During Academic Forum on Wednesday, it was mentioned that the ombudsperson talks to ~2 faculty per week. This rate is consistent with results from Michigan Tech’s Work, Live, Learn Survey which found that 31.6% of women disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement that they felt supported and mentored during the tenure-track years or the 22.4% who don’t feel valued by their department chair/school dean. I know each of you care about your faculty so these findings are disturbing.
Crafting positive climates so that everyone is valued and feels part of a supportive team relies upon broad engagement of all faculty in a unit and the chair can help influence this. That is why ADVANCE has adapted the Advocates & Allies program to offer a learning environment led by peers. As a Department Chair, have you been concerned about your unit’s community and cohesiveness over the last year? Have you wondered about interactions between your faculty in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion? or related to the University Senate’s Proposal 41-21?
Research has revealed that retention of faculty is closely coupled with how included individuals feel and that attracting new faculty is closely coupled with how well systems ensure equity is embraced within a unit. Our diversity counts illustrate that Michigan Tech is one of the least diverse campuses in the nation (second resource here). All of this can be intimidating, but the NSF ADVANCE effort on campus would like to help with a one-hour educational session from the Advocates & Allies (A&A) program. A&A sessions provide the data and research, starting from the beginning, that enables individuals to gain perspectives and help them become allies for the success and inclusion of non-majority individuals.
THIS EVENT WAS POSTPONED. Through a department chairs only session, we’d like you to preview this program and consider inviting us to present to your department. This session will be presented by our Advocates Team in coordination with the ADVANCE Academy for Responsive Leadership. Please RSVP and join us on Wednesday, March 31st from 4 to 5.
THIS EVENT WAS POSTPONED. When: Mar 31, 2021 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this meeting:https://michigantech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvdumqqj8jEtKTYYe0ArOPrzgqPUpuUOuE After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.