51ĀŅĀ×

51ĀŅĀ× has outlined three inclusive excellence initiatives for the upcoming academic year all aligned with one clear, overarching goal: to be a university where all belong.ā€Æ

ā€œAs we consider our new University mission ā€“ ā€˜to hold the door open so that allā€¦ might enter to learnā€™ ā€“ one of the commitments that naturally follows is to ensure that our University provides space for students from all types of backgrounds to find a home here,ā€ said Russell Morrow, interim vice president for diversity and inclusion. ā€œDelivering on that means instilling and protecting trust, tearing down silos, ensuring equity, intentionally building community and more.ā€ā€Æ

As we move toward that goal, Morrow said there will be three areas of focus for the 2024-25 academic year:

1. Improve inclusion and connection across OHIOā€™s campus communities.
2. Expand curricular and co-curricular intercultural learning experiences.
3. Maximize inclusive excellence outreach, engagement and support for OHIO faculty and staff.

The three initiatives align with the Universityā€™s mission as well as the Dynamic Strategy. Morrow said achieving the highest standards of teaching and research excellence, building an unmatched network of partners and supporters, and becoming a destination employer, all require the University to be inclusive of all learners and partners coming to us with diverse needs and from diverse perspectives.

Morrow and his team arrived at the three initiatives following extensive conversations with students, faculty, staff and alumni over the last year. In addition, the goal and initiatives were informed by work done under previous University leadership, including a 2022-23 audit of diversity and inclusion practices. The audit resulted in five overarching recommendations that have been incorporated into the inclusive excellence initiatives.

More information about the OHIOā€™s Inclusive Excellence Goal and Strategies, can be found at ohio.edu/belonging.