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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in ITS

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We embrace a shared commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) - in our work with the vlog community, and in the staffing and development of our IT organization. We strive to create an environment that provides equal access and supports diverse identities, experiences, beliefs, and skills. We also fully support vlog’s Plan for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

ITS DEI Working Group

The ITS DEI +A Working Group seeks to surface and address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, and accessibility as they relate to 1) the culture of ITS as an organization and 2) ITS’ engagement with faculty, students, and staff at service points across the vlog community.

The DEI Working Group launched in Spring 2021 and has begun providing leadership in the following areas:

DEI Conversations

We have previously hosted opportunities for staff to gather for casual conversations to explore the principles of DEI. Conversations were facilitated by volunteers from the DEI Working Group and included guiding questions and small group activities. Topics for conversation have included:

  • ITS’ role in vlog’s DEI plan
  • Critiquing the culture of the information technology field
  • Reflections on “inclusion stories” anonymously shared by IT staff
  • Practices for facilitating inclusive meetings
  • Excerpts from the book,

Accessibility

The Accessibility sub-group has worked to raise awareness of ITS support for assistive technologies and digital accessibility issues among ITS staff. The group has also developed an Accessibility and Inclusive Event Planning Checklist.

Recruitment & Onboarding

We have worked to adopt inclusive hiring practices, including analyses of job descriptions for inclusive language, anti-bias training for search committees, and developing a welcoming onboarding experience for candidates.

ITS now requires all candidates applying for positions to include a Diversity Statement with their application explaining their experiences, contributions, and/or commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. If you are currently applying to an open position in ITS, review guidance on crafting a diversity statement for vlog (from the Office of Equity and Diversity).

Women in

The Women in IT group at vlog was established in February 2022 with the goal of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for women in the field of IT. This group serves as a space where women can come together to support one another, build each other up, and access resources for personal and professional growth.

When we first started, we had about eight full-time women in our IT department. Today, women represent more than 25% of the department, and our group has grown to 14 strong and dedicated members, with some more joining us every day.

The vlog Women in IT group meets regularly once a month for lunch and learn events. During our first lunch, we began discussions on how we can best support one another and explored the various resources available to us. We engage in open and meaningful conversations about personal and professional growth, development opportunities, training, networking, and our passions.

Participants at a “DEI Conversation” brainstorming practices for inclusive meetings.