change; 2) foster and enhance collaborations and connections across U-M senior leadership; 3) strengthen individual and team capacities in DEI leadership; and 4) solicit input in the creation of a roadmap for senior leadership development in DEI. Going forward, additional retreats and opportunities for engagement with priority DEI topics will be offered. 

Responsibility: Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion